Horses - The Colorful Crew
Bumblebee
Bumblebee
Bumblebee
Bumblebee is a Halflinger x pony mare! Bee is a special mare to the owners of Mission Ridge, because she was born and raised on their farm! Her mom, Bella, was a much-loved lesson pony at our sister-barn Meadow Ridge Equestrian. Bumblebee is a very sweet pony who will follow you around for treats in her pen. She is a forward and sensitive
Bumblebee is a Halflinger x pony mare! Bee is a special mare to the owners of Mission Ridge, because she was born and raised on their farm! Her mom, Bella, was a much-loved lesson pony at our sister-barn Meadow Ridge Equestrian. Bumblebee is a very sweet pony who will follow you around for treats in her pen. She is a forward and sensitive ride; due to this she can only be ridden by more experienced riders in the program.
Bumblebee is a very talented jumper and enjoys having a job to do!
YOB: 2018
Casimiro
Bumblebee
Bumblebee
Meet "Ventano de Corazon" our grey Peruvian Paso Fino gelding!! This guy is known around the barn as Casimiro, a name that was given to him by his previous owner meaning "Warrior of Peace". Cas is a gaited horse who is incredibly comfortable to ride. Unlike normal horses, when he moves faster you do not "bounce" on his back. It's so much
Meet "Ventano de Corazon" our grey Peruvian Paso Fino gelding!! This guy is known around the barn as Casimiro, a name that was given to him by his previous owner meaning "Warrior of Peace". Cas is a gaited horse who is incredibly comfortable to ride. Unlike normal horses, when he moves faster you do not "bounce" on his back. It's so much fun for riders to try!
Cas has a sweet personality and will do anything for you for a few treats.
YOB: 2004
Denny
Bumblebee
Denny
Denny is a quarter horse cross gelding. He has been leased to the Mission Ridge lesson program by his owner since 2022, and has been a great fit due to his slow and easy-going pace. What Denny lacks in work ethic he makes up for in gentleness and great looks! Many people refer to him as the "Barbie-Horse" due to his beautiful palomino coa
Denny is a quarter horse cross gelding. He has been leased to the Mission Ridge lesson program by his owner since 2022, and has been a great fit due to his slow and easy-going pace. What Denny lacks in work ethic he makes up for in gentleness and great looks! Many people refer to him as the "Barbie-Horse" due to his beautiful palomino coat and luscious locks.
Denny is what we call "lazily athletic". He prefers a slow pace, but is actually incredibly talented! He has jumped up to a 2'9ft course, and will happily trot into large fences. Denny has been offsite many times to schooling shows, and shown very successfully up to 2'6ft.
YOB: 2016
Fargo
Hercules
Denny
Fargo is a dark bay friesian x thoroughbred gelding. He is one of the larger lesson horses, standing at 16'3hh, and has the big floaty movement of a friesian, but he is a gentle giant!! Fargo has a strong background in dressage, and loves to show off his moves. He has schooled up to third level dressage, so riders love learning advanced s
Fargo is a dark bay friesian x thoroughbred gelding. He is one of the larger lesson horses, standing at 16'3hh, and has the big floaty movement of a friesian, but he is a gentle giant!! Fargo has a strong background in dressage, and loves to show off his moves. He has schooled up to third level dressage, so riders love learning advanced skills on a horse that already knows it all. He is a joy to take on trail rides, and has the most beautiful and rhythmic canter to ride. We are ecstatic to have him join the program as of April 2026!
Fun fact: Fargo's favourite treats are Twizzlers!
YOB: 2001
Hercules
Hercules
Hercules
Hercules is a palomino appendix gelding. We don't know a lot about his history, other than that he is safe to ride and has been ridden by a large variety of riders! He joined our program in April 2026.
From the day we met him, we knew Hercules would fit in. He is sweet and easy to handle, and although he isn't the type to enjoy being fusse
Hercules is a palomino appendix gelding. We don't know a lot about his history, other than that he is safe to ride and has been ridden by a large variety of riders! He joined our program in April 2026.
From the day we met him, we knew Hercules would fit in. He is sweet and easy to handle, and although he isn't the type to enjoy being fussed over he is extremely tolerant and will stand quietly all day if you ask him to.
YOB: 2004
Jax
Hercules
Hercules
Jax is a dark bay thoroughbred x clydesdale gelding. Standing at whopping 18'1hh, this makes him the tallest horse on property!! Despite his size, Jax is a gentle giant who greets everyone at the fence and has a very doglike personality. If you look at his top lip, you'll see the fuzzy moustache he has grown! Jax is broke to ride, but due
Jax is a dark bay thoroughbred x clydesdale gelding. Standing at whopping 18'1hh, this makes him the tallest horse on property!! Despite his size, Jax is a gentle giant who greets everyone at the fence and has a very doglike personality. If you look at his top lip, you'll see the fuzzy moustache he has grown! Jax is broke to ride, but due to his intimidating size he does not regularly get used in the lesson program. He is mainly ridden by his lease rider who he excels in jumping with!
YOB: 2018
JD
Rosie
Rosie
JD aka "Jim and Deanna" is a Thoroughbred gelding. Before being donated to Mission Ridge Stables in 2019, JD competed up to 3ft in the show jumping ring all over Alberta. His jumping career was limited after he developed arthritis in his neck following surgery for a guttural pouch infection. This means he will walk and trot with his nose
JD aka "Jim and Deanna" is a Thoroughbred gelding. Before being donated to Mission Ridge Stables in 2019, JD competed up to 3ft in the show jumping ring all over Alberta. His jumping career was limited after he developed arthritis in his neck following surgery for a guttural pouch infection. This means he will walk and trot with his nose in the air; he is often referred to as a giraffe! He retired from the competitive ring and came to Mission Ridge to become a lesson horse. JD has a rocking chair canter and will go all day if you let him. Many beginner riders enjoy his easy steering, and more advanced riders love his competitive streak!
YOB: 2009
Rosie
Rosie
Rosie
Rosie - "Rosie Posie" is an Arabian x Saddlebred Mare. Rosie was born right on this property, back in 2009 before it was Mission Ridge! Rosie has seen and done it all, with a background in some dressage training, as well as jumping where she showed all over the local circuits. She is a kind but sensitive mare who bonds strongly with her p
Rosie - "Rosie Posie" is an Arabian x Saddlebred Mare. Rosie was born right on this property, back in 2009 before it was Mission Ridge! Rosie has seen and done it all, with a background in some dressage training, as well as jumping where she showed all over the local circuits. She is a kind but sensitive mare who bonds strongly with her people. She truly enjoys building connections with her riders!
Rosie joined us in April 2026 and instantly became a huge hit in the program with her excellent work ethic and lovely gaits under saddle.
DOB: July 11 2009
Spike
Rosie
Spike
Spike is a fjord x quarter horse gelding. We got incredibly lucky finding this gentle guy and had to act fast to go meet him in 2020. We just had a good feeling, and as soon as we met him it was clear that he would be an excellent lesson horse. Spike settled into the lesson program like an old pro, and quickly become a favourite of our in
Spike is a fjord x quarter horse gelding. We got incredibly lucky finding this gentle guy and had to act fast to go meet him in 2020. We just had a good feeling, and as soon as we met him it was clear that he would be an excellent lesson horse. Spike settled into the lesson program like an old pro, and quickly become a favourite of our instructors and students! He is our "mister reliable", and is loved beyond measure!
Spike sustained serious injuries in March of 2023, and we were able to fundraise almost $4000 to cover his medical expenses. WOW! Thank you to the community who came together for him.
Spike was assessed in September 2023 and was determined to be fully recovered! Years later, he is sound, healthy, and still happy to work.
YOB: 2004
Tia
Wyatt
Spike
Tia - "Taheka Treasure" is a bay thoroughbred mare. She may be in her 20's but doesn't let age slow her down! Tia is a sweet girl who likes to work and have a job. She can be a bit impatient on the ground, as her brain has lots of go!
Tia had a foal before coming to live with us at Mission Ridge, and her baby looks just like her! She join
Tia - "Taheka Treasure" is a bay thoroughbred mare. She may be in her 20's but doesn't let age slow her down! Tia is a sweet girl who likes to work and have a job. She can be a bit impatient on the ground, as her brain has lots of go!
Tia had a foal before coming to live with us at Mission Ridge, and her baby looks just like her! She joined us in July 2025, after enjoying a few years off of ridden work.
Tia best suits a confident rider that appreciates a forward moving and quick-witted ride.
DOB: April 15 2006
Wyatt
Wyatt
Wyatt
Wyatt is a draft cross gelding. He is like a wise old mentor who is happy to teach new riders the ropes. He joined our program in March 2026. Wyatt spent many years as a trail horse, and is as quiet and dependable as they come. Since joining the program he became a quick favourite, as many riders truly enjoy his quiet and kind presence. H
Wyatt is a draft cross gelding. He is like a wise old mentor who is happy to teach new riders the ropes. He joined our program in March 2026. Wyatt spent many years as a trail horse, and is as quiet and dependable as they come. Since joining the program he became a quick favourite, as many riders truly enjoy his quiet and kind presence. He is working on thinking independently and steering without another horse in front of him - this is a tough skill when you've spent so many years walking in a line up!
Wyatt Is best buddies with Sunny. They have lived together their whole lives!
YOB: ~1997
Horses - The Chestnut Crew
Archie
Cricket
Cricket
Archie is a sweet slow and steady guy. As one of the taller lesson horses we consider him a "gentle giant". Archie was previously a mountain trail and pack horse with Finley, but his calm and quiet demeanour allowed him to quickly adapt to arena work. He is a Mission Ridge "OG" and has been with us since we opened. Archie was the favourit
Archie is a sweet slow and steady guy. As one of the taller lesson horses we consider him a "gentle giant". Archie was previously a mountain trail and pack horse with Finley, but his calm and quiet demeanour allowed him to quickly adapt to arena work. He is a Mission Ridge "OG" and has been with us since we opened. Archie was the favourite horse of many new riders to Mission Ridge Stables. He mainly retired in the fall of 2025, but still enjoys doing the odd pony ride or camp day. Archie enjoys his well-earned retirement out in the pasture with all of his friends!
YOB: ~1996
Cricket
Cricket
Cricket
Cricket is an appendix chestnut gelding. He joined our program in March 2026. Cricket was previously a 4H horse, and has a strong background in western riding! He enjoys working and has a comfortable walk, trot, and canter.
Cricket arrived with his friend Shasta - they are very closely bonded, as they've lived together for many years!
Crick
Cricket is an appendix chestnut gelding. He joined our program in March 2026. Cricket was previously a 4H horse, and has a strong background in western riding! He enjoys working and has a comfortable walk, trot, and canter.
Cricket arrived with his friend Shasta - they are very closely bonded, as they've lived together for many years!
Cricket continues to impress us with his calm, quiet, and steady demeanour. We look forward to continuing to get to know him!
YOB: ~2004
Finley
Cricket
Finley
Finley is a quarter horse cross mare. She came to Mission Ridge Stables with her buddy Archie after serving as a mountain trail and pack horse for years. Finley is an "OG" and has been with us since we opened! When Finley first came she was very reluctant to work in the indoor arena without a horse being directly in front of her; this is
Finley is a quarter horse cross mare. She came to Mission Ridge Stables with her buddy Archie after serving as a mountain trail and pack horse for years. Finley is an "OG" and has been with us since we opened! When Finley first came she was very reluctant to work in the indoor arena without a horse being directly in front of her; this is very normal for horses who are used to walking nose-to-tail on a trail ride! With time Finley settled well into our lesson program and now loves to work independently; she has even shown that she enjoys jumping! Finley is starting to slow down now with age, and does best just walking and trotting.
YOB: ~1996
Halia
Hollywood
Finley
Halia is a quarter horse mare. She arrived at Mission Ridge from British Columbia in the summer of 2022. Halia has shown to have a great lesson-horse personality, and fit in right away. She enjoys trying new things, and loves going for trail rides! Halia has a short stride in the trot and canter, but many riders enjoy her as she is an extremely willing and hard-working partner.
YOB: ~2008
Hollywood
Hollywood
Hollywood
Hollywood is a quarter horse gelding. He joined our program in April 2026. He is an older fellow with an incredibly kind soul! Hollywood absolutely loves children, and will happily spend all day being loved and doted on. In his prime, Hollywood was a pick up horse, and ranch horse!
Hollywood is on the taller side, but riders feel very saf
Hollywood is a quarter horse gelding. He joined our program in April 2026. He is an older fellow with an incredibly kind soul! Hollywood absolutely loves children, and will happily spend all day being loved and doted on. In his prime, Hollywood was a pick up horse, and ranch horse!
Hollywood is on the taller side, but riders feel very safe around him due to his calm demeanour. He has a smooth canter, and enjoys the quiet lifestyle of being a beginner kids lesson horse.
YOB: 2000
Jet
Hollywood
Hollywood
Jet is a quarter horse x arabian gelding. He joined the lesson program in September 2023, and was chosen for his calm personality. Jet is an extremely good teacher as he only works as hard as the rider makes him. He sometimes has been labelled as "lazy" but Jet has these riders fooled as he's incredibly intelligent and quickly figures ou
Jet is a quarter horse x arabian gelding. He joined the lesson program in September 2023, and was chosen for his calm personality. Jet is an extremely good teacher as he only works as hard as the rider makes him. He sometimes has been labelled as "lazy" but Jet has these riders fooled as he's incredibly intelligent and quickly figures out which riders will actually make him work. He has been off property to hunter/jumper shows (x-rails) and placed in large classes successfully!
Jet was previously a trail horse in Jasper, and is confident on trail rides. He enjoys cantering and galloping outside - don't let his slow canter in the arena fool you!
YOB: 2012
Ranger
Ranger
Ranger
Ranger is a thoroughbred gelding. He is a tall fellow, with a lovely smooth canter!
Many riders enjoy riding Ranger due to his great work ethic and eagerness to please. He is truly a sweet boy!
Ranger does suffer from "FOMO" (Fear of Missing Out!!!) and tends to loudly call out to other horses when he's inside the barn. He has a very disti
Ranger is a thoroughbred gelding. He is a tall fellow, with a lovely smooth canter!
Many riders enjoy riding Ranger due to his great work ethic and eagerness to please. He is truly a sweet boy!
Ranger does suffer from "FOMO" (Fear of Missing Out!!!) and tends to loudly call out to other horses when he's inside the barn. He has a very distinctive raspy/horse neigh that travels long distances. He's always eager to go back out to see his friends, to make sure he didn't miss anything important while he was inside!!
Despite this, Ranger is excellent to ride inside and outside away from his friends, and enjoys going for trail rides!
YOB: ~2006
Red
Ranger
Ranger
Red is a thoroughbred x warmblood gelding, purchased in the spring of 2023. He was being re-homed due to his struggles after his pasture-friend passed away. When we met Red, we had a good feeling about him due to his sweet and quiet demeanour. Upon arrival at Mission Ridge, Red showed extreme anxiety around other horses. He would run up a
Red is a thoroughbred x warmblood gelding, purchased in the spring of 2023. He was being re-homed due to his struggles after his pasture-friend passed away. When we met Red, we had a good feeling about him due to his sweet and quiet demeanour. Upon arrival at Mission Ridge, Red showed extreme anxiety around other horses. He would run up and down the fence line all day long and kick at other horses who came near! We noticed that he seemed to be fixated on our appaloosa mare "Freckles". To try and calm him, we moved her into his pen, and his behaviour immediately changed. She was his therapy horse! We later learned that his friend that had passed away at his previous home was also a grey mare! Horses show far more emotion than some people believe, but we certainly see it firsthand every day.
Despite a rocky start, we gave Red a chance to settle in and he has pleasantly surprised us. He developed into a solid and reliable lesson horse for kids and adults, and is now able to live in our larger herd of horses without anxiety. In fact, he is a bit of a bossy gelding and wants everyone to know he's in charge!
YOB: ~2006
Shasta
Ranger
Shasta
Shasta is a sweet and quiet quarter horse mare. She joined our program in March 2026. Shasta was also a 4H horse like her friend Cricket!
She quietly joined the lesson program with ease, and has been a great addition to the crew! We look forward to learning more about her!
Sunny
Sunny
Shasta
Sunny is a draft cross gelding. He has a massive head, large hooves, and a huge heart. Sunny came with Wyatt in March 2026. They are best friends and have spent their entire lives together!
Sunny enjoys working and has taken to arena work well. Many riders have been enjoying his bouncy trot (great for learning how to do a rising trot!) and
Sunny is a draft cross gelding. He has a massive head, large hooves, and a huge heart. Sunny came with Wyatt in March 2026. They are best friends and have spent their entire lives together!
Sunny enjoys working and has taken to arena work well. Many riders have been enjoying his bouncy trot (great for learning how to do a rising trot!) and big lofty canter. He truly is mister dependable!
YOB: ~2001
The Ponies
Beauty
Beauty
Beauty
Beauty is a dark bay welsh pony x mare. In her younger years she jumped up to 0.8m! Beauty is always happy to work, whether it's inside the arena or going out on a trail ride.
She has an easy-going and sweet personality, quickly winning over the hearts of all who meet her!!
YOB: ~1993
Oakley
Beauty
Beauty
Oakley is a mixed breed pony gelding. He arrived at Mission Ridge severely obese, and has worked hard to get in shape!! He has come a long way and has a nice way of going under saddle now. Oakley is a very sweet and quiet pony, who loves to be around people. He will be your best friend if you bring him some ( low calories) treats!
YOB: 2012
Stewie
Beauty
Stewie
Stewie is a dark bay pony gelding. We are unsure of his breed, but based on his build and movement we are guessing he is a Morgan cross! Stewie arrived at the barn with Hercules. We knew he was broke to ride, but learned that he has some pony attitude, like stopping and not wanting to move forward. Despite this, he's an extremely sweet po
Stewie is a dark bay pony gelding. We are unsure of his breed, but based on his build and movement we are guessing he is a Morgan cross! Stewie arrived at the barn with Hercules. We knew he was broke to ride, but learned that he has some pony attitude, like stopping and not wanting to move forward. Despite this, he's an extremely sweet pony with lots of "try", and is doing a great job of integrating into the program
YOB: ?
Up and Coming...
Duchess
Duchess is a percheron x quarter horse mare. We bought Duchess as an unhandled yearling, and she arrived wild, feral, and untrusting of humans! It took us a few weeks to gain her trust, but once she realized that humans bring tasty treats... she became extremely friendly! Now, Duchess is a very in-your-pocket type of horse who is easy to
Duchess is a percheron x quarter horse mare. We bought Duchess as an unhandled yearling, and she arrived wild, feral, and untrusting of humans! It took us a few weeks to gain her trust, but once she realized that humans bring tasty treats... she became extremely friendly! Now, Duchess is a very in-your-pocket type of horse who is easy to catch, eager to please, and full of energy!
Duchess was started under saddle in 2026 and took everything in stride. We look forward to continuing her development!
YOB: 2022
The Mini's
Billy
Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown
Billy is a miniature pony gelding. He is short in stature but mighty in heart! Billy is one of our more sensitive mini's, who appreciates handlers that are calm and quiet. However, he is fantastic with kids and trusts little people as well! Billy has been a great addition to the program and truly aims to please.
YOB:
Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown
Charlie is a miniature pony gelding. He is young and rambunctious, but slowly learning the ropes! Charlie is just starting to learn how to stand for birthday parties and camps, and we look forward to continuing to develop him over the years.
YOB: 2024
Fabio
Charlie Brown
Gracie
Fabio is a miniature pony gelding. He is one of the taller mini's and has a huge personality! Fabio wasn't gelded until he was 3 years old so he still shows some "studdish" behaviour - mainly squealing and rearing when he sees new horses or ponies! He is a very sweet pony though and enjoys being groomed and handled.
YOB: 2018
Gracie
Gracie
Gracie
Gracie is a miniature pony mare. She is extremely kid-exposed and quiet, and enjoys attention! Gracie was previously a petting-zoo pony and has done many travelling events. She has also had a few foals before! Gracie has an assertive personality in the mini pen, sometimes being noted for her "flying hooves of fury". With kids and adults s
Gracie is a miniature pony mare. She is extremely kid-exposed and quiet, and enjoys attention! Gracie was previously a petting-zoo pony and has done many travelling events. She has also had a few foals before! Gracie has an assertive personality in the mini pen, sometimes being noted for her "flying hooves of fury". With kids and adults she is warm and loving, but if you're a pony that's trying to push her around you'd better watch out!
YOB: 2019
Juliet
Gracie
Juliet
Juliet is a miniature pony mare. When we purchased her she was very timid and anxious, but she did trust children! Over time Juliet grew to be a very friendly and laid back pony. She is our go-to choice for anyone that needs to handle an extremely quiet and reliable pony. Juliet is broke to ride and to drive and is an essential part of our mini's for mini's program!
YOB: 2013
Maisie
Gracie
Juliet
Maisie is an adorable miniature pony mare! She is the baby of our other pony "Maple", and they could be twins!
Maisie is young and mischevious just like Charlie, and can be pushy with new people. She's learning how to handle herself in busy environments, and we are proud of the progress she has made!
YOB: 2024
Major
Major
Major
Major is a miniature pony gelding. He is one of the bigger mini's and often is used for both riding and driving. Major can pull the sleigh as well as a 2-wheeled cart, and has even dabbled in some skijoring!! He is a very friendly kind of pony and is often one of the first at the fence to greet you and ask for treats.
YOB: 2017
Maple
Major
Major
Maple is a miniature pony mare. She is sweet, kind, and enjoys attention from kids. Maple is broke to ride and drive, and is a favourite for kids that come out for pony rides! She is very flashy with her white mane and tail, and appreciates all of the kids keeping her clean and looking her best with regular grooming!
YOB: 2020
Moose
Major
Moose
Moose is a miniature pony gelding. He is a very versatile mini who is broke to ride AND drive! Moose has pulled a sled through the snow as well as a two wheeled cart, but does prefer eating treats over working hard. He's well known for having one of the thickest and most beautiful manes out of all of the ponies!
YOB: 2002
Romeo
Timbit
Moose
Romeo is a miniature pony gelding. Standing at around 40 inches he is one of the taller ponies. Romeo was lightly broke to ride but prefers to have a leader that he can follow. He enjoys being brushed and fussed over by all of the children that visit Mission Ridge.
YOB: 2014
Thor
Timbit
Timbit
Thor is a miniature pony gelding. He is one of the quietest ponies who enjoys being lead around and brushed by children. Thor had a sad past and was also purchased from auction in poor condition. You would never know it though, because he is such a happy guy!
YOB: 2014
Timbit
Timbit
Timbit
Timbit is a miniature pony gelding. He is a small mini with a very sweet personality and some of the cutest eyes you'll ever see! Timbit loves to get attentions from both kids and adults.
YOB: 2013
The Donkeys
Mango
Mango is a senior miniature donkey. She has one of the most gentle souls you will ever meet, but does enjoy running around and kicking up her heels once in awhile! Mango can be dressed up with any costume you can find, but her heart lies in her stomach and all she wants is to be fed treats.
Being a senior donkey, Mango has some dental issues - in fact, she is missing many teeth! As a result, she gets to spend a few hours on the lawn grazing each day. In the summer you may see our "free range donkey" wandering the property and enjoying being a lawn mower!
YOB: 1996
Spud
Spud is a miniature donkey gelding. Spud was donated to the barn as his previous owner was unable to look after him anymore. He came to extremely obese, with the biggest fat pockets we'd ever seen on a donkey!!! His back is very swayed as a result, and his body is an odd shape for a donkey. Spud is still learning to trust people. He will now very carefully take treats from your hand, but doesn't like to be touched if he doesn't know you. Once caught, he is sweet and easy to handle, but you have to catch him first!!!
Spud is still on a diet-program and we're hoping to see continued improvement with time! He quickly became friends with Mango, and enjoys living with his small herd of donkeys.
YOB: unknown
Spanky
Spanky is a miniature donkey jack. He has an extremely fun personality. Spanky loves to cause trouble and tries to join the mini ponies at any chance he gets. He is very mischievous and has the loudest "bray" you can hear across the property!!
YOB: 2022
Wanda
Wanda is a sweet and kind Jenny! When we first got her back in 2020, she was obese after living for years on unlimited grass. Her neck had huge fat pockets, and we weren't sure if she would ever look normal. After years of careful diet management, Wanda looks like a normal donkey now and is full of life and mischief! She is a quiet and sweet girl, and we love having her around the barn.
YOB:
Willow
Willow is a black donkey Jenny. She has a sweet and quirky personality, and is strongly bonded to her friend Wanda. Willow will aggressively defend her friend against any perceived threats, and has chased ponies, dogs, and other donkeys away if she felt there was any danger. Her protective nature is very impressive!
However, despite this, Willow is very gentle with people and is easy to handle. She enjoys being brought in (as long as Wanda is with her!) to be brushed, dressed up, and fed treats!
YOB:
In Memory Of...
Jafar
After many long years of companionship we said goodbye to our dear friend Jafar on August 15th, 2021.
Jafar was famously known as Mission Ridge Stables’ oldest horse. Originally called “Silverbird”, he was born on April 22nd, 1977. He was purchased by Roxanne and Brandy's family from an auction where they were bidding against the meat buyers. From the day he came home until the day he died he was fun, loving, and full of energy.
Chores are going to be a little quieter from now on; Jafar’s favourite time was mealtime and he would always whinny when he saw the food wagon coming. He absolutely loved to be brushed or scratched and would wrap his neck around you to give a “hug”, and run after you when you went to leave!! Gentle enough for even small children to lead or brush, he had endless love to give.
Jafar was never a lesson horse because he was a bit of a wild child! His life under saddle included lots of endurance riding, trail riding, and racing other horses. His energy would always show outside where he refused to just walk- he would do a prancing trot or canter on the spot instead! In his 40’s he always made us laugh as he continued to demonstrate this bouncy trot when going in and out of the barn. Jafar was the happiest and most energetic horse, even as a senior. Though his body grew older, his heart never aged.
The days are long, but the years are short, and it never feels like we have enough time with the horses we love.
Rest In Peace Jafar. You are so, so missed.
Alfie
Often called “Alphagetti” by the kids, Alfie was a once in a lifetime kind of horse. He served many years at “Camp Evergreen” in Southern Alberta before coming to Mission Ridge Stables for semi-retirement. This was a big change from the 7 hour work days he was used to! He loved to be groomed and fussed over and was calm and quiet under saddle. Unfortunately, a slip outside ended his riding career when he fractured his hip. Even with months of stall rest and rehabilitation, the injury caused arthritis and muscle imbalances in his hind end. Despite this, Alfie was still a happy guy and enjoyed his time out in the field grazing, and coming in for kids to brush and dress up. We will always remember Alfie for his bright kind eyes, and gentle soul.
Uncle Jessie
In his late years, Uncle Jessie was known as a quiet and kind therapeutic riding horse. He also did the odd beginner lesson from time to time where he would show off his fancy movement at the trot! We believe in the past Jessie was a dressage horse based on his natural head carriage and floaty stride. He was a horse with a big personality, who had the slowest walk you can imagine inside the arena, but out on a trail ride was almost impossible to keep up with!! Jessie had a strong fighting spirit, and was always fiercely protective of his horses and his humans. Never to be underestimated, even in his old age he would defend his four-legged and two-legged herd if he perceived any kind of threat; including chasing off coyotes! In spite of the heartbreak of saying goodbye, Jessie reminded us every day of why keeping senior horses is so worthwhile.
Comet
There was no other horse quite like Comet. "Equinox Midnight Comet", a Rocky Mountain x Tennessee Walker, was donated to our lesson program and quickly became the favourite of many beginner riders. As a pretty laid back horse who preferred to take things slow, he was a quiet guy who loved to hang out with everyone from little to old. Many people that have come to Mission Ridge remember Comet for their first-ever ride on a horse; he was always a reliable steady-eddie type for pony rides, nervous or excitable children, therapeutic riding, and even for anxious adults. Outside on a trail ride Comet had a huge ground covering walk and would shock people by forgetting his age and having a much faster canter than even the youngest horses if he was asked to go!
Comet lived a long and beautiful life to the age of 24, and never knew a day without being loved by his people. He leaves a hole behind in our hearts and our program that we're not sure we will ever be able to fill. Rest in peace.
1997 - May 1st 2024
Scarlet
One of the barn favorites, Scarlet was an extremely athletic and energetic senior mare. She had a ground-covering canter and a huge scopey jump. Scarlet took riders to their first horse shows from x-rails up to 2'3, and was always a fair and kind teacher. She unfortunately showed signs of heart disease in 2022, and when this progressed we were forced to say goodbye. Scarlet will forever be missed by the Mission Ridge family, and everyone whose life she touched.
Dakota
Dakota was only with us at Mission Ridge Stables for a short period of time, but in that time our staff and students fell deeply in love with her. She had severe heaves (asthma), and was later diagnosed with a heart condition. We knew we didn't have a lot of time with her, so cherished every moment we had. Anyone could handle Dakota on the ground, and she loved to go for trail rides. Previously competing as a roping horse, she had a great work ethic even in her late 20's, and enjoyed carrying kids in lessons. Dakota had an extremely kind and gentle soul, and is dearly missed.
Freckles
We originally purchased Freckles from a pen of horses destined for a slaughter truck. Even then, within a group of horses of varying ages and sizes, we saw a calm, sweet soul who wasn’t done yet. What we didn’t realize at the time was just how many hearts she would win over!
She was impatient in a very charming kind of way, reminding us to learn patience if we wanted hers. She taught riders to mind the “leave space between you and the horse in front of you” rule, especially when bringing other horses around her hind end.... because she believed that personal space matters!! Freckles was also our front-gate greeter in the summer, living by the entrance where everyone recognized her beautiful spotted coat and her signature fly mask (worn to protect her eyes from uveitis.) She also ate a mash for breakfast and dinner every day so she always perked up when she heard the quad coming and greeted us at the fence line with excited nickers ready to eat!
We were told Freckles was around 14–15 when we got her, but later discovered she was likely closer to 25–30. Though we knew it meant we’d have much less time with her than we hoped, it did make us laugh because it meant she was a sassy old lady with a huge personality, great work ethic, and a survivor through and through!
We wish we’d had more years to make more memories. But what we do have is gratitude for everything she taught us and for every rider she shaped and taught.
Freckles, you were loved by many, cherished so much, and your absence is felt throughout the barn.
Whisp
“Bethany Whisper” aka “Whisp” was never the sweet cute pony little girls dream of when they blow out birthday candles. She arrived with disastrous dental problems, partial facial paralysis, no trust in humans, and long hooves. She was supposed to be 7 years old, but when her teeth were floated we discovered that she was much older (like, 20 years older!!). She was actually a senior pony who needed expensive dental care, regular chiro, PEMF, and a whole lot of specialized management.
Despite this, we ended up with four years of spice, laughter, life lessons, and a pony who kept on surprising us long after we thought we had her figured out!!! She ended up being wonderful to ride, and found purpose and the chance to make connections with a number of riders in the lesson program.
Whisp never pretended to be warm or fuzzy. She bit, she kicked, and she made people chase her across the field like the tiny feral outlaw that she was! She loved her soup mashes and would pin her ears dramatically at anyone who dared approach while she was eating.
Almost everyone has a story about how she personally victimized them. But for the people SHE chose, she showed a quiet steady bravery and a soft heart underneath her crusty ponytude exterior.
Watching her form bonds with “her” people was always so special. She was a blast to bring to shows, and knew her job well. Whisp loved to cruise around the jump courses and even placed first in a few large classes with much taller horses!! Whisp was game for anything we threw at her - English, western, trail, cross country, shows, etc. she did it all.
Whisp taught us how to listen to a horse who spoke her own language, how to respect a mare who trusted selectively, and how to love her to pieces even if she didn’t particularly like most of us in return.
Rest easy, Whisp. She was a flip-fail, surprise senior, firecracker attack-pony with a once in a lifetime personality. I can’t believe how much we miss her.
Shiloh
Shiloh is a quarter horse gelding. He lived his whole life just ten minutes away from Mission Ridge Stables! His background is fully western, as he has competed in a number of different roping events. We were drawn to his calm and kind demeanour and purchased him in the fall of 2023.
2007 - 2026
Streaker
More info to follow
Paint gelding.
2003-2026