Visionary, humanitarian, force of nature, mother - The horse community is full of everyday heroes. Sometimes those everyday heroes inspire someone to give back in such an incredible capacity that it creates an exponentially stronger community — one that, at the start, is hard to envision. Little did the horse community in 1970s Ontario know that by embracing a recently immigrated, newly widowed mother of four, they would be inspiring a horse community visionary who would change the face and accessibility of horsemanship throughout the world.

Roxanne Salinas of Bear Hollow Farm in Lone Butte, BC, has been a tireless advocate and historian of Canada’s National Horse for a quarter century. As we celebrate Canada Day 2025 and all things Canadian, Ms. Salinas gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book, Canada’s National Horse: A History.

April Dawn Ray, age 42, of Victoria, British Columbia passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

It is truly magical to watch a horse and rider move as one, such as during a breathtaking dressage freestyle, a precise reining pattern, or an awe-inspiring performance like a grand prix show jumping competition. The seamless connection of this effortless harmony is the ultimate goal—a synchronized partnership where movement flows naturally, as if guided by a shared energy.