
Author Archives

Battle of the Breeds still going strong after 25 years
Ten horse breeds pitted against one another in trail riding, barrel racing
From fully feathered Gypsy Vanners to pipsqueak ponies, the Battle of the Breeds horse competition is a spectacle that tests the versatility, bravery and speed of each horse. The event, now 25 years old, pits 10 breeds against one another in trail riding and barrel racing. The trail course at the Spruce Meadows equestrian complex […] Read more

Painted ponies give leg up to those helping flood victims
A herd of painted ponies is leaving hoofprints on the hearts of communities devastated by last year’s floods that ravaged towns and farms, leaving many homeless across southern Alberta. The Spruce Meadows horse complex near Calgary gave 20 non-profit organizations each a fibreglass horse to decorate. They are on display at the facility throughout the […] Read more
The Millarville Fair
From Western Pleasure to English jumping, equine enthusiasts had a lot to cheer on at the annual Millarville Fair held in late August in southern Alberta. Under sunny and hot skies, there was a musical ride, pole bending and barrel racing. Riders of every age and expertise showed grit and determination to do their best. […] Read more
Ranch Horses Strut Their Stuff In Working Horse Competition
Just as a polo pony, show jumper or barrel racer must know how to do its job, so must the ranch horse that earns its hay by being an equal partner in helping its rider tend to livestock chores. A horse that is easily spooked, runs off without its rider, or balks at flapping rain […] Read more
Win-Win For Buyers And Sellers At Ranch Horse Sale
If you re out to sell a top ranch horse, the Working Ranch Horse competition and sale, to be held November 8, are ideal venues, said the owner of last year s champion ranch horse. It s a win-win venue to market a well-broke stock horse, said Don Edey of Edey Ranches in Longview, AB. […] Read more
Heritage Ranch Rodeo Showcases Working Cowboys
Rodeos have always been part of the cowboy way of life. In the days of long cattle drives, a rider would select his horse from a remuda, ready to be tossed about in the saddle before getting on with the day s work. The horses were often half-broke and the range riders got things sorted […] Read more
Reiners Achieve Top Honours With Speed, Precision And Heart
Spins. Rollbacks. Sliding stops. Circles. Flying lead changes. These spectacular moves, once part of a working ranch horse s day, are now packaged as the western horse event called reining, one of the fastest growing equestrian sports. Riders guide their horses through precise patterns, exhibiting athletic prowess as they execute such powerful and dynamic manoeuvres […] Read more
Breeders Group Program Boosts Purse Along With Stallion Profile
Call it stallion networking. If you own a terrific stud, but no one knows anything about him, chances are no mares will come knocking at his stable door. The Canadian Supreme (CS) Breeders Group hopes it can make a difference in getting word out on quality stallions that are producing solid performance offspring, and by […] Read more
Horse Industry Survival 101: Diversify
Surviving the downside of the horse industry is all about how not to be just a one-trick pony. Diversity can go a long way in keeping a business afloat, just like a diversified financial portfolio can carry an investor through tough times. Offering what clients want and learning to be flexible can attract customers and […] Read more
Calgary vet school blazes new trails
“It gives undergrad students a chance to have hands-on practice. They get to see wire-cut horses, calvings and a dog with porcupine quills.” DR EUGENE JANZEN ASSISTANT DEAN, UCVM Veterinarians may know a horse or cow inside out, but what about their stall-side manner? Do they know how to handle owners when it comes to […] Read more
Alberta Farmer Express is a unique, Alberta-focused publication combining the efforts of reporters and editors on the ground in the province with the resources of Glacier FarmMedia’s experienced editorial and sales staff.