A group of enthusiastic riders and owners are helping to give the Canadians, a small and relatively little-known horse breed, more exposure. This handsome breed will be featured at The Canadian Horse Expo, October 13, 2018 at the Harwinton Fairground in Harwinton, Connecticut.
Margo Killoran of Three Fold Farm in Hamilton, Massachusetts, writes:
Canadians have a very rich history and have almost gone extinct twice. Their numbers today hover around 6,500. These horse were instrumental in founding Quebec. There are also a lot of descendants in Maine. They helped win the Civil War and they are the oldest distinct breed in North America.
We are sponsoring the Canadian Horse Expo in October to educate the public about this breed and demonstrate their incredible versatility. There are Canadians competing at all levels in all disciplines: driving, jumping, roping, distance, dressage, extreme cowboy, versatility, hunting, and equitation. We even have horses that are doing mounted archery, re-enactment and ski-joring.
Adds Liz Piacentini, another enthusiast and organizer:
By the mid-1970’s, breed numbers dipped to a low of around 400 registered horses. Today, the Canadian is listed as critically endangered by the Livestock Conservancy and the Equus Survival Trust.
Passionate breeders, owners and organizations such as the Canadian Horse Heritage & Preservation Society (CHHAPS) and the Canadian Horse Breeders Association (CHBA) are striving to save the breed from extinction.
The Livestock Conservancy describes the breed as being “solid and well-muscled, with a well-arched neck set high on a long, sloping shoulder. The overall impression is one of a round, sturdy, and well-balanced horse [that is] energetic without being nervous.”
Today’s Canadian reflects its history of athleticism, stamina, versatility and strong bone, making the breed an excellent choice for your favorite discipline. This breed is admired for their movement and suspension (Canadians are warmblood eligible), thick wavy mane and tail, intelligence and even temperament.
Good luck, Liz and Margo!
Check out their facebook page here.
Please come see us in October! If you are looking for a new horse that is versatile, athletic, has stamina and presence, you must check out this breed.
We have folks coming from as far south as VA, north to Canada and as far west as CO! This is a once-in-a-long-time (!) chance to see a large collection of this rare breed, all in one place. Under saddle and harness demonstrations, presentations, clinicians, vendors and breeders from both Canada and the US.
Free camping onsite. For more info see the FB page or contact Margo at [email protected], 978-697-7910.
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