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!”
Archie Hurst has a long history with Saddlebreds. His grandfather raised and trained Saddlebreds in Mountain View County, and Archie grew up riding and showing the horses. Archie and his wife Lesley established Clover Leaf Stables in Mountain View in 1969, and in 1999 relocated to their current location in Sherwood Park, just outside Edmonton.
Today, horses and riders trained by Archie compete locally and internationally with great success, “consistently taking over 80 per cent of the Alberta Provincial Saddlebred awards.”
Archie is passionate about the breed, stating that he enjoys working with Saddlebreds because they are people-oriented, willing to learn, ready to perform, and well-suited for amateur riders. Although Saddlebreds look fiery and hot, he explains that they are actually very easy to ride because of their kind temperament. And, Archie adds, they are an exhilarating ride!
The Hurst’s and their clients typically compete in the saddle seat discipline, which is a style of riding gaited horses in order to show them off to their greatest advantage. Saddle seat, though it originated in the American south, is a flourishing discipline in Alberta.
Clover Leaf Stables competes in approximately 10 saddle seat shows a year, eight of which are held in Alberta. The next show Clover Leaf plans to attend is the Red Deer Classic Horse Show, held from June 15 to 17 at Westerner Park.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider interested in showing or a complete novice, Clover Leaf Stables has a lesson plan for you. Clover Leaf Stables teaches introductory to advanced riding lessons in saddle seat, driving and western styles, on your own horse or on one of their lesson horses. The beginner lesson program consists of 10 lessons, which cover the fundamentals of tacking up, the walk, the trot, and a basic canter.
Clover Leaf Stables also trains Saddlebreds, Morgans, and Arabian horses for success in the show ring. Archie believes in “a gentle and consistent training environment where the horses strive to do their best.” Horses are accepted as young as two years old, and are often ready to show as three-year-olds.
The Hursts stress that they strive for a family atmosphere and encourage all family members to be involved with the horse in whatever way possible.
Clover Leaf’s premier breeding stallion, Attache’s Legacy, stands to both Saddlebred and Arabian mares. Imported from Kentucky, Attache’s Legacy was the High Point Five Gaited Champion for Alberta in 1997 and boasts an impressive pedigree as the offspring of three-time World Champion Attache’.
Anyone interested in training, breeding, or lessons can contact Archie or Lesley Hurst at (780) 449-5570 or email cloverleafstables@hotmail.com. You can also visit their website at www.cloverleafstables.com, or look for them at their upcoming shows!
