By Ken Morris 

The Canadian Horse is part of Canada’s heritage and history, but today our National Horse is in trouble. To save the breed, we need both dedicated breeders and experienced trainers who will put them in the public eye. Here’s the story of one of these trainers, Eliza Puttkamer Banks of Trinity Dressage in New Jersey, USA, who has taken her 14-year-old gelding Canadream Kelbeck You-And-Me, or “Toque,” to the highest levels of equestrian sport. 

This story is told in Eliza Puttkamer Banks’ own words, as relayed to the writer.  

I discovered the Canadian Horse when I was looking for a prospect back in 2014. I saw a ten-second clip of Toque at Kimberly Beldam’s and thought, “Wow, can he trot!” I bought him on the spot and took him on a two-hour trail ride when I got home. He was young and wobbly, but willing — I was surprised how willing he was after Kim told me how green he was under saddle! 

Eliza Banks and Toque sharing a quiet moment. “Back when I was showing Toque at Third Level, I lost the stallion that I was preparing to show Grand Prix. Toque consoled me. From then on, I was his.” Photo: Stacy Lynn Photography 

During my first year with Toque, one of the ladies in my program told me, “You should throw in your hat at Devon because he can really move!” I had brought a number of horses through the FEI levels, but never had a horse who could handle Devon. But I knew Toque could. 

The 14-year-old gelding Canadream Kelbeck You And Me, affectionately nicknamed “Toque,” bred by MJ Proulx of Canadream Farm in Ontario, owned and trained for the past 11 years by Eliza Puttkamer Banks of New Jersey, USA. “Toque has the most amazing eyes,” says Banks. “You can see how intelligent he is, and like all intelligent horses, he must be schooled with both tact and creativity.” Photo: Stacy Lynn Photography

So, on a miserably cold, rainy October day, Toque made his debut at the 40th Dressage at Devon show. He placed first in the Suitable to Become a Dressage Horse class, and fifth in the Materiale Class. It was the first time a Canadian Horse had ever appeared there. 

Toque is one of the most interesting horses I’ve ever had. When I was showing him at Third Level, I was also preparing my stallion for Grand Prix. But tragically, my stallion died. Toque consoled me — he literally pulled me into his stall and wrapped his neck around me in a hug. From then on, I was his. 

Despite their intelligence and bravery, Canadian Horses are not the easiest horses to train in upper-level dressage. They generally have big canters, not the easiest to collect. Toque’s canter pirouette took four years! But he adores the extended canter, and asks me: Can I do it now? 

Canadian Horses have a strong sense of fairness and require both tact and creativity. You must be very clear and forthright with your intentions. But once you “get” them, they have absolute heart. 

Toque demonstrating canter pirouette in Prix St Georges at Dressage at Devon, 2024. “That took about four years to develop,” says Banks.  Photo: Stacy Lynn Photography 

They do get bored easily. If the work isn’t stimulating enough, it’s not worth their effort. Toque is actually a bit spooky, but that creates energy. He shows better at Devon than at quieter venues and struts around like he owns the place! 

I’m careful not to over-school, lest he say: I’ve done what you want, why are we doing it again? I go into many tests without riding for a week. When I showed Toque in Intermediare at Devon this past summer, my “warmup” for the I-1 test was five minutes, and he scored very well. Now, we are in sight of Grand Prix, and with luck we will make it! 

He adores extended canter, says Banks. When it’s time, I tell him: Go get 'em, Toquie! Photo: Stacy Lynn Photography 

This Spotlight on Canada’s heritage horse is brought to you by Canadian Horse Heritage and Preservation Society. Interested to learn more? Contact us at Canadian Horse Heritage & Preservation Society or follow us on Facebook.  

Related: Rediscovering a Lost History: An Interview with Canadian Horse historian, Roxanne Salinas

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Related: The Canadian Horse

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Main Photo: Canadream Kelbeck You And Me (“Toque”) showing in Prix St. Georges at Dressage at Devon, 2024. In 2025, he had his debut at Intermediare, the highest level of dressage yet achieved by a purebred Canadian Horse. Photo: Stacy Lynn Photography