How did you discover the Canadian Horse Tom?

Never heard of them until my mother discovered a lady in St Anne’s Ontario raising them and my parents bought a pair from her that had been trained to drive by the great trainer Jim Muir. I remember thinking we didn’t need anymore horses but boy was I wrong - they were 3 years old and they went immediately to work on a tv miniseries in 2000 called Salem Witch Trials. Sir Peter Ustinov drove one of them in a scene and they worked the whole show.

What makes the Canadian Horse a great performer?

Well I can only speak from personal experience but they seem very interested, curious of humans, very personable. To me the number one thing about a Canadian Horse is their versatility. You can use them for anything. Of course with versatility, that doesn’t mean they are going to be the greatest necessarily at one thing - they might not beat a quarter horse at barrel racing or a warm blood at height of jumps - but you can do all and every discipline with them and enjoy the adventure. I hope that the breed isn’t changed too much - we must remember they are the little iron horse able to plow, pull and ride, I’d rather not see them changed genetically to become specialists. While I think that horses should be judged individually, that much of what a horse is, is developed by its owner, there is a calm, inquiring mind within a Canadian horse.

Tell us more about what you do with your Canadians and the Tom Bishop 4B Ranch Wild West Show?

Well Quinn Star Gold and Gentlemen worked as carriage horses and riding horse in the film industry for 20 years, they appeared on stage in Toronto with the Toronto Opera Company. They gave sleigh rides at our local maple sugar farm, paraded through Toronto, trick rode, trick roped and Roman rode all across Canada. And of course I’m very pleased to have two Canadians from Donalf Farms - Harlee and Hennessy- who just turned two July 2022 but are working liberty routines, getting on pedestals, bowing, laying down and pulling a wagon.

A lot has to do with with how a horse is raised and perhaps because Canadians are a boutique breed, their owners are caring people and give them the attention that other horses don’t always get. Certainly Barb Malcolm at Donalf Farms puts her all into raising and preserving their breed and when I purchased Harlee and Hennessy I could see that they were well advanced in their relationship with humans. Another great breeder I have known over the years is Gail Brandt who has devoted much time to promoting and raising Canadians.

I look forward to every morning when I can walk out to my pasture and see Harlee and Hennessy waiting for me, inquiring what adventure we will have today.

English translation below

Quand as-tu découvert les chevaux Kim?

Je ne viens pas d’une famille ni d’un milieu avec des chevaux. Ma sœur et moi avons décidé de prendre des cours d’équitation western quand j’avais 15 ans. Nous avons fait deux ans de performance western. Puis, lorsque je suis partie à l’université, j’ai voulu apprendre à faire du saut d’obstacle. Je suis finalement tombé sur un entraîneur de dressage et j’ai vraiment eu la piqure pour cette discipline. Le centre équestre avait plusieurs chevaux école qui étaient des canadiens. Ma première demie pension était sur un cheval canadien. J’ai par la suite fait du spectacle équestre avec ces chevaux canadiens et participé à plusieurs compétitions de dressage. C’est dans ce centre équestre que j’ai découvert la versatilité de cette race et que je suis tombé en amour avec leur personnalité. J’ai ensuite poursuivi mon apprentissage en dressage en étant Working student dans un centre équestre de l’Ontario avec un entraîneur spécialisé de haut niveau. Je suis ensuite retourné m’établir dans ma région d’origine et j’étais prête à faire l’acquisition de mes propres chevaux.

Quand as-tu rencontré Dumbo?

En octobre 2019, j’étais à la recherche d’un projet pour faire du dressage et pour accompagner ma jument canadienne plus âgée. Des amies m’ont parlé d’un poulain qui était selon eux magnifique et que je ne pouvais pas passer à côté de cette opportunité. Je suis donc allé le voir. Il était très grand, déjà 16.2 à 3 ans. Il était débourré, mais pas encore entrainé. J’ai su dès notre première foulée de galop qu’il allait venir chez moi. Déjà à 3 ans, il présentait un galop très uphil et équilibré. Il n’avait jamais fait de remorque de sa vie, mais en 5 minutes il était monté et sur la route du retour. C’était le début d’une belle histoire.

Depuis quand entraînes-tu Dumbo? 

Dumbo est chez moi depuis fin octobre 2019. Il a eu environ 3 sessions d’entraînement de 2-3 mois chacun. Il a récemment fait sa première sortie dans le cadre d’une clinique et il a démontré une personnalité très stable et confiant. L’entraîneur et juge clinicienne a mentionné qu’il était très prometteur et qu’il avait de très belles habiletés physiques.  

Quel est votre plus grand défi?

Notre plus grand défi est son âge et mon expérience avec les jeunes chevaux. C’est la première fois que j’entraîne un jeune cheval et comme il est très grand et fort (17 mains) j’oublie souvent qu’il a seulement 4 ans. Il a une volonté de plaire immense et je me laisse parfois emporté par ses habiletés naturelles. Donc notre plus gros défi sera d’être patient et de suivre sa croissance naturelle pour avancer dans les niveaux de dressage. 

Qu’est-ce qu’il y a de spécial dans votre partenariat?

Dumbo est un cheval très doux et expressif. Il demande de l’attention dès que je m’occupe d’un autre. C’est mon premier cheval que je commence dès son jeune âge et il vit chez moi avec ma jument canadienne. À chaque fois que j’ai la chance de voir des photos ou un vidéo, je ressens une immense fierté de voir le travail accompli en si peu de temps. En seulement un an, je peux affirmer avoir développé un lien de confiance bien spécial avec ce gentil géant et j’ai espoir que nous aurons un bel avenir. 

When did you discover horses Kim?

I don't come from a family or background with horses. My sister and I decided to take western riding lessons when I was 15. We did two years of western performance. Then, when I left college, I wanted to learn how to show jumping. I finally ran into a dressage trainer and really got hooked on this discipline. The equestrian center had several school horses that were Canadian. My first half board was on a canadian horse. I subsequently performed equestrian shows with these Canadian horses and participated in several dressage competitions. It was in this equestrian center that I discovered the versatility of this breed and that I fell in love with their personality. I then continued my training in dressage as a working student at an equestrian center in Ontario with a high-level specialist trainer. I then returned to my home region and was ready to acquire my own horses.

When did you meet Dumbo?

In October 2019, I was looking for a project to do dressage and to accompany my older Canadian mare. Friends told me about a colt they thought was gorgeous and that I couldn't pass up on this opportunity. So I went to see him. He was very tall, already 16.2 at 3 years old. He was broken in, but not yet trained. I knew from our first gallop that he was coming to my house. Already at 3 years old, he presented a very uphill and balanced gallop. He had never done a trailer in his life, but in 5 minutes he was up and on his way home. It was the start of a great story

How long have you been training Dumbo?

Dumbo has been with me since the end of October 2019. He has had about 3 training sessions of 2-3 months each. He recently made his first outing to a clinic and has demonstrated a very stable and confident personality. The coach and clinical judge mentioned that he is very promising and has very good physical skills.

What's your biggest challenge?

Our biggest challenge is his age and my experience with young horses. It’s the first time that I’ve been training a young horse and since he is very big and strong (17 hands) I often forget that he is only 4 years old. He has an immense will to please and I sometimes get carried away by his natural skills. So our biggest challenge will be to be patient and follow your natural growth to move up through the training levels.

What is special about your partnership?

Dumbo is a very sweet and expressive horse. He demands attention whenever I take care of someone else. This is my first horse that I start at a young age and he lives at home with my Canadian mare. Whenever I have the chance to see a photo or a video, I feel immense pride to see the work accomplished in such a short time. In just one year, I can say that I have developed a very special bond of trust with this gentle giant and I hope we have a bright future.

How did you meet Patou?

Patou, “The Best Ranch Loyd Patou”, a 2004 Chestnut Cheval Canadian, came to UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. in Goffstown NH in late 2018 to interview for a job in our Equine-Assisted Activities & Therapies (EAAT) programs.  After getting to know this sturdy, friendly gelding, UpReach purchased him to join our team. Patou quickly won the hearts of staff, volunteers, participants, & visitors with his easy-going nature, willingness to learn, and genuine kindness.

What makes Patou a great therapy horse?

Patou embodies the versatility of his breed, across his work in UpReach’s programs. In a lead-line lesson,  his young rider grins from ear to ear and looks like she is about to take flight practicing her posting, while bouncing along to his trot. Another youngster transfers from her wheelchair onto his back, and while working with her Occupational Therapist in a hippotherapy session, rides him not just facing forward but also backwards and sideways, throws a tennis ball back and forth to her sidewalker, and asks to trot again and again. A Navy Veteran does a series of mounted stretches as part of his warm up, to then ride bareback walk/trot in the arena before heading out to the trail with his instructor. A senior gentleman greets Patou with a softly spoken, “Parlez-vous Français?”, before hugging the gelding’s head and spending his unmounted lesson gently brushing the horse, while holding him in conversation. A teenager learns to organize his own body, so that he can provide clear aids to ask for the canter.

In mounted programming, Patou serves children and adults with a wide range of skills and abilities.  Some participants ride with the assistance of up to 3 volunteers, in designated roles – horse leading or sidewalking, which involves providing physical and cognitive support to riders.  Patou’s broad build gives a wide-base of support for those working on developing balance.  His gait provides consistent rhythmical input, which transfers to his riders, helping to loosen and stretch tight muscles while mobilizing the pelvis and lumbar spine. Volunteer Patti S., who is one of Patou’s leaders, describes him as, “calm, steady, and even-keeled. He settles into what is going on at that moment. I trust him”.

Other riders are working on independent walk/trot and walk/trot/canter skills. Patou, who has an affinity for kicking over cones in the arena (he has been known to go a few steps out of his way to “score”), teaches riders the importance of being in the moment, planning ahead, and being intentional with their cues. Patou is not a push-button ride, which ensures that riders learn to prepare their horse and use aids accurately. Patou’s build and how he moves his body creates an environment for riders to develop body awareness, gross motor planning, and attention to task.

Patou is just stepping into UpReach’s various unmounted Equine-Assisted Learning and Equine-Assisted Mental Health program offerings and has become a fast favorite.  Patou has demonstrated that he can adapt to the scenario.  When working with a group in need of an icebreaker, Patou and two equine pals put on a show – they all simultaneously hold the same 2ft diameter hula hoop in their mouths, like a group of elementary school children playing the parachute game. When interacting with individuals one-on-one, Patou creates a safe space for people to share and process.  Some horses behave in such a way, that their behavior and energy becomes the focus of the session, while Patou becomes a sounding board, thanks to his inviting aura and authentic interactions. A participant with balance and ambulation challenges chose to work with Patou during a leading exercise on his first day, trusting the gelding to help him navigate the space.

Patou is an all-around good citizen with a solid work ethic, who is ready for each day’s adventure.  He engages with participants in many of UpReach’s programs, to include therapeutic riding, Physical & Occupational Therapy through the use of Hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, unmounted horsemanship classes, substance misuse recovery groups, and Veteran’s events. 

Tell us a little more about UpReach…

UpReach, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to inspiring hope, fostering independence, and improving the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of individuals with and without disabilities by partnering with the power of the horse. As a Premier Accredited Center by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl) since 2006, UpReach provides both mounted and unmounted programming to a wide range of individuals who come to barn seeking connection, overall well-being, and development of skills. For more information about UpReach, to become involved as a volunteer or program participant, or to contribute to our equine herd, please visit www.upreachtec.org or contact us at (603) 497-2343.

When did you first discover horses, Callia?

I first discovered horses when I was 9 years old when my mom started leasing a horse at a barn. My mom grew up riding horses but I grew up in the sitting. My mom wanted to start riding again and started leasing a horse at a barn that I then started to take lessons at!.

When did you first meet Xyder? 

I first met Xyder July of 2014. We had gone down to Storybook Horse Farm in Yoncolla OR to try two 4yo canadian horses but one was a stallion and since I was 11 at the time we tried the gelding, Xyder first. I immediately fell in love with him and knew he was the one and I didn't even want to ride the other horse because Xyder was perfect. He was then shipped down to me 2 weeks later as a 12th birthday present!

How long have you been training and competing with Xyder? 

Xyder and I have been together for 5 years almost. We did our first recognized three day event in May 2015. It both of ours first ever recognized and we have been competing together ever since.

What is special about your partnership? 

Xyder and I have grown up together and learned the ropes of eventing together. Everyone thought my mom was crazy for buying her 12yo daughter a 4yo green horse but from the beginning he was always level headed and we just clicked. In eventing you have to have a good partnership with your horse and trust each other, especially for the upper levels. As Xyder and I moved up the levels, our trust got even stronger. Because he is not the typical upper level event horse, with his pony strides and short compact body with no thoroughbred blood in him, it would be impossible to compete at this level without the trust Xyder and I have. This had created a special partnership that has made us successful in upper level eventing.

What has been your biggest challenge? 

Along the way Xyder received a lot of doubt of his ability because of his size and build – he’s a compact 15.1hh light draft build typical of the Canadian breed. We had some people wanting him to go like a taller, leaner horse and not the horse I had which made competing more difficult and frustrating. I soon learned that it was all about riding the horse you have and it immensely improved our performance. It was difficult for me sometimes when I felt like no one really believed in us but we broke that barrier.

What has been your biggest success? 

Our overall biggest success was qualifying and competing at the 2018 North American Youth Championships in Kalispell, MT. This is also known as the Jr. Olympics of eventing. This was an important success for me because we worked harder than we ever had trying to qualify. Xyder and I went down to Temecula, CA to work for and with Tamie Smith. At the beginning the shows weren't going as well as I had hoped and I started to doubt if we were going to be able to do it. But with lots of hard work we got our 4 qualifying preliminaries and completed the CCI* (now called CCI**-L) at Twin Rivers in April 2018 only adding 1.2 time penalites to our dressage score making it qualifying for NAYC and the highest placed young rider. Then we were lucky enough to represent area vii at NAYC where Xyder tried his heart out! We are currently planning on heading back to Rebecca Farms this year to be on the 2019 NAYC CCI**-L team! 

When did you first discover horses, Patty?

I have been crazy about horses since I was a child and have been lucky enough to have been riding since I was 11 years old. Growing up I never had my own horse so I learned to ride all kinds of school horses which I think enhanced my education.

When did you first meet Texel?

We met for the very first time in the nose of a cattle liner that had brought him from Quebec. It was not the ideal circumstance to meet an unfamiliar horse, in the dark, leading it up and down the slippery ramps inside a truck! My nervousness about the situation didn’t affect him, thankfully, and he came out with great confidence.

How long have you been training and competing with Texel?

Since that day in February 2017 when he arrived in Red Deer. He had been ridden a fair bit and had some dressage training, and had some basic driving training.

What is special about your partnership?

Texel seems to genuinely enjoy his work, and he is super responsive and quick to learn.  Knowing that I can ride or drive him safely in most any situation makes him a real pleasure, but what makes him truly special is his charisma ... he has such character that he seems to attract attention wherever he goes.  It could be partly his athletic movement, or his ridiculous amount of hair but I think it’s deeper than that.  He has a goofy, friendly, larger-than-life personality that draws people to him. 

What has been your biggest challenge?

Once saddled or harnessed, his manners are excellent, but handling him on the ground you need to establish some very clear expectations about personal space. His natural curiosity and confidence make him a pushy character, and with a horse his size, you can’t let him push you around.

What has been your biggest success? 

Texel has progressed steadily in his training in harness and under saddle.  We started competing in combined driving at the Training level in the summer of 2017, and had already moved up to Preliminary and won our first event at that level in 2018.   That’s my primary focus, but his versatility is amazing, too.  He won Top Gelding at the 2018 Canadian Horse Association Rocky Mountain District Show, with placings in halter, English, Western, and Driving classes, and we added another skill with our first Working Equitation competition in August 2019. At the Cross Nations Cup in High River, out of a field of over 40 Novice A competitors, we placed 3rd in the Dressage phase and 5th in the Speed phase, to place 5th overall. Our great scores helped our Team Cheval Canadien to a bronze medal in the team event.

Texel has also been active in promoting the breed, taking part in demos and shows

When did you first discover horses, Deirdre? 

Although I rode a bit as a kid (e.g., summer trail rides) and always loved horses, I didn’t really “discover” them until later in life when my husband and I decided we wanted to buy a farm and have horses. It was a rather sudden, “we need to get out of the city” kind of decision; one that we have never regretted. We knew next to nothing but did know we wanted to have a rarer, more unique breed. We were blessed to have found Canadians.

When did you first meet Montana? 

We met Montanna when he was about 8 months old. We’d gone to a farm to see a 3 year old, but he had already sold. Similar to today, back then Canadians were in short supply, especially out west. We didn’t have a lot of options so, despite recognizing “green people shouldn’t have green horses” we bought all our horses as youngsters. Montanna came home when he was about 9 months old.

How long have you been training and competing with Montana? 

This should be an easy question, but there are so many layers that “it depends” is the best I can do; context is everything! Complicated horse + green rider has made for many challenging moments. However, I’d like to think we’ve both become the best versions of ourselves. Me especially . . . a more talented rider could likely have taken Montanna much farther. That’s okay though, the journey is what matters.

What is special about your partnership? 

Oh boy! I wish you could ask Montanna this; would so love to know what he’d say. I’d say what is most special is the hurdles we’ve overcome. Frankly, he terrified me when he was young; he got so big so fast and, when he “discovered girls” he got so difficult. We were too new to horses to understand how to manage it all. So, I didn’t ride him until he was about 6. We had some fantastic help so he was started and shown at local shows, including breed shows, by a local equestrian until I worked up the nerve to ride him myself. For all we’ve had to face, we’ve done it together, leading to something incredibly special. I’ll be forever grateful for all he has taught me.

 What has been your biggest challenge? 

Montanna is not an easy horse; he’s pressed his advantage many times, pushing me around and being the boss. At the same time, he’s needed a strong, confident, knowledgeable leader and I wasn’t always able to be that for him. We have been overcoming this challenge, growing a lot together, making each other better in the process.

What has been your biggest success? 

I’d like to think we haven’t had it yet. Montanna has forced me to be a better horsewoman, not just a good rider which was paramount, and I like to think Montanna is becoming the best he can be, due to our partnership. Stay tuned . . . you ain’t seen nothing yet.

When did you first discover horses, Kimberely?

I first discovered horses when I was 6 and living in Germany.  The neighbours down the road had Haflingers and Belgian work horses, and I remember being enamored with them.  I was constantly trying to lure them over to the stone wall fence with apples and desperately tried to throw a leg over - which I never succeeded in doing (probably for the best).  I started riding lessons when I was 8 years old - being raised in a military family we didn't have a lot of extra money, so I traded work at the barn for lessons.  I'm incredibly grateful I was able to "afford" horses in this way as it led me to fall in love not only with riding, but in caring for them.  I keep my horses at home and have been the sole caretaker for every horse I've owned.

When did you first meet Patriote? 

I met Patriote when he was 8.  He had recently been gelded and re-started to saddle.  I went to Canadream Farm and purchased a yearling colt who was sired by him.  MJ Proulx had just picked Patriote up from the trainer and asked if I wanted to take him for a spin.  I fell in love immediately and MJ decided to send him down to me in the US to show and sell.

How long have you been training and competing with Patriote? 

Since he was 8.  12 years!

What is special about your partnership? 

He's incredibly intuitive.  You think, he does.  He's easily the most comfortable horse for me to work, I trust him in every situation, he really is an extension of me.   I have literally done just about everything with him - just like my other Canadians, he's incredibly versatile and easy.

What has been your biggest challenge? 

Our biggest challenge was over coming "Non-Warmblood" stereotypes in the dressage ring. Patriote could put in a perfect test and score in the 60s. It was very frustrating. The subjective nature and politics surrounding the sport are what lead me to leave it. However, things are improving and Canadians competing now are starting to get the recognition they deserve. For me, the Canadians have proven to be superior mounted archery horses, possessing both a natural smooth canter and level-headedness.

What has been your biggest success? 

My greatest success with Patriote has been the attention he has brought to the breed.  MJ had wonderful foresight to know that having a horse competing in open competitions in the US would be a great highlight for the breed.  She trusted in our partnership and was incredible to work with.  Sadly, she's no longer breeding Canadians, as she produced some of the best offspring.  I have been fortunate to own or import for sale several of Patriote's progeny and current own his final foal "AsUWish".  It's been highly rewarding to be involved in our heritage breed, especially as a Canadian living in the US.  Having a little piece of home with me is wonderful.  I now own three Canadians and no other horses.  High point awards and accolades aside, my greatest success has just been in helping people learn about the breed and exploring the world on the backs of my beautiful boys.  

When did you first discover horses, Susan?

I have been crazy about horses since I was a child and have been lucky enough to have been riding since I was 11 years old. Growing up I never had my own horse so I learned to ride all kinds of school horses which I think enhanced my education.

What is your experience training Dressage horses?

As a professional I have brought along my horse Tattoo, who was someone else's throw away horse, up the dressage levels to the FEI Intermediare I. I also currently am working with my horse Bastian who suffers from several issues due to natural causes and human damage which in turn made him spooky and insecure. Currently, he loves coming out to work and is successfully competing at USDF Second Level.

Why did you chose Esprit, a Canadian Horse, to be your next Dressage Prospect?

Along the years I have helped many people with their problem, difficult, or confused horses. Although I thoroughly enjoy helping people and horses overcome their issues I have wondered what I could do with a clean slate. Recently I saw Esprit's sale ad and her beauty immediately caught my eye. Most importantly her ad pointed out that her breeder Margo Killoran from Three Fold Farm has handled her since birth and she has been learning about what it means to be part of our human world. I love the fact that the Canadian horse is a hardy breed with a calm temperament.

How is your partnership so far?

Esprit is proving to be everything the Canadian Horse promises. She is calm, smart and very willing to come out and work. I am blessed to have been able to bring Esprit into my life and am determined to raise her correctly so she is always happy and confident in her work.