Horses - The Colorful Crew

Casimiro

Meet "Ventano de Corazon" our 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 f

Cas has a sweet personality and will do anything for you for a few treats.

YOB: 2004

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Comet

Casimiro

"Equinox Midnight Comet", otherwise known as Comet is a Rocky Mountain x Tennessee Walker horse. Comet was donated to our lesson program and quickly became the favourite of many beginner riders! As a pretty laid back horse who prefers to take things slow, he is a quiet guy who loves to hang out with little people. Outside on a trail ride

YOB: 1997

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Denny

Casimiro

Freckles

Denny is a quarter horse cross gelding. He is leased to the Mission Ridge lesson program by his owner, 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 lo

YOB: 2016

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Freckles

Freckles is an appaloosa mare. Much of her backstory is a bit of a mystery as we selected her out of a pen of horses destined for the meat truck. We were told that Freckles was previously a 4H horse with her own little girl to love on her. Now, Freckles has the chance to continue bringing joy to those around her by joining our lesson program! Freckles has a nice ground-covering trot and canter. She does not likes other horses in her space and will give them the stink-eye as they pass, but truly is a gentle soul. She certainly has a big personality and doesn't like to stand still or be left alone. Despite this, she has quickly become a barn favourite

YOB: ~2008?

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JD

Freckles

Spike

JD aka "Jim and Deanna" is a Thoroughbred gelding. Before being donated to Mission Ridge Stables, 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

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Spike

Freckles

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. 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 instructor

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!

YOB: 2004

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Horses - The Chestnut

Archie

Archie is a sweet slow and steady guy. As one of the taller lesson horses we consider him a "gentle giant". Now in his mid-twenties you will see him mainly do beginner walk-trot classes, and therapeutic riding! Archie was previously a mountain trail and pack horse with Finley, but his calm and quiet demeanour allowed him to quickly adapt

YOB: ~1996

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Finley

Archie

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. 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

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Halia

Archie

Halia

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 small stride in the trot and canter, but many riders find her an extremely willing and hard-working partner.

YOB: ~2008

Jet

Shiloh

Halia

Jet is a quarter horse x arabian gelding. He is a new addition to the lesson program as of September 2023, and was chosen for his calm and easy-going personality. We look forward to seeing more of what Jet can do!

YOB: 2012

Red

Shiloh

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 is developing 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.

YOB: ~2006

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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! Shiloh is new to the program and will slowly be introdu

YOB: 2007

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Sugar

Sugar is a quarter horse mare. She was kindly donated to the Mission Ridge program by one of our amazing client families! Sugar has had a lot of training over the years but hasn't had a chance to show her true potential yet. She fits right in with her calm and confident personality. We are looking forward to seeing her work in lessons.

YOB: 2012

The Ponies

Beauty

Beauty is a 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

Max

Beauty

Max is a 1welsh pony x gelding. Before coming to Mission Ridge Stables, Max participated in gymkhana events where he did things like barrel racing and pole bending!! He is a quiet sort of guy who enjoys being brushed and fussed over, and isn't phased by much. Max has shown a love for cross-country jumping, and is a fearless jumper.

Max do

Max does have some "ponytude" and will occasionally test out how well the rider is glued to the saddle.

YOB: 2010

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Oakley

Oakley is a mixed breed pony gelding. He arrived at Mission Ridge severely obese, and is working hard to get in shape!! He is resistant when asked to move his legs faster for this reason. 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 (very low calories) treats!

YOB: 2012

Whisp

Oakley

Whisp is a pony cross mare. Whisp came to Mission Ridge completely wild at the beginning of 2022. She had never had a halter on or been handled by people before. Despite this, she learned incredibly quickly to trust her handlers and became a lesson pony in no time.

Whisp does not love being petted due to her history and often wears an uni

Whisp does not love being petted due to her history and often wears an unimpressed expression. She often appears annoyed to people, and only bonds with very special riders!

YOB: ~2005

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Up and Coming...

Milo

Tucker

Milo is a Percheron x Fjord gelding. He was born on April 30th in 2020. His birth day was quite dramatic as he had very windswept (crooked) legs, and he was having a hard time figuring out how to drink. We weren't sure if he would make it, but he ended up thriving and growing up to be a strong colt! Milo has a laid back personality and en

YOB: 2020

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Tucker

Tucker is a pintaloosa gelding. When we bought Tucker, he was living on an acreage with Teddy (the mini pony) and three other horses. Tucker was not gelded at the time. He arrived with a big personality, and lots of attitude! But, he won us over with his sweet and dog-like demeanour - especially after he was gelded.

Tucker is still young a

Tucker is still young and will be started under saddle when he is older and mentally / physically ready!

YOB: 2020

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The Mini's

Fabio

Juliet

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

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 has grown to be a very friendly and laid back pony. She is broke to ride and to drive and is an essential part of our mini's for mini's program.

YOB: 2013

Major

Juliet

Major

More info to come soon

YOB: 2017

Moose

Potato - For Sale

Major

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

Potato - For Sale

Potato is a miniature pony mare. She is sweet but very shy and new to our programs. She much prefers the company of kids over adults, and is very wary of tall people. Make sure to give her an extra pet or carrot when you see her!

YOB: 2013

Romeo

Potato - For Sale

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

Teddy

Timbit

Teddy

More information coming soon

YOB: 2010

Thor

Timbit

Teddy

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 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 enjoys being fed carrots as treats too.

YOB: 1996

Salsa

Salsa is a miniature donkey. In her previous home she was meant to be bred, but occasionally had an abnormal gait in her hind end (she lifted her legs up quite high so they believed she had a condition called stringhault) so they decided to sell her. We haven't noticed her moving this way, but always keep an eye on it! From the day she arrived, Salsa was a natural kid's donkey and was happy to be brushed and dressed up with no fuss.

YOB: 2009

Spanky

Spanky is a miniature donkey! He is new to Mission Ridge and 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

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.

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.