Day one of our three-week pack journey was off to a rough start. All seven horses in the line were jumpy—especially Chocolate, my Spanish Mustang. Unfamiliar with the horses around him and unhappy about leading one he didn’t like, he was clearly unsettled.

Did you know that a stunning working horse ranch, backed by the Canadian government and open to trail riders, sits on the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains? Yes, it’s true. Ya Ha Tinda Ranch — owned and operated by Parks Canada — is the only federally run horse ranch in the country and marked its 100th anniversary in 2017.

While horses are the heart of any stable, there’s a hidden menace that can undermine their health, safety, and even the structural integrity of the facilities: rats. These unwelcome intruders pose serious risks to equine operations by spreading disease, destroying property, and contaminating food and bedding. Understanding the threat and implementing robust prevention and control strategies is essential for protecting both animals and infrastructure.

In the world of therapeutic riding, a multitude of heroes make a lasting impact. Selecting just one to honour as a Horse Community Hero is never easy — but in this issue, two remarkable therapy horses stand out: Rupert and Buck.

Every Time, Everywhere - Wrong lead! It’s one of the earliest alerts a young rider hears from her coach. One’s heart sinks to hear that same alert from the coach calling over the show ring rail. The novice rider learns the outside leg back and kiss cue to canter but I’ve found that riders are often unsure why they should use this cue. Let’s break it down. We’ll review the phonics of teaching your horse to pick up the correct lead and some hints to help the rider recognize it.

Recently, I officially retired my mare Diva from riding at age 25. She had started showing signs that riding was no longer a comfortable or enjoyable experience. I noticed her topline dropping and her hind end becoming stiffer (which was confirmed as the early stages of hock arthritis in her left hind). In general, Diva’s body was no longer receiving a benefit from being ridden. I decided I am not comfortable medicating my horse so that I can ride her.

May 23, 2025 — Canadian Horse Journal, in proud partnership with ThinLine Canada, is delighted to announce the return of our

In the tight-knit equestrian community, reputations matter—and so does what people say. With professional circles often overlapping and word-of-mouth running rampant, it’s no surprise that gossip is part of daily life in the horse world. While much of this chatter is harmless, there are moments when seemingly casual remarks may cross a serious line. For professionals who rely on their integrity and standing, the impact of defamatory speech can be career-altering.

Spring and summer often mark peak season for purchasing young horses. With a new equine partner comes a host of decisions—chief among them: when to begin training and whether to invest in a specially fitted saddle.