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, is 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, is 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 as well as her age she can only be ridden by more experienced riders in the program!
YOB: 2018
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Casimiro
Bumblebee
Bumblebee
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
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 for riders to try!
Cas has a sweet personality and will do anything for you for a few treats.
YOB: 2004
Denny
Bumblebee
Dr. Pepper
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
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 locks. We look forward to seeing what Denny will do in the future!
YOB: 2016
Dr. Pepper
Dr. Pepper
Dr. Pepper
Dr. Pepper aka "Schramtastic" is a Thoroughbred gelding. When he first came to Mission Ridge he raised a number of eyebrows due to his ragged coat and underdeveloped appearance. Many people questioned us about his age, believing that he was 25+ years old... not 10 years old as we told them!!! Dr. Pepper was severely emaciated prior to com
Dr. Pepper aka "Schramtastic" is a Thoroughbred gelding. When he first came to Mission Ridge he raised a number of eyebrows due to his ragged coat and underdeveloped appearance. Many people questioned us about his age, believing that he was 25+ years old... not 10 years old as we told them!!! Dr. Pepper was severely emaciated prior to coming to Mission Ridge, and had already been rescued and nursed back to health by the previous owner. He joined us while still continuing his road to recovery. We were drawn to Dr. Pepper's sweet and quiet demeanour, and he has joined the lesson program with ease! We look forward to seeing what Dr. Pepper can do was he improves his health and fitness!
YOB: 2014
Freckles
Dr. Pepper
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 prog
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: ~2000
Jax
Dr. Pepper
Freckles
Jax is a 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 i
Jax is a 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.
YOB: 2018
JD
Lady
Lady
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 a
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
Lady
Lady
Lady
Quarter horse x mare
YOB: 2000
Milo
Lady
Spike
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
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 enjoys being groomed and fed treats. He will be lightly started under saddle when he is older
YOB: 2020
Spike
Streaker
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 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 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!
YOB: 2004
Streaker
Streaker
Streaker
Paint gelding.
YOB: 2003
Horses - The Chestnut Crew
Archie
Archie
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
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 to arena work. He is now the favourite horse of many new riders to Mission Ridge Stables.
YOB: ~1996
Finley
Archie
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-t
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
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 short stride in the trot and canter, but many riders enjoy her as she is 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
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 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 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
Shiloh
Shiloh
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
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 introduced starting with our intermediate riders due to his tall stature.
YOB: 2007
The Ponies
Beauty
Beauty
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
Beauty
Max is a welsh 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 doe
Max is a welsh 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 does have some "ponytude" and will occasionally test out how well the rider is glued to the saddle.
YOB: 2010
Oakley
Oakley
Oakley
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
Whisp
Oakley
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 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 unimpressed expression. She often appears annoyed to people, and only bonds with very special riders!
**Whisp is currently on vacation at a summer-oasis, and will return in fall 2024!
YOB: ~2005
Up and Coming...
Duchess
Duchess
Duchess
Percheron x Mare
YOB: 2022
Winnie
Duchess
Duchess
Clyde x Pony Mare
YOB: 2020
The Mini's
Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown
Miniature pony gelding
YOB: 2024
Crackle
Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown
Miniature pony gelding
YOB: 2008
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
Miniature pony mare
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 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
Gracie
Juliet
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
Moose
Roanie
Roanie
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
Roanie
Roanie
Roanie
Miniature pony gelding
YOB: 2020
Romeo
Roanie
Romeo
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
Romeo
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 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.
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.