The Stories
A Story About My Grandfather And His Canadian Horses
When my grand-father was a newlywed he was using a team of Canadian
horses to get to work. A mare named La Baie and a stallion named James.
Those horses were so used to traveling the same route between home and
his workplace that my grand-father would tell me he only had to say
"home" or "work" and the horses would go which ever way he was telling
them to go.
One day my grand-father told the horses "home" and he thought he would
take advantage of the traveling time to relax and fell asleep in the
carriage. On the way home one of his neighbors wanted to play a trick on
him and stopped the horses, turned them around and told them "work".
When my grand-father woke up he realized he was at work and not at home!
Every time my grand-father would tell us that story he would end it by
saying "I could always count on my horses but not so much on my
neighbours".
Hoping that story made you smile!
Caroline
View
Printable Copy of Caroline's Story © 2008
My horse is not imaginary anymore
Kurt Nielsen, © 2007
Lifelong dreams sometimes only take forty
years. That is when the idea of owning a horse which has played around
in my mind for years finally came to the surface and said “you will
become a horse owner”. I just wanted a horse I could ride on trails and
enjoy each other company; and with patience, practice, and love one day
I may become a horseman.
The reality came to me on a Saturday in July at approximately 12::30 in
the afternoon. I was visiting the Calgary Stampede for the very first
time. Growing up in Winnipeg I didn’t have the opportunity to go to the
Stampede but, having recently moved to a property just west of Edmonton,
I thought it was my duty as a new Albertan to go.
I went to the Saddle Dome to watch the parade of breeds. Horses and
riders came out one at a time and loped around the arena while the
announcer commented on the horses’ qualities. Then this horse entered
the arena, unbelievably beautiful, mane flowing as dark as his body,
noble in his posture. Even before the announcer spoke I thought this was
the most majestic horse I have ever seen; then I heard the announcer say
it was a Canadian – the National Horse of Canada. I have always been
proud of my country, but seeing this horse glide across the arena
increased my pride tenfold and I knew that a horse such as this had to
be part of my life!
Returning home after the Stampede, I immediately started finding all the
information I could about the magnificent breed. I have previously read
many horse magazines but have never heard of this class of horse. As I
researched books and the websites, many times I had stopped and thought
that it was one thing researching the horse of my dreams, but another
delving in to being a horse owner; which I knew little about, it’s not
like I grew up with them. This was going to be somewhat of an unsettling
experience for me, I was concerned with reference to not being able to
provide a proper environment for a horse. Having a horse is a big
responsibility and I knew that quality of life for them could never be
compromised; it’s not like getting a turtle when you’re eight and having
your Mom look after it. When I told friends and co-workers about my
decision, a few had thought that I was just going through a phase. This
was not a phase, not a mid-life crisis; if it was then an exotic German
sports car would be simpler and most likely cheaper then owning a horse.
After some back and forth phone conversations I arrived at Double
Diamond Canadians in Brule, Alberta on a sunny March day; having had the
fall and winter to research all I could about the Canadian and general
care of horses. Dave and Lynda Flato spent about five hours with me
showing the horses that were for sale, talking about the Canadian
characteristics, and asking me questions about what I was looking for in
a horse. It was the first time I had been in close company with the
Canadian Horses. I was amazed how gentle they were; I had no
apprehension with ten of the yearlings and their mares around me. They
were all curious and just wanted to be close to me. There was one colt
that stood out, this horse was unique I thought. He laid his head on me
shoulder when I brushed him with my hand and was relatively content just
being with me. Almost two years old, this dark bay Henryville Canadian
won my heart as he followed closely behind me as I went around the
enclosure meeting the other horses. It never before entered my mind I
might want a horse that had not been broke yet. I was looking for a
ready-made horse, one that I could ride instantly and would do all I
asked of it (yes, I was very green and a dreamer as well), but here
stood before me this “new to this earth horse” however, not as new as I
was to horses. Then a strong feeling came over me. I didn’t want a horse
that was already broke, passive to my faults as a new rider. I wanted to
experience every part of the horses learning, which would in turn help
me to understand the makings of the horse, he would be a big part of my
learning. After all, when would I have the chance again? I’m not getting
any younger and I don’t have the space to have as many horses as I want.
This will most likely be my first and my last horse, so I thought why
not start at the beginning and make this a learning adventure for the
both of us.
One more visit to Double Diamond two weeks later and the decision was
made. Then after two of the longest months of my life passed, DDD
Cromwell Phil (Soren is his barn name) arrived in to my life just eight
days before his second birthday. Waiting for him to arrive that day was
like waiting for Santa when I was five.
Some people with horse experience thought I was crazy; an inexperienced
“green” horse owner and rider with a green horse. They thought that it
would be too much for me and that I was doing the wrong thing. I believe
these people had no idea of what a Canadian Horse has to offer this
world and me for that matter.
The first year with Soren has been an adventure. Let me tell you that
there have been some trying times for both of us. My horse and I are
learning as we go along. Those times have been eclipsed by the
incredible joys that have filled my life in the last year and a half;
Soren’s first time with saddle, easily accepting the bit and headstall,
watching him play with his buddy Moses; his corral mate and brother from
Double Diamond. But the greatest joy of them all is having Soren accept
me, and want to be around me. I have seen many horse owners that have
been around horses all their lives and have never felt that connection,
but every Canadian Horse owner I have met is passionate about this breed
and it shows. It’s amazing the people that come in to your life and help
you out with the things you need and the questions you have, offering
advice and helping in any way they can, I don’t know if that’s a
“Canadian Connection” or just the way all horse people are. For all the
people that told me I was making a mistake getting a horse, I have made
many new friends with horses who have helped me greatly, supported what
I have done, and pushed me to succeed.
Concerns of whether I was being a good horse owner or not all melted
away when Soren’s Vet had come for his check up and shots. She had not
seen him since the purchase exam a year ago. Dr. Fryer commented on how
well he looked and behaved during his exam, and then she said words that
were like music to my ears! She said she could see that he trusted me. I
knew that deep in my heart but having someone that knows horses inside
and out say it meant a lot.
Now, almost two years after Soren came in to my life I still think as I
look out the window of the house and see him in the corral, or I take
him for a walk down the road seeing the wonder in his eyes, or someone
comments on his picture proudly sitting on my desk at work … Dreams do
come true. My horse is not imaginary anymore!
Kurt Nielsen,
Owned & Loved by a Canadian Horse
View
Printable Copy of "My horse is not imaginary anymore" by Kurt Nielsen, ©
2007
If you would like to submit your Canadian
Horse Story, we would love to hear from you.
Please email Marie-Josée Proulx at
info@canadreamfarm.com