Love at first sight

In 2016 I had attended the Equine Affaire in MA with a few friends; this was my first time hearing of the breed "Cheval Canadien" or Canadian Horse. Love at first sight is an understatement... the very beautiful shiny black coats, thick wavy mane and tail, and draft like build was really too much to resist, but their temperament and charisma was really what sealed my appreciation for the breed. I love Canadian Horses for their versatility, strength, personality and temperament. True all around horses, they posses the athleticism and charisma needed to succeed in any discipline, and their bond is like no other. My horses are great breed ambassadors but also part of my family, the Canadian holds a special place in all of our hearts...I firmly believe there is a Canadian for every horse enthusiast!

Keisha O’Connor, Owner of Edith & Destiny @ Kismet Canadian Horses, New Hampshire

Photos: Champagne Zurick Edith (L) & Soul Ridge Taboo Destiny (R) taken by Keisha O’Connor

It's the personality

I found my boy, Captain, through another Canadian owner. It is a lovely connected community.

If I had to pick my favourite attribute of the breed - it’s the personality. It is like he is always thinking and engaged. Always interacting. If there is activity, he wants to be part of it. It is a very special breed, and I’m so glad to have mine.

Sandra Dawe, Owner of Canadream Norwester-Lad Uluvme aka “Captain". Second Level Dressage Reserve Champion 2019.

Photos: Karie Elizebeth Photography.

They are the whole package

Canadians are the most intelligent, enthusiastic and versatile breed I have ever worked with in a forty year career in the horse industry. They are beautiful inside and out. With soundness, good health and superb athletic abilities, they are the whole package.

Barb Malcolm, Owner of Churchill Chimes Equestrian Centre and Donalf Farms Canadian Horse Breeders in Ontario

Photos by Madeley Photography: Donalf Farms Canadian herd (L). Hidden Meadow Adanac Neirin (Stallion).

Willingness to please

Why we love our Canadians

Their distinct characters and willingness to please make my Canadians my most challenging endeavor.  They trust me and push me to be the best I can be.  They love to have fun and fearless at their tasks.  We ride them, drive them and admire them.  The pasture is their stage and they definitely perform to our pleasure.  Du Coteau Jordin Xérèse, Du Coteau Jordin Wynchester and Double S Rebel-II Umour, our new addition to the family,  are proud to be Canadians

Linda Proulx

Photos: Du Coteau Jordin Xérèse on the job logging (L); Du Coteau Jordin Xérèse and, Du Coteau Jordin Wynchester driving (R)

"in-your-pocket"

Canadian Horses are “in-your-pocket” types – they are extremely social and curious, and they form strong bonds with people. They are also highly intelligent and they have been bred to work. All of these things make them a pleasure to be around and rewarding to train. I have such a bond with my horse and I can see how hard he tries to figure out what I’m trying to teach him – he learns so fast, and once he’s learned something, he doesn’t forget!

Alana Hilton, Owner of Five Winds Prince Sahara, 2nd Level Dressage Champion

Photo credits: Cara Grimshaw (L) and Marion Photography (R)

The ultimate war horse

Canada's best kept secret! This breed is rare and currently listed as critically endangered. I spend a lot of time dedication to promotion and education  of the breed at annual horse events.  The Canadian is the oldest breed in our continent and many were lost during the civil war.  They were considered and bred to be the ultimate war horse. Today Canadians still offer amazing qualities of hardiness and stamina as they did then. The Canadian is the most versatile breed I've ever seen. They compete in almost every discipline. 

Why do I love this breed, because they bond with people in the most incredible ways. They are loyal, friendly, intelligent, silly and curious by nature. They are very sound minded, easy keepers, hearty, strong bone structure, and confirmation is impeccable whether they are small stockier type or taller slender sport horse type.  Above all they are beautiful! 

My Canadian and I have done a wide variety of disciplines over the short 4 years I have owned him.  It's been quite an adventure. Our experience has included dressage, western dressage, TREC, trails, obstacles, Hunter pace, jumps, natural horsemanship, breed demos,  and a little driving.  We are now using combined skill to learn working equitation!   I think Canadians have so much to offer.  They are truly awesome.  My future with my Canadian has endless possibilities.  

Melissa Larsen, owner of Valencay Jordin Ying aka “River”

Photo: Canadian horse demo Equine Affaire Coliseum 2017 , taken by Keisha O’Connor, Kismet Canadians

Intelligent, full of character, funny and loyal

I love the versatility of this breed; they can and will excel at anything you can ask of them. No matter how weird and wonderful a task I set, Finn is always game to give it a go. When you buy a Canadian you buy a partner who will always be right there beside you ready to take on the challenge. They’re intelligent, full of character, funny and loyal. Nimble and fast enough to run barrels, powerful enough to pull ploughs, yet precise enough to execute those higher level dressage moves to breathtaking perfection. In the future I hope to try it all with Finn. My Canadian is my wings, my heart and my freedom all in one package. Plus, they’ll always be the first to greet you at the gate looking for a snack!

Beth Harrison, Owner of “Finn”

Canada's best-kept secret

I had no idea the power and mindset they have. I think everybody should work with/ride (or own) a Canadian. There’s one for every type of rider and discipline. They can do it all. These horses are definitely “Canada’s best-kept secret.”

Megan Currier, Owner of De Montem Bart Galvaro “Raven”

Raven has been a 3’6” Jumper, Prelim Eventer and 3rd Level Dressage horse. He is currently 22 and Fox Hunting as a Whipper-In mount.