Business Stable

Welcome to Business Stable, a series of interviews with Canadian horse people like you, who have made their passion for horses into a career! Tack shops, trainers, breeders, health experts, and more…this is your chance to connect with like-minded professionals, on a personal level. Who knows? Perhaps it will inspire you to follow your dreams of pursuing an equine career!

Interviewed by Laura Neufeld

The Dog & Pony Shop started in 1994 in Ladner, BC. Since then, they have grown by leaps and bounds, focusing on fulfilling their motto: "Helping riders enjoy horses, sport, and life." We spoke with owner and operator, Vickie Forster, about what she feels makes The Dog & Pony Shop stand out from the crowd, and how they got to where they are today.

Located in Abbotsford, BC, The Abby Saddle Shop is a small equestrian store with a very big inventory. April 1, 2009 marked its 20th anniversary. Kendra Kowalski is the owner and manager and, in this Business Stable, she shows us that the key to success is doing what you love – as simple (and complex) as that is.

HOOFBEATS INTERNATIONAL - Contributed

We had the beach to ourselves and rode flat out, stopping at the appointed spot though the beach stretched on for miles.

For horse people everywhere
Interviewed by Elisa Moes

Practically everyone has heard of social websites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. In 2008, another such website was launched, but this one was created with equestrians in mind. If you haven’t heard of Barnmice, the social networking site that has attracted horse lovers from around the globe, now is the time to hop online and check it out (after you finish this article, of course)!

BIGHORN HORSEBACK ADVENTURES - Become a Mountain Explorer

— Contributed

What a day,” laughs Patrick, holding a cup of hot chocolate in his hands. “Yes, was fuer ein Tag,” agrees Linda from Germany, who smiles remembering the herd of wild horses they passed on their ride today.

SKYLINE RANCHING & OUTFITTING - Contributed

The ranch is hidden within a valley of its own in the historic Porcupine Hills just west of Claresholm, Alberta. A reservation will ensure a truly private and quality Western experience you will never forget.

Robyn Hood is well known worldwide as a teacher of the Tellington Method, a unique training approach to horses. Hood and her husband Phil Pretty also run the Icelandic Horse Farm near Vernon, BC. As some of the earliest breeders and importers of Icelandic Horses, they have 33 years of experience breeding this naturally gaited breed. Both Hood and Pretty sat down with me to discuss the Tellington Method and their Icelandic Horses.

VICTORIA SADDLERY - For horse people, often one of our favourite pastimes is shopping for new tack or apparel at a local tack store. And whether a recreational rider or a top competitor, most riders want to use quality products on their horses. The capital city of British Columbia is home to Victoria Saddlery, offering a wide selection of essentials for horses and riders in the English disciplines. Recently, I got the chance to talk with owner Ann Woelfle-Bater about her store.

Keyword search