Jeanne finally did it!

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

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!

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

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!!

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

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!

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...

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

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!

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

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!

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

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!

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!!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.