Our Horses

Our introduction to this special breed came with the arrival of Jessy and Heidi to our farm. With the weather being unseasonable cold and wet, renovations were made to the barn to provide foaling stalls for the full sisters, who were heavy in foal to the the late, great Bienvenue Lou Heros. The mares effortlessly delivered two lively colts, Phantom and Phoenix. It was joyful and rewarding raising the two colts, and it was seeing them off with tearful “good byes” to their new homes in Oregon and Alberta respectively.

Jessy and Heidi are smaller, solid, traditional Canadians, 14.2 hands high and fading blacks with no white markings. They are saddle broke but we use them mostly in harness as a team, going for regular excursions in the wagon or sleigh. Jessy and Heidi have been put to the test disking a field, making 7 mile round trips to the neighbour’s farm to pick up oats, displayed at the Rare Breeds Canada booth at the Royal Winter Fair, gave wagon rides to kids (and those young-at-heart) during special town-wide events and took part in the Santa Claus Parade.

Heidi’s first foal, “Phoenix” is living up to his registered name “Phenom” in the show ring, winning Grand Championships in recent breed shows as well as winning in open breed shows. Heidi is proving herself to be our best and most consistent producer.

Phoenix - CHHAPS Halter Champion

Betty was next to be added to the herd after a trip to Quebec. Betty is 15.1 hh, a true black and with solid bone yet with an overall lighter frame than the traditional Canadian. She has had 10 wonderful foals to date and remains in great shape. She is broke to ride though mostly used as a broodmare.

What wasn’t planned during the trip to La Belle Province, however, was buying a stallion, but Jackie couldn’t resist when she laid eyes on Faquyr. Although transported separately, he and Betty coincidently arrived on the same day – fittingly on July 1st, CANADA DAY.

Our latest addition, Gitane, is 15 hh, brown in colour and also saddle and harness broke, both single and in a team. She possesses a lighter frame than the others, but as with most Canadian Horses, possesses large, hard hooves with thick hoof walls. She has very smooth gaits. Randy and I take Gitane out in our lovely oak show cart, going to “drop in” on the neighbours or practising dressage driving patterns.

All of our horses have superb temperaments, being quiet and easy to handle. The mares are excellent mothers and extremely tolerant, whether it be with visitors (even in the stall immediately after foaling) or strange dogs.

Our breeding program focuses on superior temperament and conformation with an aim to produce moderate-sized (15 h) horses with plenty of substance. Our foals are handled from birth and taught the basics early in life.