Custom Horsehair Artist Donna Murray was raised on a mixed farm in southeastern Saskatchewan and horses were always a part of her life.  She says that she and her siblings were involved in 4H, fairs, rodeos, trail rides and wagon trains. During the summer months, their family operated a Vacation farm, hosting children from the city for horseback riding and other activities.
After graduation, Donna obtained a Farrier Sciences Certificate and worked with horses at racetracks and guest ranches. A serious injury in 1989 stopped her in her tracks. Unable to physically work with horses now, Donna looked for another way to stay connected to them. She became a self-taught horsehair braider and hitcher.  She credits the mentoring she received from Ron and Shoni Maulding – Authors of Hitched Horsehair Books I and II - with helping her work to evolve into what it is today.
Collaborating with other creatives meant more opportunities to attend trade fairs and other equine events, and Donna’s business grew. She started getting requests to make custom pieces – items made from the hair of specific individual horses. Donna says the majority of her custom work is done using the hair from deceased horses and she understands the desire many people have to keep a memento of their horses that have passed.
“Losing a horse is an emotional experience for the person,” Donna says, “and sometimes it is hard to take the step of cutting their hair.”
Items range from small pieces like zipper pulls to big pieces like hitched belts and the item/s made can be dictated by how much hair has been saved. Donna can also supplement a specific horse’s hair with additional horsehair she has in stock.

Southern Alberta is an area rich in artisans, and Donna has been fortunate to work with others to complete items - silversmiths, leatherworkers, potters, picture framers, and wood carvers. She is always open to suggestions from her customers, and some beautiful pieces have been created using their ideas.
Every day at Donna Murray Custom Horsehair can be different, depending on orders. Time of completion for an item depends on the item, what type of work is needed and whether there is dyeing involved. Donna receives orders from around the globe, but the majority of her customers are from the U.S. There is a lot of competition in this field of work, with Made in Mexico and China horsehair products readily available. Donna says the adage "You get what you pay for" really holds true, with her work being higher priced than imports but also much higher quality.

Anyone who wants to become a horsehair worker will need tons of patience, perseverance, creativity and another source of income. Donna says that is all offset by her enjoyment of working with clients and seeing that they are satisfied with her unique products.
Customers can purchase horsehair items without having to have horses, or take hair from their own horses. As well as the horsehair items, Donna makes hand-latched wool products - saddle blankets, wither pads and tush cushes. The saddle blankets are very popular, and she has many repeat customers for them.

Donna says her website has been a great tool for clients to find her work. Her site is newly redesigned, along with a Facebook page. She welcomes all enquiries and looks forward to an exciting New Year.

Donna Murray is a self-taught horsehair hitcher and braider, who resides in Lethbridge, Alberta. She started working with horsehair in 1992 and, with patience and perseverance, has learned to create high-quality, functional items. Visit Donna at:   www.customhorsehairandwoolcreations.com 

Carol Upton (604) 886-8951
Dreams Aloud Promotions
~ Linking your dreams to the world
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by Brenda Stefanson, PAg
Regional Farm Business Management Specialist

Over the years, groups of farmers have worked together to capture business opportunities, allowing the group to accomplish what the individual group-members cannot do on their own. One of the first of many decisions the group must make as they undertake a business venture, is whether they will form as a corporation or a co-operative. Each of these business structures has advantages and disadvantages.
A corporation is a legal entity that has a separate legal existence from its shareholders and directors. Shareholders and directors are not generally personally liable for the debts, obligations or acts of the corporation. Private corporations are formed by one or more people and cannot sell shares or securities to the general public. Public corporations can issue securities to the public but the corporation must file a prospectus with the Saskatchewan Securities Commission, employ outside auditors and distribute semi-annual financial statements.
There are many advantages to operating as a corporation.
•    Limited Liability: Generally speaking, a shareholder is only liable to the extent of his/her investment in the corporation.
•    Continuity of Existence: The existence of a corporation is not affected by the death or bankruptcy of a shareholder or director.
•    Ownership is transferable: Shareholders can sell or transfer shares to others.
•    Tax advantages: Accountants and tax professionals are best equipped to assess the tax advantages or disadvantages of the business structure.
Some of the disadvantages of a corporate structure include:
•    Corporations can be costly to form.
•    Corporations are closely regulated and require extensive record keeping.
•    Shareholder control is based on size of investment.
•    A large investor could assume control of the corporation.
•    Conflict may develop between shareholders and/or between shareholders and management.
A co-operative is a corporation organized and controlled by its members. Co-operatives are separate legal entities and therefore, share the limited liability and other characteristics with corporations. The democratic principle of “one member, one vote” is the characteristic that sets co-ops apart.  Profits of the co-operative are distributed among members as patronage dividends.
The advantages of the co-operative structure include:
•    Democratic control:  The one member, one vote principle ensures co-operatives are owned and controlled by the people who use them.
•    Limited Liability: Members are not liable for the debts, obligations or acts of the co-operative.
•    Patronage Dividends: Surplus earnings are distributed as shares or cash to members in proportion to use.
There are some disadvantages to using the co-operative structure:
•    Member participation determines the success of the venture.
•    Decisions may take longer.
•    As with corporations, record keeping is extensive.
•    There is the potential for conflict between members and/or between members and management.
•    There is less incentive for members to invest additional capital.
Corporations and co-operatives share many characteristics and both have been used successfully by groups of farmers to capture opportunities or solve problems.
For more information on this topic contact your Regional Farm Business Management Specialist at 306-946-3214 or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

A browse through Shannon Lawlor’s online gallery explains why she is considered by Western Fine Art Collectors to be a premier bridle horse illustrator. Her paintings tap into our imaginations, yet also capture, with energy and spirit, real-life moments of working stock horses, ranching families and riders. A striking feature of her work is the animation in the faces of her equine subjects, something that is often lacking in animal art. Other pieces by Shannon include detailed and memorable close up images of inanimate objects such as spurs, knots, and chapetons, which are so fascinating to lovers of historical Western riding traditions.

Shannon never knew a life without horses. She had Welsh Ponies as a child and then grew up on a ¾ Arab Gelding, whom she describes as “….the horse that shaped everything for me.” Shannon has always worked in the horse/agricultural business - as a veterinary assistant, starting colts, working on cattle ranches and in feedlots. She had not planned on being an artist; however, as she embraced the desire to paint and with horses as her clear inspiration, she realized that art as a business was quite possible, and made that transition 8 years ago.

Like the development of any business, building a name for Shannon Lawlor Fine Art Inc. has taken time and dedication. It requires being on the road at shows and doing what Shannon calls “brush mileage”, consistently spending a lot of time in her studio in Nanton, Alberta, perfecting and honing skills. She devotes weeks at a time to researching her subject matter and in addition, wears all the hats the average self-employed business person must wear, keeping up with office tasks and coordinating multiple Art and Trade show events.

“I keep reinventing myself,” Shannon says, “because I want to improve as an artist. My vision is constantly changing. Of course, raising your own bar can be the most challenging thing to undertake.”

Shannon sees forward thinking as imperative in the equine art business. She is inspired by the many great equine artists in Western Canada alone and she finds support in meeting them at the trade shows to be the best form of professional development.

Shannon still has finger paintings of horses from her kindergarten days and it is evident that her joy in her work is simply a passion for the equine. She continues to seek out the horses that inspire her as subjects. What is her advice to others who want to pursue a career in equine art?

“You need to have faith that it is going to work. Be prepared to pay your dues, to do without, and to keep at it.”

This discipline and commitment have served Shannon well over the past 8 years. Her art is featured on international magazine covers, including Western Horseman, and on television for Canadian Cowboy Country. She has an impressive list of awards in art competitions across the country, most recently first place in the Ex Arte Equinus International Competition for Art Horse Magazine in Beaumont, Texas 2011/2012 with her painting of Casey, a Grade Percheron stallion. Shannon is the only artist to have placed first twice in this competition. She continues to participate in many invitational arts shows, including the Calgary Stampede, Phippen Museum and the Greeley Stampede.

About the Artist:

Shannon resides in Alberta where traditional bridle horse culture is strong. Her images portray the working stock horse and pay tribute to working horsemen and horses alike maintaining old traditions throughout North America. Visit Shannon at: www.shannonlawlor.com

Carol Upton (604) 886-8951
Dreams Aloud Promotions
~ Linking your dreams to the world
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Photography began for Andrea Blair when she was only 5 years old. Andrea’s family had always been creative in film and photography, so she naturally absorbed a love of this art through them. Today, she is renowned for her work from her Paper Horse Photography studio in Salmon Arm, B.C., showcasing the intense connection between people and animals, particularly horses.

Whether a client wants a farm family session, fun photos of horses and dogs, or a professional equestrian event shoot, Andrea is there with the skills to create a relaxed combination of client bond with her vision.

“I believe stepping out of the box is important,” Andrea says, “ embracing myself as an artist and following my own path.”

For Andrea, that means illuminating the love between pets and their people in the most creative possible ways, while still reflecting individual spirit. Only a trip through her online gallery can possibly do justice to this sensitive and patient work.

Andrea started in wedding and family photography, but quickly realized that her heart is with photographing animals and the lives that people build around them. Several years ago, she began connecting with the equine community via horse sport events and has never looked back.

Andrea is a busy mom who also works another full-time job, so organization and tight deadlines are the watchwords of her day. She often fits her photography work, image editing and email processing long into the night.

Andrea describes herself has having “…. a big heart and big dreams.” Always seeking another challenge, one of her biggest joys is traveling across the provinces meeting new people and their animals. She is now spearheading the second year of her Senior Horse Project.

“I am inspired by life in all its stages - every wrinkle, pucker, protrusion, sway back, grey hair or lack of teeth that tell the story of who these horses are at this stage in their life. As I photograph them I am further intrigued to hear their story as told by the people who love them.”

Once she has enough senior horses photographed, Andrea will compile their images and stories together to produce a book. She invites queries on this project and the focus in early 2013 will be on miniatures. Sales of prints have been particularly popular this year for Paper Horse Photography and Andrea is excited about the new energy her work is bringing to her in 2013.

Andrea Blair | Paper Horse Photography is a portrait photographer specializing in equine and canine photography with a style consisting of candid, heartfelt and emotional imagery. Based in Salmon Arm, BC Andrea is always eager to capture the bond between people and their animals. Visit her gallery at http://www.andreablair.com or her Blog at http://www.ablairphotographyblog.com

Carol Upton (604) 886-8951
Dreams Aloud Promotions
~ Linking your dreams to the world
Website:      www.dreamsaloud.ca
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“He has the flanks of an antelope, the legs of an ostrich, the trot of a wolf and the gallop of a young fox.” ~ Edouard al-Dahdah, a breeder and lover of Desert Arabian Horses
Although summer has long fled, even here in B.C., I greatly want to share my experience this August at the 2nd Annual Canadian National Arab and Half-Arab Championships in Brandon, Manitoba. I don’t often attend major horse shows focusing on one breed, so this opportunity could only be described as a thrill for me.

The show, a flagship event for the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), hauled in for a week at the Keystone Center in mid-August. My first surprise was to hear how much revenue this generated within Brandon over that week - 8 to 10 million dollars overall. Show exhibitors arrived from 40 states and 6 provinces with roughly 750 horses to compete in 187 classes – and downtown Brandon was abuzz with retail activity from morning until night as classes proceeded.
The atmosphere was extraordinarily friendly in the barns and the spectacular Trade Show. There was ample opportunity to say hello to breeders and competitors, or relax in front of their viewing areas, watching dvds of the horses in show and available for sale. It was evident everywhere we went that education and training in responsible horsemanship and horse welfare is paramount to these individuals and organizations. What an incredible level of involvement, especially for our young folks!
Being new to it all, I was particularly enamoured of the special evening performances like the Best of Breeding Mares and Stallions, and the purebred Native Costume and Park Championships. I could not do these performances justice with my small digital, but you can see it all for yourself next year!

Videos, live feeds and results can be found at the Arabian Horse Association link: http://www.arabianhorses.org/competitions/nationalevents/canadiannationals/2012/
There are exhibitors from all across North America designated as “Discovery Farms”, a designation that indicates their willingness to introduce visitors in-person to this incredible athletic and romantic breed in a non-sales atmosphere. The purebred Arabian is today virtually the same as that ridden in the ancient Middle East. More information on Discovery Farms can be found at this link:
http://www.arabianhorses.org/activities/discoveryfarms.asp

Carol Upton (604) 886-8951
Dreams Aloud Promotions
~ Linking your dreams to the world
Website:      www.dreamsaloud.ca
Twitter:         http://twitter.com/#!/Karolka
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By Yvonne Allen, Director of Voice for the Horse

The Mane Event Expo 2012 held October 19 -21 in Chilliwack was an extremely heartfelt experience this year, much different than many of our other equine events. Voice For The Horse has been working strategically to fulfill our mission of “forever bridging the gap between horse and humans in our modern day world today and into our futures” and we are pleased to have put into place a strong set of resources to spread our message virtually on empowerment through horses, addressed especially to children who face bullying in their lives.
On Friday evening we joined many other groups across Canada and did a Vigil for Amanda Todd at our booth at the Mane Event. We decorated a beautiful table to include a lovely poster we made stating our promise to Amanda that Voice For The Horse would do everything within our power to put a stop to the bullying children experience today. We also wrote a direct message from the horse addressing the bully; these words touched the heart of many who stopped by to pay their respects.
One thing which was acknowledged and repeatedly agreed upon by all the horse people we talked to, including many children, was that horses strengthen our characters. We know if more children had access to the horse and the lessons they teach us so naturally, many more children today would be walking taller and saying NO to the bully.
To assist us in fulfilling our mission and sending out our message to say NO to bullying, Voice For The Horse has created a virtual horse character through Flat Stanley which will be available on a phone app as well as through the Flat Stanley Project - http://www.noshowequinecelebritygala.org/viewcategory/16
We are excited to implement this tool where we can share with every child empowerment from the horse. We know this will strengthen children, not only in their character, but also teach them that the animals in our lives have much to offer us and deserve respect, in particular the horse.
We are extremely fortunate to have had Alexis Gordon join up with VFTH to assist us in our mission of eradicating bullying, to the best of our ability. Alexis attended the Mane Event with us on Saturday and brings with her much experience in combating bullying. She has been part of an anti-bullying group for the last 5 years called Power to Stay Away (PSA). Our organization is also very fortunate to have as Ambassador 13 year old Cole Armour who dedicates much energy, in particular through his music, to support kids who are being bullied. Cole most recently performed a song he wrote in the summer of 2012 called “U” dedicated to the victims of bullying, on the CTV Morning Show which was done as a tribute for Amanda Todd on the day of her Vigil and we have included that link in Resources below.
We hope we have sparked an interest in your heart in that you will come visit us on our web site at www.voiceforthehorse.com We are a grassroots initiative founded back in 2007 where we initially set out on our mission stated above. Today we have more than fulfilled our mission beyond our wildest dreams. Voice For The Horse is a non-profit organization registered in the province of B.C. We promote fine art projects for children to include literacy the horse as our subject and network internationally through both social media and our web site to further promote the presence horses in our lives.

Equine-Assisted Resources for Youth:
In Saskatchewan:

Cartier Equine Learning Center in Prince Albert offers Youth Programs:http://www.horseownertoday.com/vendor.aspx?vid=27
http://cartierequinelearningcenter.com/

In Alberta:

Calgary’s Equine Connection specializes in equine-assisted therapy for bullying in schools and workplace: www.equineconnection.ca

In British Columbia:

Voice for the Horse – a grass-roots organization creating a kinder world through horses with our children: www.voiceforthehorse.com

VFTH Ambassador Cole Armour performs his new anti-bullying song ‘U’ at the Port Moody Festival of the Arts in September 2012. This is a powerful message of hope and healing directed at young people around the world. http://colearmour.com/video.html

You Can Change Your Choices – A Message from the Horse by Voice for the Horse:
http://www.voiceforthehorse.com/viewcategory/700

Youth with Purpose – A New Kind of Horsepower including programs for pre-teens is offered through Unbridling Your Brilliance:
http://www.unbridlingyourbrilliance.com/youth-leadership

As we head into this season of gratitude and giving, I was drawn to write this month about the incredible work being done by Paradise Stable Horse Rescue. Lawrence and Bunnie Harasym’s non-profit business mission is to provide a safe home for abused, neglected, or abandoned horses, nurturing them back to health while promoting public awareness and education on the responsibilities of horse ownership. But, as many readers will understand, these angels among us do so much more than that.

Bunnie talks about the love for all animals that she and Lawrence have shared since childhood, with a strong interest in animal welfare emerging over the years. During their first year of living on their acreage, they discovered horse auctions happening just outside of Saskatoon, where they made their first horse purchase by outbidding a meat buyer. One day, these horses are deeply loved, winning blue ribbons or teaching a child to ride. The next, they are sent to auction, treated brutally, and often crammed into semi-trailers for a hellish journey to the slaughterhouse. The Harasyms saw horses there that were injured or ill, but also many that were healthy, young and perfectly suitable for second lives. Their challenging, yet highly rewarding work had begun.

“We believe every horse has a purpose and they are not disposable,” says Bunnie. “We love to see a horse whose spirit is broken come to the rescue, as once they are rehabilitated through love, compassion, food, and vet care they become rejuvenated and their zest for life continues.”

This is accomplished through long days of devoted work – feeding, health checks, medication, cleaning, building repairs, bonding and exercise. The remainder of the day is spent in the office, answering inquiries about horses in need of placement, planning fundraisers, and working with the media to help put an end to the brutality of horse slaughter. 

As the Harasyms can attest, operating a horse rescue is a huge expense that is also emotionally taxing. It runs 365 days a year and requires 24/7 commitment. Anyone thinking of going into the business of horse rescue must have a love and compassion for horses, access to land and access to a volunteer base, an excellent farrier and vet.

The Harasyms often face the sad challenge of having to reject horses because there are no spaces or funds to take them in. They overcome this through sponsors and volunteers, the angels behind the angels who work hard directly with the horses and coordinating  fundraiser trail rides, silent auctions, bottle drives, donations and the on-site consignment Tack Shack.

The Harasyms have a dream for Paradise Stable - to include an indoor centre and arena for year round training and viewing of horses. In this centre, horse auctions will also be held where meat buyers will be barred, which will ensure that the auction is for people interested in purchasing and selling horses as companions and partners.

Currently, Paradise Stable has 16 horses in care. Their website features a list of incredible adoptables with so much to offer loving new families – including Calypso, a bay Welsh mare who would make a great 4H pony, and 3-year-old pleasure horse prospect Savannah. The inspiring success stories here will leave muzzle-prints on your heart. Bunnie says if you can save a horse or support a rescue near you, any donation will help this vital work continue.


Paradise Stable Horse Rescue was established in 2001 by Lawrence and Bunnie Harasym. The rescue is located northwest of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on a beautiful, scenic, and peaceful 80 acres. Visit Bunnie and Lawrence at: www.paradisestablehorserescue.weebly.com , http://www.horseownertoday.com/vendor.aspx?vid=19

Carol Upton (604) 886-8951
Dreams Aloud Promotions
~ Linking your dreams to the world
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Twitter:         http://twitter.com/#!/Karolka
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From the Accounting World
CANADA REVENUE AGENCY 2012 CAMPAIGNS
CRA began a plan of “campaigns” three years ago.  A campaign is a program of attack on specific sector of personal and corporate tax.  Their approach is to send out a letter to “let you know” what the rules are (as they interpret them).  They suggest that if you have been doing something incorrectly, then you have a chance to correct it without a penalty.  Getting this letter from CRA can be quite upsetting as it is often worded as though you “are guilty” of doing something incorrectly.
The 2012 Campaigns are as follows:
1.    Rental income reporting (including illegal suites, recreational property and personal use property.
2.    Payments to non-arm’s length individuals (children, spouses and non-arm’s length individuals and companies.
3.    Individuals reporting commission income, including all employed commissions (this targets restaurants (servers), hair dressers, commission based sales persons and all others reporting commission income)

 http://www.keyaccountinggroup.ca

Prue Critchley's horse breeding business began with the purchase of a Morgan mare in 1987.  We had emigrated from the UK in 1982 and I was finally able to fulfill my dream of owning horses.  Shortly after Prue purchased an Arabian gelding, Keylyn TH Censor,  for endurance and competitive trail.  He completed 4500 miles in competition including the Tevis - one day 100 mile ride in Calfornia.   She enjoyed the characteristics so much that she decided to breed her mare to his sire.  This produced Prue's next Endurance and CTR horse, Fort William+/ who has completed over 5000 miles in competition.
 
2002 brought a major purchase to Prue's farm,  a beautiful Arabian stallion, Perdition VF (Probat x Peleryna by Algomej.)  He died very unexpectedly in 2010 - Prue was devastated to lose her special stallion. 
When *Empres became available on the sale market, Prue's thoughts were "  Here is another beautiful stallion with a very similar pedigree, A few months later, he was mine!"
 
*Empres is a son of the legendary horse Monogramm, his dam, Empressa, a Polish National Champion mare is by Probat.  Empressa is from Michalow's famous "E" line and includes the stallions Eukaliptus, Bandos and Celebes.
 
*Empres was born at Michalow State Stud, Poland in 1995 under the direction of Ignacy Jaworowski. He was Top Five colt at the Polish National Junior Show in 1996.  He successfully raced in Warsaw as a three year old and then stood at stud at various farms in Poland until he was sold through the Polish sale in 2002.  Empres relocated to the Netherlands and was shown at the Dutch National Stallion Show where he earned First Premium in 2003 and the Belgian Stallion Licencing, Gold Certification also in 2003.
 
Empres was exported to the US in 2008 where he was shown at several shows including Scottsdale where he achieved Top Fives and Top Tens in halter and sport horse classes. 
 
On arriving in Canada, Empres was shown in Sport Horse and in Main Ring Halter.  Empres finished the year top ten in Stallion Breeding.
 
2012 saw Empres winning Championship in Sport Horse In Hand at this year's Canadian National show. Empres went on to Top Ten in the large Sport Horse Under Saddle, placing 4th.
 
"September 2012,  Empres will be coming home to spend the winter relaxing and being ridden by myself." says Prue
 
Empres has sired 25 foals in Poland, several have been successful race horses, one has excelled in dressage and was named the Top Arabian Horse Under Saddle in 2009.  He has 2 foals in the US and one in Australia.  
Empres was CA and SCIDs tested upon entry into Canada.  He is SCIDs clear but a CA carrier.  We ask all mare owners to test their mares prior to breeding and only negative mares will be bred to ensure that no CA foals are ever produced.  So many of the great horses of the past have been carriers for both genetic diseases and it is fortunate now that testing is available so that potential disaster can be avoided.
 
"Empres' future looks very rosy!  He is enjoying the dressage and shows well in hand - with his wonderful disposition he has a lot to offer the Arabian horse world and we are so enjoying being a part of his success both in the ring and the breeding shed.  He will return to DJ Cairns next year for further training and showing."

http://www.facebook.com/pmcritchley

http://www.empres.ca/

http://www.bartongate.com/

Neil McLeod has been riding continuously since he was 6 years old, but he says he could not have predicted where his love of horses and training them would eventually take him.

On a recent visit to Brandon, Manitoba I was delighted to tour Thunderbird Horse Center and learn more about the humble beginnings of this family-owned and operated business. McLeod sees his own curiosity and desire to learn as two of the qualities that resulted in what is now one of Canada’s largest training and AQHA breeding facilities. Owners from across North America come to buy some of the best AQHA horses or send their horses here for Neil’s brand of performance training. Thunderbird bred and trained horses consistently win in Roping, Working Cow Horse, AQHA Versatility, Reining and Ranch Horse Competitions across the country.

Thunderbird Horse Center is home to approximately 100 AQHA horses that have been produced through a 30 year, six generation breeding program. During my visit, I also saw  beautifully-maintained facilities. Most striking is the unique “No Boundaries” Equine Challenge course, a layout of 15 obstacles designed to measure horsemanship abilities in a controlled environment. Neil obligingly demonstrated the skills in hand of his own equine athlete Pompasas, who appeared to enjoy climbing up and posing on the pedestals as much as we enjoyed watching him. This course is the site of the exciting No Boundaries Equine Challenge, a sponsored event organized annually by Thunderbird Horse Center.

Neil and his partner Kathy exhibit all the strengths of successful business people, particularly a down-to-earth sense of ethics.

“We aim to treat all customers and clients fairly and honestly,” McLeod says. “Our mission is to create the very best horses we can with the time and resources we have available.”

Days at Thunderbird are filled with the maintenance of horses, completing registrations, office administration, special events, training and lessons. Neil does a lot of ground work with each horse and operates from the premise of understanding what a horse is thinking and feeling. The McLeods see their biggest challenge as “how to get 20 hours out of a 10 hour day.” Organization and building a great team helps to overcome this challenge. Their advice to anyone wanting to start a breeding/training program includes the recognition that it is never about the money. It is about beating the odds with the desire to see a vision become reality.

“Never quit learning,” Neil suggests, “in all walks of life. When horsemanship is good, it will never let you down.”

Patience, hard work and never losing sight of the dream has paid off for the McLeods. Their future plan is a simple one – to make Thunderbird Horse Center the best it can be. Looks like that may have been already achieved!

Thunderbird Horse Center was established in 1977 and has grown to one of Canada’s foremost producers of quality performance bred AQHA horses. We have something for everyone from prospects to well-broke show ready horse and we also offer lessons, boarding and training. Visit us in-person or at http://www.thunderbirdhorses.com/cms/

Carol Upton (604) 886-8951
Dreams Aloud Promotions
~ Linking your dreams to the world
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