By Bob Goddard

I’ve heard people say that you can make money off horses. I don’t get it. Our daughters’ horses have done nothing but cost us money.

We pay for their hay and grain. We pay for their barn. We pay for their tack and saddles and show clothes. We pay for the vet and farrier. We pay … oh … now I get it.

Okay, so the rule must be: you can make money off horses providing you don’t own one. But does it have to be that way?
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In operation for six years this summer, Whispering Hills Stables located in Darwell, Alberta, (straight west of Edmonton) has become a dream come true for stable manager Gail Sooley-Mckee, her husband Kerry, and daughter Hilary.

Having graduated from the Equine Studies program in the Nova Scotia Agriculture College in 1980, Gail says that there has been nothing else that she has ever wanted to do but care for and work with horses.

The family’s stable, started with general boarding, but then expanded to provide the need for equine retirement, broodmare care, sport lay-ups and rehabilitation, as well as working equestrian summer riding camps and riding lessons.
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Situated just outside Sherwood Park, Alberta, a short 20-minute drive from Edmonton, sits Clover Leaf Stables. A premier American Saddlebred breeding and training facility, Clover Leaf Stables is comprised of 155 acres of riding trails, a 26-stall barn with an attached climate-controlled 9,000-sq ft. riding arena, an outdoor arena, and paddocks with shelters and automatic waterers. The facility also has a guest bedroom and bathroom that can be used by those who aren’t within commuting distance.

Operated by Archie and Lesley Hurst, Clover Leaf Stables offers riding lessons, horse training, and a breeding program. As the Hurst’s say, “the focus at Clover Leaf is on amateur riding and showing your own horse, and the number one objective is fun!”
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Lazy D Diamond Quarter Horses is owned by Darla Friesen and Bob Pollard along with their two girls Samantha and Raelyn.

The ranch is situated 80 miles west of Edmonton on a half section of land. There you will find four spectacular stallions along with an exceptional herd of mares. Focusing mostly on reining, working cow horse, and cutting, they offer an excellent selection of prospects for your consideration.
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by Julie Smith

Operating since the early 1970s, Duke Ranches is one of Edmonton’s longest standing stables. It was established and continues to be operated by Fred Duke, a lifelong horseman and common fixture on the Alberta cutting circuit.

Since 1993, Cheryl Kazemir has played a large role in training and instructing at the stable. As Fred’s stepdaughter, Cheryl learned to ride under Fred’s coaching and led a successful junior jumping career throughout the 80s. Today, Cheryl and Fred run a full service lesson, boarding, and training stable.
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by Sherry Menard, PS Video

Winters can be hard on the majority of us with its long, cold nights and its blustery days. You can either succumb to its grasp or you can join in the fun at the Blackland Winter Series.

Whether you are a seasoned competitor, bashful beginner, or an enthusiastic spectator, the “Winter Series” can provide you, your family, and your equine friend with a place of refuge.

Blackland is a privately owned and run equine events centre located just 15 minutes northeast of Edmonton. The facility is one of Alberta’s largest indoor show arenas with plenty of parking for horses, bleachers for spectators, an upper deck for viewing, and a canteen for the hungry.
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One year into retirement, Ernie Evans decided to fulfill a life-long dream and get into the business of horses. That was in 1996.

Ten years later, what started with one unproven stud (Top Secret Formula, whose son went on to win nine titles by the time he was five years old) has turned into a full-fledged Thoroughbred training centre.

Known as Eagle Hill Farms Thoroughbred Training Centre, the Evans’ operation encompasses a 3/8-mile track, 31-stall barns, inside and outside training round pens, a hot walker, and a training starting gate. There are also 12 one- to four-acre paddocks, 12 40-ft. turnout pens, 90 to 120 acres of sheltered pasture, and some beautiful trails on which to ride.
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