Diamond A Canadians

Winter Has Arrived

2011-11-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

November 4th and it snowed all day, not that much accumulated but the temperature certainly makes it feel like winter. This morning dawned foggy and hoarfrost abounds on trees and fences, it really looks like a winter morning. I had to dig out all of my winter gear, work suit, boots etc.to go do chores! The horses were all eagerly awaiting their breakfast by the time of my arrival.

Jewel is away from home getting a months driving training, this is the first time in 12 years that we have been apart.It seems quite strange that she is not in her pen greeting me every morning. I can't wait until she can come back home!

York and Yeager, my 2011 colts, are now geldings, and with that task done I will finish off their registration papers and get them sent away.

There are some changes ahead for Diamond A, I will keep you posted! Enjoy the early days of winter.

Spruce Meadows Time

2011-09-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

Wow, August just flew by, didn't it. Had a great time at a training Jumper show with Rose and Jewel, and Rose and I took part in her second 3 day eventing competition. Had a wonderful time, we need to improve our dressage, but she did awesome in her jumping, clear on both cross counrty and stadium.
Now it is is time for Spruce Meadows. Very busy cleaning tack and packing the horse trailer. Jewel is ready for her time at Spruce Meadows and we are proud take part in the Telus Battle of the Breeds, as part of the Canadian Horse Team. We leave tomorrow morning! Maybe we will see you there, cheer loudly for our Canadians!

Diamond A News

2011-08-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a long time since I have updated you all. So much has happened here, its hard to know where to start. Big plans for the Annual CHARMD Show were well underway and the day before we were to leave, Duc came down with our first ever major bout of colic. It was a very scary event, but after a trip down to a very well renowed clinic by Calgary, he made a complete and full recovery. I was very happy to get him back home where he belongs.

Even though I was very low on sleep and high on stress, Chelsey and I were able to make it to the show after all. We enjoyed two wonderful days with our fellow Canadian Horse lovers and ended up doing extremely well with our mares Jewel and Rose. Rose earned Top Mare of the Show and also garnered the Over-All Show Champion Award. Very proud am I! Jewel also performed very well and she has been chosen once again to be a part of the Canadian Horse team for the Telus Battle of the Breeds in September at Spruce Meadows.

The next weekend after the Canadian show, Rose and I were entered into her first ever 3-day event. Our Dressage test was so-so, cross country was amazing, she never faltered once and did a very fine job. As for show jupming she went clear as well and for our efforts in competing in our first event we brought home an 8th place ribbon. How awesome is that!
The rest of July was spent at home riding in between rainstorms, taking care of the rest of the herd and enjoying my horses.
August is a busy competition month but I will save that for the next blog!
Make sure you check out the "for sale" page on the website in the coming days.New photos and the new foals will be showing up on there as well.
Happy Trails....

Saying Good-Bye

2011-06-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Diamond A Duc Winsome left last night to her new home in Saskatchewan. Winnie held a special place in my heart as she is Jewel's daughter, and Jewel is my special girl. Winnie is so much much like her Dam in so many ways, I think her new owner should be very pleased with her. She plans to use her for both riding and driving in the coming years. I look forward to seeing future photos of her when she matures. Winnie is going to be a very big impressive mare. Happy Trails Winnie.

Three Day Event Clinic

2011-06-14T08:21:00.001-07:00

Wow, what a great time we had at the clinic and learned a bunch too. Rose is my star, she did super good. No hesitation at anything, we did water, ditches,coops and logs and she loved it all! We are ready for our first competition this summer.Can't wait! Will post a couple of photos here and put the rest on facebook!

New Foals!

2011-06-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

After a busy week and not much sleep, Diamond A welcomed two gorgeous new additions to the farm. Yeager on the left,out of Mystique, and York on the right out of Jeanne. Both foals are by our stud Duc. They are wonderful examples of our breeding program and they are proudly offered for sale. Visitors are welcome to come by and do a meet and greet!

Pedicures for the herd!

2011-05-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

Great day yesterday, my farrier, Gordie was here and put in time on the horses hooves. Jewel and Rose now have shoes, so no more worries about riding on the gravel roads. The rest of the herd all received a trim, being the stallion of the barn,Duc was first! Of course he was awesome. Gordie does a fantastic job and is so good with all of them. Shim who does not have the best front hooves, bad cracks right up the front, he thinks he can get them fixed up for her.
On the weekend the horses all had a turn getting their West Nile vaccine shots. We are now prepared for mosquito season and I fear it could be a bad one. There is a ton of water laying around, perfect breeding grounds for the little buggers. So far they haven't been too bad,due to the fact the wind has been blowing gale force lately!
Going riding today and use those new shoes!

We're back!!

2011-05-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, after some glitches, we are back on track and website is available to view once again. Yay! So sorry for being off line for over a week.

So much has being going on with the horses. Shim and Duc have had their first courtship already, if she didn't catch her first cycle she should be seeing him again this week.
Xade is now a gelding and has a much better attitude already.He is such a stunner, and has amazing prescence for a young horse.
The horses have been dewormed,the farrier comes on the 16th for trims for everyone and shoes for Rose and Jewel.
The Mane Event horse expo has come and gone for another year. The Canadian Horse was well represented(including Rose and myself) and we preformed a very nice Drill Team presentation.
This coming weekend I am off to Wainwright with Jewel to a driving clinic. Hopefully we have great success!

Busy Day at Diamond A

2011-04-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

A spring day in April in Alberta, gorgeous out but then the wind started to blow and it wasn't quite so nice out anymore. I was a busy girl in the morning and gave the whole herd their 5-way vaccinations.This is the most horses I have ever owned(10) and it took awhile to get them all done! Everyone was very well behaved except Shim, and even she wasn't bad. She just has a phobia about shots, Jeanne was the same way when I got her too, now I don't give her time to think about what is about to happen. Its over before she has time to work herself up and then she gets a treat, and life is back to being good.

In the afternoon the vet came and Xade had his big operation. He is now a gelding and feeling very sorry for himself! Was a bit of an interesting ordeal as he came out of the drugs a bit sooner than we had expected. As it was my job at his head with my leg putting pressure on his neck to hold him down. Well when he came awake,he thru his head up and his front legs came forward rather quickly.
Lets just say Karen received a very sore tailbone out the deal. I am hoping I can ride tomorrow.More Advil, please!

2011-03-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

Another day of winter, although they are forecasting very nice temps for next week. I really hope so! Spent the day in Red Deer and as necesary as breathing , we have to make a stop at Greenhawk! Bought a pair of killer purple gloves for cross country,along with some other goodies. Rose and I are going to look great out on course! Purple being our main color theme!
Came home and gave Mystique and Jeanne their 3rd and final Pneumabort-K vaccine shot. They are getting quite the pregnant tummies.
Next month it will be time to give all the horses their vacciantions and deworming too. April is always an expensive month on a horse farm!

Its Time !

2011-03-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

It's time for conditioning that is. With warmer temps and the ice mostly gone from the roads, Rose and Jewel are back in training. Hoping to get a steady month of conditioning on them and then get into some serious training. Rose is going to expand her horizon this year, taking part in an eventing clinic and compete in a couple of 3day event competitions. I am confident she will be jumping 2'9" to 3' in time for annual Canadian show.
Both, Jewel and I are learning a new discipline. How to drive a horse! Ground driving is going well, although Jewel can't quite understand about the blinkers attached to the side of her head.She's like, Karen ,I can't see a thing except straight ahead! I think that is the general idea Jewel! I'll keep you posted on our progress. Already have a driving clinic lined up to go to. Should turn out to be lots of fun. Maybe we will even be able to give cart rides to family and friends:)

Short, Sweet and Cold!

2011-03-05T17:56:00.000-08:00

OK, it warmed up to minus 20 and I couldn't wait any longer. I had to go for a ride! Chelsey and I saddled up Jewel and Rose and ended up going on the shortest ride ever. We first tried the open fields, it was way to deep and hard, so we next tried the road. It wasn't too bad if you stayed right on the edge, but wasn't the greatest either. After just a quarter mile Chelsey had a big white patch on her cheek so with frostbite developing on her face we turned for home. The horses were like, WHAT??, we just got out here! It was still great to be out, there is nothing better than swinging your leg over a horse and feeling like you have come home.

We also fed a round bale in the pasture and bedded all the horses today and did a shuffle around of pens. Mystique is now in a seperate pen, so she can get extra groceries, she isn't thin but I feel she needs a little extra. Its been a long hard winter and I want her and her soon to be new foal to have the best start they can. No one else is in need of any extras though! Jewel, Rose and Jeanne are now in pen close to the barn and Shim and LaDiva have taken their place out in little pasture with the two year old fillies. They were very happy to have more room to run and put on a nice show for us. I was very impressed with how they move. Big floating trot, so beautiful to watch. I can't wait to get them bred and have foals out of them next spring.
Photo is of Jeanne showing off her fine figure. Does she look pregnant?!
Stay warm and keep praying for spring...it has to show up sometime!

Coldest February Ever!

2011-03-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

After enduring a very cold and miserable February, I am hopeful that March might start to show signs of spring. Obviously not this first week, because the forecast is horrible, more minus 30 weather and snow flurries, but PLEASE let it be soon. I am anxious to start working with horses in preperation of the coming competition season, but without an indoor arena there really isn't much I can do. The footing is horrible everywhere,ice covered roads and deep crusty fields. I bought my lottery ticket once again in the everhopeful dream of building my own indoor HEATED arena!!!

The horses are all doing great though, just keep feeding them hay and they are happy and easy to please. The one water bowl was frozen this morning, but Tom was able to get it working again in short order. Of course it was the main water for all the mares and everyone was thirsty. Jewel is first in line, once she is done there is more competition on who goes next, interesting to see how they get it all worked out. Usually just a head toss or a flick of an ear lets them know who is next in line. Jeanne just stands in the back and waits for the commotion to be over, and then takes her turn. What a sweet mare she is.
I'll sign off with this beautful view of Waiamia Valley,Hawaii from our recent escape from the cold. When I get rich and famous we'll just move there with horses in tow!

Horses are enjoying the warmer weather.

2011-01-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

We are all enjoying the warm up we have experienced lately. So much more enjoyable now to go out and spend more time with my herd. Yesterday Mystique and Jeanne received their second vaccination of Pneumabort-K. Only 4 more months and we will have little foals running around again!
I am taking advantage of the chinook and having the farrier come on Wednesday to give everyone a trim. They all have some pretty good growth to trim off, but no chips, those good strong Canadian hooves proving again how tough they are.
In the photo is LaDiva, looks like she is saying "Hi" to all of her new friends.

News Mares Arrived Safely.

2011-01-18T10:27:00.000-08:00

Diamond A is very happy and pleased to share that two very special broodmares have joined our herd. They come to us from Cosyland Farms in Ontario, where they have proven themselves to be producers of some of the very best Canadian Horses and now they are a part of our breeding program. Very excited to see what we will produce when we breed them with Duc.
The weather is starting to moderate finally, we have endured huge amounts of snow, way more than we usually get, and cold...it has been in the minus 25 and lower range for quite some time now. I am so glad I have hardy Canadians, as long as they have hay in front of them and a wind break, nothing much bothers them. Bred to be tough they are!

Family Ride...

2010-12-19T19:09:00.000-08:00

A crisp winter day was the perfect setting for a ride with my daughters. Chelsey rode Jewel of course, Marci gave Rose a try and for the first time I rode Duc in company. Usually I go out on him by myself, but today he was a happy horse out with some girls! It has been quite sometime since the three of us have been able to all go out together, it was wonderful! Just like old times,except my daughters are now all grown up and are young women and their mounts are all Canadians. Also joining us was our Lab puppy, Roxie. It was just like a Christmas present all wrapped up in the smell of horses and laughter.
Merry Christmas and Joyful Riding!

Winter Ride

2010-12-15T13:35:00.001-08:00

I must say that I have amazing horses!! Jewel and Rose have had some time off and today when Chelsey and I went for a ride, they behaved just like they were rode yesterday. In Chelsey's words, "Jewel is just the most awesomest horse ever"! I would have to agree, and Rose was such a good girl too. It felt wonderful to be riding through the fields, and we have beautiful conditions to ride in. The snow is fluffy and soft and flys up nicely as you trot along.
Thank goodness for Chinooks, you just have to love'em and make the most of them while you can!

2010-12-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

Its been a very long time since I have blogged! I hope everyone has been keeping up with our going on's thru facebook. The horses are all home from pasture for the winter and although recently the weather hasn't been the greatest for riding, I am hoping to get back to riding Rose and also starting to work with Winnie and Willow under saddle a bit.Winnie had 3 days of training before winter hit us with a vengence and she showed a tremendous aptitude for new things. Incredibly smart filly.

Jewel's new harness has arrived and thru the winter I hope to get her going and by spring be ready to go driving!

Xena has been sold and has gone to live in Manitoba with a wonderful family. She is their first Canadian Horse and I hope they love her as much as I did.

Chelsey and I had a photo session today with Duc, he could be a poster stud for how to behave when getting your photo taken! Basically dropped the lead rope, told him to stand, he was such fun to play with! Really got in the zone! I hope you enjoy our photo.

Growing Well

2010-10-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

The pasture has proven to be a wonderful place for Winnie and Willow to spend their summer. They both did exceptionally well being turned out and have grown considerably. At 16 months of age they are measuring 14.2hh: Winnie, and
14.1hh: Willow. My wish for them is to find wonderful homes where they will go out and compete against other breeds and show people what Canadians are capable of. Willow is going to make an exceptional English mount, she really has that sporthorse look to her. Winnie is going to be your all round, I can do anything kind of horse. I am looking forward to this winter when I am going to start their training!

Busy Day Ahead...

2010-10-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...Chelsey and I will be bringing home the yearlings,(Willow & Winnie)along with Jeanne and foal(Xade)from the summer pasture. The farrier is coming on Tuesday to give everyone a trim and pull shoes off of Rose and Jewel. In the meantime the herd is going to get dewormed and we have some major grooming ahead of us. Bridlepaths to be clipped etc. and get the tangles out of mane and tails,good thing they all enjoy a good grooming. Bring on the Show Sheen!

If you are contemplating coming to look at my herd, this coming weekend would be a good time to come as everyone will still be home and the weather is "supposed" to be nice. Xade will be getting weaned the end of the week as well and Jeanne will be heading back to pasture after that.

Happy Trails....

Xena's Big Day

2010-09-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

Xena is a big girl now and is officially weaned as of today! She is not overly concerned about it at all and enjoyed the extra attention lavished upon her. She is such a sweet girl and so quiet. She is going to be spending her nights' in the barn with Rose as company(Rose will love being back in the barn). Mystique is not really missing her baby either, so I guess it was time.
Chelsey and I were finally able to go riding today on Jewel and Rose. A beautiful fall day, we wound our way thru the swathed fields of barley and enjoyed a great ride. The mares were happy to be out and feeling good, worked up a pretty good sweat too. Best part of riding this time of year...no bugs!
The photo is of Xena in her pretty purple halter.

Wow, What A Battle Team!

2010-09-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

We've been home for a week already from Spruce Meadows and I finally have time to blog and tell you all how it went...fantastic. For the first time ever the Canadian Horse placed in the top 5 over-all. Quite an accomplishment for our 3 horse team, I am so proud of my teammates and our horses. Jewel and I competed in Jumping, Trail and Barrels. Jumping we did not to bad, Jewel didn't have her best day, but we still did alright. With our combined score with teammate Julie, we finished just out of the ribbons in seventh place. Not bad, now on to Barrel Racing the next day. Now Canadians are not noted for their speed, and Jewel is a big girl...boy did we have some jaws dropping,lol. She had tight turns on her barrels and revved it up inbetween! The Canadians made it back in for the second round(only the top fastest 6teams come back for a second run). When it was over, we received a fifth place ribbon! Unbelievably we beat the Quarter horses, shocking I know! The next morning was Trail and the final event of the competition. Going in to this event the Canadian Team was siiting 6th over-all. Jewel was a perfect ambassador for the breed, she did each obstacle calmly and even though we ran out of time, we did get a pretty good score. Combined with Julie and her horse, we came out with fifth place ribbons and good enough for a top five finish to end the Battle.
What a great time we all had together enjoying our horses and showing the world what a Canadian Horse can do.
Photo is Jewel showing off her 5th place ribbon from Barrel Racing.

Off to Spruce Meadows

2010-09-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hello All..... Just time for a quick note to keep you updated. Jewel and I are off to Spruce Meadows today to take part in the Teleus Battle of the Breeds. Hope to see you there and hear you cheering on the Canadian team.Looking forward to it! The photo is from our last jumper show.

Fun and Sucess at our first Jumper Show!

2010-08-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

Jewel in the 3' class

Last Sunday I went to compete in our first ever Jumper Show, with Rose in the 2' Division and Jewel in the 3' and 3'3" Divisions. With Chelsey along as my loyal groom and cheering section, we enjoyed a wonderful day.

Rose after her class

In each division there are 2 seperate classes, Rose did wonderful and jumped scary looking stadium jumps with no hesitation. That in itself I thought was very good for our first time out, plus she picked up a third place in the Power and Speed class.

Jewel had a bit more of a look at the jumps , but once she got going she did quite well. We jumped our first ever triple combination, clear every time thru! They were some of the biggest jumps we have ever jumped, one oxer in particular, was giving us grief. But in our 3'3" Power and Speed class Jewel prevailed and we cleared them all giving us a win! I am utterly thrilled with my mares and their performances. Can't wait for the next show!

Fun Times at Eventing Clinic

2010-08-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Just home from a 3 day eventing clinic with my 5 yr.old mare Rose. She was very impressive, for being very green to jumping, she did exceptionally well. Over a 2 day clinic, she is now stadium jumping 2'6 verticals and oxers. And for her very first time even seeing cross country obstacles, she is in and out of the water hazard at a trot , jumping up the bank out of the water, jumping ditches without hesitation, coops that were 2'6" to 2'8" and logs. She was INCREDIBLE and thoroughly impressed me along with some non believers. My cross country instructor who has said she has never been much impressed with Canadians has said after seeing Rose she will have to revise her opinion of Canadians. Thats what we need to do, prove our breed can do all of these things and do them well. I am looking forward to taking Rose next year and going to some eventing competitions. We have a year to train! In the meantime, August is a busy month. Charity trail ride coming up next weekend, jumping show the following weekend and an open show the weekend after that. Going to keep us busy.
Happy Trails...and don't forget the bug spray!

Horse Show, Battle Team, Having Fun!

2010-07-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know its been forever since I have blogged and I could probably write a book on all the things that have been going on since I last wrote, but I will try not to bore you!

In June the annual Canadian Horse show was held, this year it was in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. We took 3 horses to compete, Winnie, Rose and Jewel. Winnie won her Yearling Halter class, Rose won Grand Champion Halter Mare along with various other ribbons in other classes. She jumped her first full course and handled herself amazingly well. Pretty good for only just jumping a couple of jumps at home. Jewel, after having not been ridden since November of 2008 and raising a foal last year, and about 10 rides before she went to the show was incredible. Chelsey won a ribbon in showmanship class with her and rode her in a couple of riding classes, she had a ton of fun. Then it was my turn on her. Pointed her at the jumps and boy did she perform. She was flying around the ring having the time of her life! In barrel racing we even won it! My big tank of a mare who hasn't raced barrels since we were on the Battle team and I just turned and said "lets go"and off she went. It was so much fun.
Jewel and I were asked to be a part of the "Battle Team" so we are heading to Spruce Meadows in September to compete in the Battle of the Breeds. I hope we do the breed proud. To that end we are doing lots of riding and heading to some shows this summer to prepare.

Jewel, dressed as a dinosaur and myself as a cavewoman , took part in our town's July 1st parade. Will post a photo!

The horses are all doing well, the yearlings;Willow and Winnie, along with Jeanne and her foal Xade are out in the big pasture.With grass up to their bellies and mosquitoes by the millions, they are happy to see us everynight when we visit and give them some relief with bug spray.

Duc was put to work with his studly duties and has bred back Jeanne and Mystique for 2011 foals. Duc also had one outside mare come to visit. So hopefully next year there will be 3 Duc foals arriving.

I have been putting lots of training on Rose and she is coming along nicley. She goes well under both western and english tack now, and we are going to a 3 day eventing clinic the end of the month, where we will both benefit from some instruction. I will keep you updated on our progress. She is a very nice little mare who just keeps getting better. She is entered into a couple of shows in August to gain some experience.

Jewel and I went to a driving clinic, which was wonderful. We both learned alot and I can't wait to continue our training. I had hoped to get her driving this summer, but it seems to be flying by, so for now I am going to concentrate on the long line training and hopefully this fall after Spruce we can get hitched!

I will try to be better about writing more often...in the meantime,
Happy Trails.

Jeanne finally did it!

2010-05-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

After being 10 days over due, and spending the night with her last night, Jeanne has given us a very nice stud colt. I did have to assit her a little bit and like last year the birth sac was over his head, so it was a very good thing that I was there with her. Mom and son are doing well. We have named him Diamond A Duc Xade.

Newest addition to our horse family

2010-05-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Mystique foaled 2 days early and gave us a gorgeous filly.

We have named her Diamond A Duc Xena. She is a day old in this photo and is a real sweetie pie.

Still Waiting!

2010-05-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

Eleven months and counting and Jeanne is still holding together. Hoping she will pop soon as I am getting tired of checking her! I still think it will be at least a couple more days before she foals due to her not being waxed over, but I will continue to keep a close watch. Mystique is getting close as well. Maybe by the weekend we will have a foal.

I vaccinated the horses for West Nile yesterday, with all this moisture the mosquitoes are going to be bad this summer. The yearlings will need their booster shot in a month.

This weekend Jewel and the yearlings are going to be put out on summer pasture. I know they will enjoy their freedom and have a blast in the wide open spaces. Hopefully Jewel does a good job babysitting.

Mane Event

2010-05-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

Lots of news, due to the fact that I haven't blogged forever!!

Springtime greetings all, although by times it still seems as if winter does not want to leave as it keeps giving us some snow! Thankgoodness we have gotten some lovely moisture and the pastures are all greening up wonderfully.

Since I have updated you last, the farrier made a visit and trimmed the yearlings, Duc and I had him put shoes on Rose. Once the fields are seeded it will be back to riding on the gravel roads, hence the shoes. They all stood exceptionally well, Winnie was most impressive for her second trimming.Behaved like an old pro!

We had a fabulous time at the Mane event, Rose was very good, it was her first time in an indoor arena and she worked very nicely. The new trailer was great, we thoroughly enjoyed having a furnace, as it was kinda chilly overnight. The photo is of the group who took part in the Sunday Breed Demo. I am on Rose the photo poser!

Chelsey and I brought the mares home from the pasture in preperation of foaling time, which is quickly approaching. Jeanne is due on the 7th of May, with Mystique on the 17th all of this month. Hoping the weather would improve and be warm, so I won't freeze when I am out there on baby watch.

Over the last week the yearlings have received their 5-way booster vaccine, I trimmed Jeanne and Mystiqe's hooves,and have been grooming off the mud after everyone rolls(that is a full time job in itself,lol) and Carma has officailly been sold and has gone to her forever home with her new owner Margit. Busy times on Diamond A.

Will keep you updated on baby watch.

Another spring storm!!

2010-04-15T20:32:00.001-07:00

We survived another spring storm, Thankfully we did get some moisture from this one, at least enough to get the pastures a start. With the warm weather forecasted for the next few days it should really start to green up.

The photo this time is my girl, Winnie. Fur ball that she is!

Stopped at the vet clinic today after work and bought 2 more 5-way vaccines to give to the yearling fillies. It has been just about a month since they had their first dose, so this will be their booster shot. They stood very well the first time, so am expecting more of the same from them. Gave them a quick rub with the brush tonight, Winnie is a total fur ball, but is finally letting go some of her winter coat. Willow is not half as fuzzy, but is finally letting loose too. Plan on giving them a real good rub this weekend. See if we can fill up a 5 gallon bucket with hair(I don't think it will be hard to do!) Exciting news, I have a "Sale Pending" on Carma. Will give more details as time progresses, but I will share that I have a good feeling that she has found her "forever home". Makes me very happy for my sweet little mare.

Hopefully Rose and I can get in some riding this weekend, slip slidding thru the mud!

Weather and Horses

2010-04-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, in typical Alberta fashion the weather has been doing its number on us. After having an unseasonably warm March, which we took full advantage of by being very busy working with the horses. Then April 8th arrived and that night with it a full blown spring storm. Unfortunately not much moisute with it, the snow all blew away, but the wind blew at 90 km/hr for most of Thursday night and into Friday, with it finally subsiding late Saturday night. Today it is once again a beautiful day made for riding.

The photo posted is of Rose working on the lunge line last Wednesday, before the storm.

My pregnant mares are beginning to show sings of making bag, only a month to go and hopefully we will have little Duc babies on the ground. I am looking forward to it!

I have been busy readying the trailer for our first outing of the year. The Mane Event in Red Deer is taking place April 23-25, and Rose and I will be taking part in the breed demos. We have been working on loading and unloading and with some practice Rose is doing it like a pro. She initially wasn't to sure about the whole ramp deal, but now all is well. Carma walked on like it was no big deal, so she got a nice treat for that!

Time to ride!

2010-03-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy with the horses I have had no time to blog! Plus we made a trip down to Oregon to visit family and while we were down there I went and visited another rare breed of horse, the Cleveland Bay. While they are nice, I much prefer my Canadians. Cleveland Bays are very big in the front end, very uphill horses but not much in the back end.(At least the ones that I saw.) Whereas Canadians are a very well balanced horse throughout, I guess it comes down to personal preference. I am sticking with my Canadians!

Before we left for Oregon we brought the mares home from the pasture, making it easier for our neighbor to do chores.I didn't expect him to haul water out to them! Upon arrival home from Oregon and after the annual trip to the vet clinic to buy vaccinations for everyone, the mares have been vaccinated, hooves trimmed, recieved a good grooming and have been returned to the pasture for another month before they are brought home for foaling. They are much happier out there roaming around and getting exercise than standing around at home being bored.

The weather this month has been above normal temps. and I have logged a fair amount of riding already for this time of year. Just the other day Rose and I put on over 6 miles, she is a very fun horse to ride. Eager and bold, she has an amazing walk that I love.

If you visit the sale page anytime soon, there are going to be some price changes. The yearling fillies are increasing in price and in order to find Carma a home, I am dropping her price.
So check us out.
Happy Trails...

2010-03-06T19:07:00.000-08:00

Unbelievablely warm weather over the past week for March in Alberta. I have been out on Duc twice, and he thoroughly enjoys being out and about. He is very out of shape so we are taking it pretty easy, plus he has a very thick winter coat yet. Although he is shedding out he works up a good sweat in all that hair.
Had a fantastic ride on Carma yesterday, 5 miles we went, alternated walk a 1/2 mile, trot a 1/2 mile. She was a tired mare when we got home, but still game. Today when I rode her she still stepped out and we covered 3 miles pretty easy.
The snow is melting at a very quick rate and the pens are all muddy, hence the horses are all muddy. Keeping us busy grooming for sure! The yearling fillies loved getting brushed last night, and of course got completely covered in mud again today!
Doesn't matter where you scratch the horses this time of year, they all curl their lip in glee.

Travelling In Style

2010-03-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

The horses and I will be travelling well this summer. Very happy to say we have upgraded our horse trailer to one with living quarters. After years of wishing for one, to owning one, it is like a dream come true! My husband made a road trip to Texas to make it happen for me, 4200 miles round trip! I am so excited to start using it, I can't wait.

With the weather being so springlike lately it has been wonderful to be out with the horses. Lunging & riding Carma(she is full of spring fever, lots of energy) Chelsey had a short ride on Rose, first time anyone else has rode Rose, they were both fine with it.
Duc has been lunged this week too, and he is more than happy to be put to work. I am planning on riding him today for the first time in quite awhile. Chelsey has been learning to apply leg wraps; Polos, standing bandages etc and has been using Duc as her model. He stands so well, like a very relaxed statue.
All of the horses are doing very well and are loving this warmer weather.
Happy Spring Riding.

Perfect day for riding!

2010-02-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

An absolutely gorgeous day for riding today, beautiful clear blue skies and it was a little above zero. It sure made for nice riding and Chelsey and I had a great time. Both Carma and Rose stepped out smartly and we put on a few miles and worked up a nice sweat. More of the same for tomorrow, hopefully.
I have decided come April 1st, that I am increasing the price on Winsome and Willow. So if you are interested in my young fillies now is the time to buy. Come by and check them out, I know you won't be disappointed.
All of the horses are enjoying the break in the weather and some of them have even started to let go of their winter coats a little bit. Everyone certainly enjoys getting a good brushing/scratch.
Happy Trails

2010-02-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

Well here we are already well into February, and after 2 weeks of gloomy skies and fog we finally had a clear blue day of sunny weather. Of course I put that to good use and went for a ride on Rose, she was more than happy to get out and we had a nice little ride.
We are continuing our search for our new-to-us horse trailer, we have a short list, hopefully one of them may turn out be the right one!
A new turn of events, Jewel may be pregnant after all and the vet wasn't feeling in the right place maybe! When I took water out to the field today for the mares, looking closely at Jewel's flank area, I am pretty sure I could see movement of a foal. I guess if she is she will continue to grow and I will continue to watch for more signs!
Valentines Day is fast approaching...give your special four legged friend an extra treat!

2010-01-31T17:40:00.000-08:00

As January comes to an end on Diamond A, we have had a good month. I have sold my horse trailer and have begun my search for one with living quarters. Am looking forward to new adventures this summer putting it to good use.
Haven't done to much riding, unfortunately the chinook made for very slippery footing and the fields are not the best either. We did have some very nice people come out and try Carma. Maybe they will be the ones to give her a forever home, I felt it was a good match but only time will tell.
The two young fillies are continueing to do well, they eagerly look forward to going back in the barn every night, especially if the weather is unpleasant! Regardless they are are always waiting at the gate for attention or will come on the run if you show up unexpectedly.
Looking ahead to February and getting in some riding, here's hoping the worst of the winter is over and spring will be here in a couple of months!
If you have been checking us out online, why not come for a visit and meet us and the horses in person. You might just find the horse of your dreams!
Until then....Karen

Official First Trim

2010-01-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

We still are enjoying a chinook, so I am taking advantage of it and had the farrier come today.
Willow and Winnie had their first official trim, I couldn't have asked them to be better behaved. The farrier was quite impressed with them and how well they stood. He said he has 12 Quarter horse young ones to do next week and said he hopes they will be half as good as my fillies! Chelsey and I brought the mares home from the field too, so everyone had a manicure! Tomorrow I hope to be back in the saddle and maybe even get some video taken of Rose, so we can post it on youtube. Then you will be able to see first hand how awesome she is!
Until then ...happy riding.

Chinook arrived! Time to ride!

2010-01-09T22:15:00.000-08:00

Yay, finally the weather has improved and boy did we take advantage of it. Chelsey riding Carma and myself on Rose and away we went dashing thru the snow. Had a wonderful ride and as the mares were trotting along, the snow was spraying everywhere from plowing thru it and the sun was shining,it was an absolutely marvelous time. Wish I could have taken a picture. Hoping to get out again tomorrow, can't wait!

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

It is the beginning of a new year and a new decade at Diamond A Canadians. Wow, it has been 10 years since I have bought my first Canadian horse(Jewel), the herd has certainly grown over the years! I look forward to many adventures with my Canadians and meeting and introducing this wonderful breed to more people. My hope is to find wonderful forever homes for my mares that I am selling, it is hard to sell when you love them but know it is for the best. I will continue to stand Duc and offer him to outside mares, but will only breed 1or 2 mares of my own. I have dreams of getting Jewel driving this summer and 3day eventing on Rose (if she isn't sold by then). Someone might come along and realize how awesome she is! The young fillies Winnie and Wilow will take up my time too, doing lots of ground work with them etc. I can see already that Willow is destined for the show ring, what an elegant girl she is, a total show-off! Winnie is going to make someone an awesome mount or driving horse. Her attitude is one of calm acceptance, she wants to understand what is going on around her, investigate and see whats happens next. I wish you all a very Happy New Year and may all of your Canadian Horse dreams come true in 2010.

2009-12-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

We did it! Rose and I enjoyed dashing thru the snow today. Although we only went about 2 miles(it is still pretty darn cold out!) our ride was beautiful. With snow up to her knees, Rose made a fine sight trotting and loping effortlessly thru the drifts. By the time we made it back to the barn, even though I had on all my winter riding gear, my toes and fingers were cold. It didn't bother Rose any though, she didn't even hardly work up a sweat. I gave her a rubdown, put on a blanket, gave her a treat and she was a happy horse.
Chelsey lunged Carma this afternoon, (she said it was too cold to ride!) and once again Carma worked wonderfully for her. Wednesday is our next opportunity to ride and I am hoping for a few degrees warmer, even close to minus 5C would be like a heatwave!
Wherever you may be.... enjoy your horses, stay warm and Happy New Year!

Busy weekend, frigid temps.

2009-12-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

The big news of course is that Rapture has been sold and has found a home with some very nice people in Saskatchewan. She has 3 day eventing in her future and maybe even some driving too. I wish Lisa and Rob all the best with her, she is their first Canadian horse. I know she will do the breed proud.
Finally after another week of frigid temperatures, the weather has finally moderated out and yesterday I was able to work Carma and we were even able to take some video and have posted it on youtube. If you are interested in seeing it just type in her full name in the subject box( Woodmont Dynamo J-Carma) and you will have three videos to choose from. Enjoy.
After working with Carma I was even able to have time to saddle up Rose and go for a short ride on her as well. After having been off for 3 months, she was amazing. Just got on and had a nice ride, even though she was full of P&V she was incredibly well behaved. I was so proud of her. Walk/trot/lope. Hope to get out this weekend and go for a longer ride and go dashing thru the snow!

2009-12-14T06:13:00.000-08:00

Frigid temperatures arrived this past month and have been sticking around longer than we would like. Weather forecasts are for moderation mid week, for which both people and animal alike will be Thankful for. Looking forward to getting in the saddle and getting out on Carma and Rose while the weather is somewhat better. The horses, being Canadians, have handled the cold just like everything else they do, with absolutely no problems. The 4 mares out on pasture seem to relish it. As long as I show up with water and their vitamin/mineral, they are happy horses.Stay warm Canadian Horse Lovers.

2009-12-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

What do you think of our cover boy? I had a great time hanging out with Duc taking his photo after we had a snowfall on Friday. He is such a big love bug, just enjoys hanging out and getting some attention. He must have been scratching a tree or something and some snow landed on his forehead, it made for a great shot!
Hope you enjoy the photos that have been added on the photo page as well and also the new ones on the For Sale page. Enjoy looking at them and feel free to write a comment, would love to have some feedback on what you think of the website , etc.
Stay warm...its cold in Alberta. Winter has arrived,brrr!

2009-11-24T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Canadian Horse Lovers,
It has been awhile since I have given you any new information.I've been sick with a cold since arriving home from Italy on the 6th and have been busy with the horses. The horses were all brought home from fall pasture November 8th, the farrier came on the 9th and everyone got a trim except for the fillies, Winnie and Willow. Jewel, Jeanne and Mystique received their Pneumabort shots.
November 14th was the big day, Winnie and Willow were weaned, much to their dismay. What do you mean my mom is not coming back!
Since then all the horses have been wormed and the mares are back out on fall pasture. The vet was here on the 23rd and the weanlings were microchipped and Jewel and Mystique were preg checked. Mystique is pregnant but unfortunately Jewel is not. So we will only be expecting foals from Jeanne and Mystique in the spring.
The weanlings are doing very well, stand tied nicely and are leading quite well.They are enjoying being brushed and fusssed over, love going into the barn each night. Working on picking up their feet and they are getting much better about that.
Their registration papers were sent in today, so before too long they will be officially Registered. Our first foal crop to carry the Diamond A name.

Ciao from Italia

2009-10-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

Buon giorno from Italia,which means Good day from Italy. I am having a fabulous time visiting Roma and now Firenze(Florence). The incredible history, art,and sculptures is awe inspiring and a person can not find enough words to describe it all.Amazing!! We have enjoyed beautiful weather and friendly people wherever we go. Friday we rent a car and go exploring Tuscany,should be another grand adventure.
Arrivederci...Goodbye

2009-10-20T08:45:00.001-07:00

October arrived and with it winter. It has moderated out somewhat and the snow has melted but gloomy skies and rain prevail. Not ideal weather unless you are a duck. Did get a chance to ride Carma on Saturday. She was pretty frisky for Carma, as she hadn't been rode in awhile, so she was quite happy to get moving!
I am off to Italy for a holiday with my sisters, starting Oct.25 for 11 days, so am leaving my husband in charge of the horses. Everyone better behave themselves while I am gone!!
Upon arrival home, mares and foals will all be brought home, everyone will be wormed, pregnant mares will receive their first pneumabort vacciantion, farrier is coming to trim hooves and Willow and Winsome will be weaned. That will be a big week.
In the meantime enjoy whatever nice weather we have left and go riding:)
Karen

2009-10-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
September just seemed to fly by and here it is already Thanksgiving this weekend. Beautiful weather in September, but not much time to ride as we were busy getting the crop off. Rose and I were able to get out a bit and have some nice rides. Now that October has arrived the weather has taken a nasty turn for the worst, so have not ventured out to ride. Still hoping for some nice fall days to put on some miles.
I have decided to do some drastic herd reduction, as much as it will hurt to see them go, I have decided to offer most of the mares for sale. If I can find them good homes where they will be loved and utilized for the good of the breed, I can be happy about that.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Spruce Meadows

2009-09-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

Spruce Meadows enjoyed gorgeous summerlike weather for its entire tournament.It made taking in all the events both day and evening most agreeable.Many people came to visit the Canadian Horse booth and watch our breed demos. Rose was surrounded by black horses, for some it was their first time seeing a Bay Canadian. She handled herself well, she was quite leary of all the golf carts, but by weeks end she had grown accustomed to them along with all of the other sights and sounds of Spruce. A great week, very busy, but once again met more Canadian Horse enthusiasts.
Happy Riding Everyone.
Karen

Heading to Spruce Meadows

2009-09-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

We're off to Spruce today, in preperation for the start of the Masters at Spruce Meadows tomorrow. Looking forward to meeting people from all over and showing them what Canadians are all about. I hope to find some who may even be interested in purchasing one or two!
Have a great week everyone, will let you all know how we made out once we get back home on Sunday.

She's Staying!

2009-08-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

After months of begging and a few tears, I have relented to Chelsey, and Carma is no longer "For Sale". I have made Chelsey very happy and probably Carma too as they are quite the pair together. Hard on Mom's pocketbook but the smile she wears is worth a million dollars!

Rose is getting some serious saddle time this past week, and I am hoping to ride her daily from now until Spruce Meadows. The only thing I have come across that she does not like is vehicles coming up behind her, and we are working on that! She is used to Justin's 250cc dirt bike ripping thru the yard and all about the place , just don't come up behind her on 4 wheels. Does a little dance, nothing serious , after all she is a Canadian!
Last week I was palying with her on the ground with a blue tarp and an umbrella, no worries says Rose!... So I saddled her up, mounted her with the umbrella in a closed position, played with it a bit opening and closing it and ended my ride with umbrella open, holding it in one hand above us, reins in the other hand and standing on the blue tarp. She thought that it was all in a days work! Good girl Rose!

Life is just better with horses in it. Canadian horses!
Karen

Pocket Ponies!

2009-08-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Canadian Horse Lovers! August is flying by and summer seems to be going with it. The drought is over! Lots of rain this month, just this past weekend we had 3 inches, unbelievable! Where was it in May and June when we were desperate for moisture?? Making the grass grow green and now the mosquitoes are trying to make a show. Hopefully there won't be many.

On our front page now being featured are our 2009 fillies. In the foreground is Willow and slightly behing her is Winnie. It was near impossible to get a photo of them beside each other as they wanted to be as close to me as possible getting scratched! No one could ever accuse them of not being friendly! My pocket ponies!

Chelsey has started working with Carma when she is home on weekends, starting her to harness. Doing some ground driving, all seems to be going well.

Live, Laugh & Ride

Karen

2009-08-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day today! On the weekend of our big party we had 2 big storms. Saturday night a big wind hit and had over 1/2 inch of rain and Sunday after an extremely hot 32 degree Celcious day we had and inch of rain and big hail stones(golf ball size!)
The horses all came thru the storm with no problems. As predicted I introduced my horses to some new fans, everyone loved them!
Chelsey and I took Carma and Rose on a 3 hour ride this past Sunday. Had beautiful weather, no bugs and only one crazy driver passed on a narrow counrty rode. Rose was not impressed and did a quick turnabout and tried to jump into steep ditch. Some people are clueless about livestock even out here in the country, even after I held up my hand to get him to slow down! For a young green horse that was the only slight mishap, Rose is doing wonderful under saddle. Walk/trot/ canter with no worries. Hopefully this week my outdoor arena is dry enough to work in and we can do some exercises in there.
Happy Riding Everyone:)

2009-08-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend we are celebrating our farm's 100th year of farming. Tom's Grandfather homestead in 1909 and this weekend we have family coming from all over to help us celebrate this milestone.
I will be able to tell people all about the Canadian breed and show them my horses too!

2009-07-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hot, hot and more hot. So far this summer we have seen some scorching temperatures and very little rain at Diamond A Canadians. The horses are all doing well, although I am sure they would wish it to cool off into the 20's C instead of the 30+ degree weather we have been experiencing.

I hope you all like the new website and visit often. On our front page, being featured this month is Rapture and her filly Willow. Each month will see a new picture and different horse being spotlighted. That way they all get a turn being a star!

My daughter Chelsey and I have been riding each night after it cools off. Chelsey is giving Carma some exercise and I have been putting on some miles on Rose. She is going nicely under saddle and I am planning on taking her to Spruce Meadows in September to take part in the breed demos happening there. Let people know that Canadians come in something besides black!

Happy Tails,
Karen

2009-06-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

Well its June and Love is in the air....horsewise anyways! Duc has been put to work and he couldn't be happier about it:) Jewel, Jeanne and Mystique have been his love interests this spring and I hope that we have three beautiful foals next spring as a result of their liasion.

Both new fillies Winnie(Jewel's foal) and Willow(Rapture's foal) are growing and doing well. Both of them are in your pocket and absolutely love attention. Winnie received her first halter lesson today and thought that was not too big of a deal, just as long as she still got a scratch too.

Praying for rain in Rumsey. Not a drop of moisture all spring, we desperately need the rain. Pastures, crops and hay fields, not to mention my garden and are in dire need of a big drink.
Karen

2009-05-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, Welcome to the first blog from Diamond A Canadians! An update on our latest additions to the herd. We have two new fllies on the ground in May. Jewel and Duc produced a black filly with a star on May 6. We have named her Winsome aka Winnie and she is thriving, quite a strong resemblance to her dam at this point.
Our second addition arrived ten days later on the 16th out of our young mare Rapture.She was bred to Canadream's Manhattan, and once again another beautiful black filly with a star. She has been named Willow and is quite the friendly girl. Will post pictures within a few days.