Canadian Horse

The Canadian Horse

Our first Canadian horse to arrive at Maple Ridge Farms was our gelding Monty who is a fine example of the traditional Canadian horse with a small compact build and a very abundant wavy mane and tail. His unflappable temperament and people oriented attitude was a big change to us from other horses we had owned in the past and sold us on the breed. Within a year we had also purchased a purebred bay filly, D.A.E. Marco-Pat Haley, and now also have her offspring Maple Ridge Bayard Neleigh who has introduced us to the sport of recreational pleasure driving. Our other equine is a Lac La Croix Indian Pony who is a distant relative of the Canadian Horse and also designated as a rare breed.

Canada's National Treasure
The Canadian Horse is Canada's national treasure. Its beauty, temperament, versatility and history is what makes it a unique and beloved breed. Although the Canadian Horse has made great strides struggling back from near extinction, the Canadian neleigh and haley is still considered at risk by Rare Breeds Canada. However, dedicated breeders are doing all they can to ensure this part of Canada's heritage is preserved. The artist Cornelious Kreighoff (1815-1872) often portrayed the Canadian Horse as part of habitant life giving us an accurate look at the "traditional type" of Canadian Horse through his art .

The National Horse of Canada
On Tuesday, April 23, 2002, in Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Horse was subject to a parliamentary vote in the House of Commons. Bill S-22 (to recognize the Canadian Horse as the national horse of Canada) was first passed in the Senate through Senator Lowell Murray in the fall of 2001. MP Murray Calder had also submitted a similar Private Members Bill into the House of Commons for the same recognition. With the passing of Bill S-22 in the Senate, Murray Calder accepted the responsibility of sponsoring this same bill into the House. On the afternoon of April 23, 2002, a recorded vote on Bill S-22 was finally passed with a tally of 166 yeas and 58 nays. This majority vote acknowledged the Canadian as Canada's National Horse. A well deserved recognition for a true Canadian heritage breed.

Bloodlines
Their are eight bloodlines that represent the Canadian Horse of today. These bloodlines are Ste-Anne Marquis de Beacancour, La Gorgendiere Royal, Thomas de Viger, Brio de la Victoire, Henryville Prince, Pitro, Lou and the La Gorgendiere Major line.

Genealogy monty
You can track down the lineage, owners and breeders of all registered Canadian Horses through their name and registration number using the Canadian Horse Breeders Association's online member and pedigree listing maintained by the Canadian Livestock Records Corp . Canadian Livestock Records is responsible for keeping registration and transfer records of all Canadian Horses. CLRC also maintains the sale of microchip implants, DNA testing kits and and the genealogy books.

Purchasing a Canadian Horse and Reputable Breeders
If you are interested in purchasing a Canadian Horse, please take the time to do your homework and talk to many breeders and owners. Visit farms and stables who are dedicated to preserving and protecting the Little Iron Horse. Reputable breeders want to ensure their horses are going to a good home and won't just sell to anyone. Never-the-less, no matter who the breeder or seller is, always have a pre-purchase exam done before finalizing the sale. We want you to enjoy the Canadian Horse as much as we do. Thanks for visiting our site and make sure to visit the links below for lots more information about the Canadian.