“Claire has lost the ability to say many words but one of the few she still has is neigh. She lights up when you talk about going to the barn and is always smiling when she is on the horse.” By Meghan Ney with contributions from Terri Gortner The diagnosis When Terri and Mark Gortner witnessed their daughter Claire’s first seizure just before her third birthday, it was the scare of their lives. Little did they know that the worst was yet to come. After nine months, multiple tests, trips to the United States and ultimately genetic testing, Claire was diagnosed with CLN2 Batten Disease. Incur ..read more

“Once we are almost to the paddock I give him his "pep talk". I tell him he's going to load quietly into the gate, break well, find a nice spot in the pack and listen to his jockey, and on the turn for home to run like the dickens.” If you look up articles about Canadian thoroughbred racing in 2020, you will inevitably find stories about a one-eyed horse and his bid for the country’s Triple Crown. That horse’s name? Mighty Heart, which says it all as he valiantly fought to achieve what only seven other horses since 1959 have done. And where Willie (Mighty Heart’s barn name) goes, so does hi ..read more

If you’re buying for a horse-crazy loved one, or treating yourself, there are lots of amazing Canadian-made equestrian gift options out there. Below are some of my top picks! *This is not a sponsored post, just me highlighting companies and products I like. FOR ADULTS Halter Equestrian Apparel Family run, designed and printed in Canada and fashionable yet comfy - what more could you want? Halter Equestrian Apparel offers quality horse-themed tees and apparel like the Just Ride Lightweight Sports Crew. From #weekendgoals on the front to the label detail on the hem and rich cranberry colour, t ..read more

“What are the odds of winning the lottery with your first ticket? I’m not sure how else to describe my relationship with Hope.” Submitted by Rachel Barrington I don’t know how I got so lucky. What are the odds of winning the lottery with your first ticket? I’m not sure how else to describe my relationship with Hope, the 15.1 hand, 33 year old mixed breed mare who has been my best friend, my soul sister, for the last 15 years. She’s one of those mares who is extremely self-assured, is the unquestionable leader of every herd she’s ever been in, but rules mainly with a powerful tsunami of confid ..read more

“Work hard and solidify a strong foundation in your training. Develop good relationships in the industry and maintain your integrity.” Tina Irwin is a successful International Grand Prix rider and EC Certified High Performance Coach. Born in Hagen, Germany, she got her Canadian citizenship when she turned 16. In her early years through the Young Rider levels, Tina was taught by her mother, Ute Busse, who was also a successful Grand Prix rider. She also trained in Germany with Holger Muenstermann and Klaus Martin Rath. Tina is now coached by her husband and business partner, Jaimey Irwin an ..read more

“I made a promise to Belle that I will help as many of these deserving animals as I can, which is why I started Belle Equine Rescue.” By Meghan Ney with contributions from Joanne Richards In the short span of three years Joanne Richards has gone from having zero horse or riding experience to owning a herd of six, having a barn of her own and starting an equine rescue; to say she’s fallen head over heels for these amazing animals is an understatement in the best possible way! She first shared her journey into the equestrian world with For the Herd Stories in the summer of 2020, describing how ..read more

“With its sleek styling and soft leather chin straps, I was shocked at how lightweight it was when I picked it up out of the box.” I’ve been riding for three years now and in that time I’ve owned five riding helmets. Yes, you read that correctly, five. Like so much of my riding journey, my understanding of helmet safety, fit, and design has developed as I’ve gained more experience and exposure to all the different options, as well as the do’s and don’ts associated with this very important piece of equipment. How it started When I stepped into the arena for my very first lesson, it was in a ..read more

“I didn’t anticipate how spending a day at the show would bring up so many mixed emotions. Turns out that even at 40 years old, longstanding insecurities, self-doubts, and negative self-talk can still be a challenge.” By Meghan Ney A few weekends ago I had the opportunity to visit my barn family at the horse show. After hearing so much about it, I wanted to check things out so I could help if needed and learn more about how it all works, with the thought I might try a few shows next season as a competitor. As with all things horse related, I was excited to head out on Saturday after doing ch ..read more

Make it stand out “Making silly videos is exactly what I do. I ALWAYS make it funny and positive so that people are laughing and smiling.” If you’re following equestrian accounts on Instagram, you’ve probably seen one of Evan Donadt’s horse humour reels. Posting as @evangrooms, each of his videos offers a lighthearted take on equine behaviour and life. From imitating a horse finding the perfect spot to roll in a dusty paddock, to plowing face-first into a bale of hay mimicking horses trying to catch a snack as they walk past, Evan is creating content that really resonates with people (eques ..read more

“I’ve also made a point of visiting the barn with the kids. Not only does it mean more time around the horses I love, it’s also an activity that they enjoy and we can share together.” By Meghan Ney Let’s just start by making it very clear, I love my kids. However, when I began riding and helping out at the barn, I discovered a deep passion for all things equestrian. As I’ve written about before, horse time is key to maintaining my mental and physical health. I’d spend every evening and weekend puttering around the stable or on horseback if I could, but between my full-time job, my husband ..read more