History & Heritage

log horses harvesting timber, horses who have jobs, draft horse jobs, margaret evans, logging with horses, triple d draft horses

Horses and oxen have been used to haul logs since pre-industrial times. Much of it was small scale harvesting, but it was hard and hazardous work. Unstable and snagged trees, falling branches, and loose material were the “widow makers” of a rapidly growing but dangerous industry. But as settlers arrived in Canada, more land had to be cleared for home-building, farming, and travel. Ultimately, horses and oxen were replaced with machinery and logging trucks. But today, some people have kept the heritage of horse logging alive.

horses in canadian history, fire horses, horses used for fire trucks horse drawn fire engine

Nowadays, the blaring siren of a fire truck elicits a sense of awe and urgency as it races through the streets. People pause, marveling at the sleek, red machines with their chrome accents, while firefighters in dark uniforms hurry toward their mission. Yet, this image of modern firefighting is a far cry from the past, when cities depended not on engines of metal, but on the bravery and strength of fire-horses. In those days, citizens gathered in awe to witness the magnificent animals spring into action, playing a critical role in saving lives.

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It’s no surprise that many horse lovers are equally devoted to dogs. Canines share many of the same loyal, hard-working, and intelligent qualities we admire in horses, making them ideal companions for equestrians and fitting naturally into a horse-centred lifestyle.

grated coconut rodeo horse dies, bareback riding horse grated coconut, Stampede Ranch Manager Tyler Kraft

Grate Expectations - There is a deafening silence when a living legend becomes a legend. The roar of fandom becomes an echo and the anticipation of a show that only they can deliver will never again radiate through the crowd.

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Horseback riders across Canada are advocating for horse use on provincial and regional trails. In Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) that often means resolving potential conflicts with other user groups. On Prince Edward Island (PEI) it’s meant trying to gain access to the Confederation Trail — a 470-kilometre stretch of Canada’s Great Trail, previously called the Trans Canada Trail, which follows a former railway bed across the island.

Traversing Canadian Rockies, Tania Millen, holidays on horseback, Alberta pack-trip, Azure Lake, Sulphur River, Jasper National Park, Summit pass, crossing Chown Creek

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.

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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.

Horse named Northern Dancer, little Canadian horse Northern Dancer, exceptional Canadian horses, iconic Canadian horses, famous horses from Canada, Best horse in Canadian history, Norther Dancer

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.

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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.

Importance of horse show volunteers, horse show volunteer Barbara Jackson, Canadian Sport Horse Association volunteering, unsung horse show heroes, Canadian horse woman Barbara Jackson

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a horse show — the impeccably groomed horses, the polished riders, the vibrant atmosphere, the thrill of victory. A ribbon passed from one hand to another becomes a shining testament to hours of dedication, passion, and commitment. Amidst the buzz, it might also be easy to overlook the lady holding the basket of ribbons, who is smiling ear to ear as she celebrates your victory. You might not realize that it is her victory, too.

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