Some of North America’s top sport horses are the result of 100 years of matchmaking by Canadian Sport Horse Association breeders. From Olympic medal winners to champion hunters, show jumpers, eventers, and influential breeding stallions, these exceptional horses have made their mark on equestrian sport in Canada and internationally. Tania Millen highlights 22 remarkable horses whose achievements reflect the association's 100-year history.

Navigating the Mare Owner's Dilemma - So, you’re contemplating breeding your mare. As a seasoned breeder of top-notch warmbloods and the owner of Hyperion Stud, LLC, Vicky Castegren knows all about that decision.

“The goal is a horse that jumps consistently well because it has been shown the correct way every time,” says Canadian Olympic show jumper Amy Millar. At a special clinic celebrating the Canadian Sport Horse Association's 100th anniversary, Millar shared valuable training insights with riders in Alberta. From building a strong foundation and improving rhythm and balance to allowing horses to learn from their mistakes, Tania Millen explores Millar's practical advice for developing confident, consistent show jumping horses.

Mud fever—also called greasy heel, scratches, or pastern dermatitis—is a skin disorder that commonly affects the lower legs of horses, especially around the heels and pasterns. It occurs most often in the wet seasons of fall, winter, and early spring, when horses spend long hours in muddy conditions that allow bacteria and fungi to multiply.

Finding Alternatives for the Conditioning Goal - Many riders worry that their lack of access to hills means their horses will miss important conditioning benefits. But before charging up hills, or fretting about their absence, riders should first consider the specific gains they were hoping to make. A horse recovering from injury, for instance, will use and benefit from hills differently than a moderately fit horse aiming to improve stamina or performance. After specific goals are identified, relevant substitutions can be explored. Whether you need hills depends on what you hope to achieve.

Falls are an accepted risk in equestrian sport, even for skilled and experienced riders. What can be easier to underestimate is the potential severity of the injuries that result, particularly when the head is involved.

Canadian winters can be challenging for horse owners. Bitter cold, fluctuating temperatures, and heavy snowfall all affect a horse’s nutritional needs. Adopting the right feeding strategy for winter months can help your horse maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of health problems such as impaction colic.

Northern Dancer was an extraordinary horse who captured Canada’s spirit and inspired immense national pride. Northern Dancer, whose heart and spirit transcended his size, remains one of the greatest Thoroughbreds in history — a legend whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

In 2017, we celebrated Canada’s 150th anniversary with stories of 20 exceptional horses that have reflected our values and fired our national pride. One of those horses was Big Ben.