Northern Dancer was an extraordinary horse who captured Canada’s spirit and inspired immense national pride. Northern Dancer, whose heart and spirit transcended his size, remains one of the greatest Thoroughbreds in history — a legend whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Simplicity, understanding, and connection - After witnessing acclaimed US dressage rider Steffen Peters perform award-winning tests at competitions around the world, I had no hesitation when asked to cover his clinic in June 2026 at High Wyck Farms in Meaford, Ontario. The quality and precision of his teaching matched the excellence of his competition performances.

The Lac La Croix Indigenous pony, named after the Lac La Croix First Nation, now the Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation, primarily existed in northwestern Ontario and across the United States border into Minnesota. This unique pony breed, considered to be developed by the Indigenous Peoples, was used for winter transportation, running trap lines, hauling logs and ice, and pulling sleighs. As forest dwellers, the breed boasts strong hooves to endure the rocky terrain of the Canadian Shield; fuzzy ears to protect them from insects; and often a dorsal stripe down its back and zebra stripes on its legs.

Horses have always been part of Canada’s history, helping people traverse vast landscapes, work the land, and support law enforcement across the country. In 1873, the Canadian government established the North-West Mounted Police to bring law and order to the Western territories, curb illegal whiskey trading, and support Canadian sovereignty during westward expansion.