Keewatin Farm acquired its first Canadien
horse in 1995. Our venture into horse breeding began with
a dream. We had read articles about this fascinating horse breed
with roots of more than 300 years in Canadian history.
We were
attracted to this versatile breed with a great disposition,
and the ability to be both ridden and driven. Along with
a friend, Greg Petroski, who shared the fascination, we went
East to Quebec
and Ontario, visited many different breeders and came
home the proud owners of a bred mare, Athena.
Athena - our first Canadien - Adapting to her first
Western winter
The next year we, and our friend Greg Petroski,
bought out a herd from a breeder in northern Manitoba and
so it goes.
We have chosen to focus on the more traditional type of Canadien
horse, that of the stockier, sturdier version. Our horses
average around 15 hands (the breed standards being 14 - 16
hands) , males typically being 15 h or a little more and females
about 14.2 h-14.3h
Friend Greg Petroski with his stallion Felipe under harness
The traditionally sized Canadien
is a horse with a strong constitution - limbs and lungs to
last, a generally
gentle and calm disposition, and a willingness to learn
the many tasks which Canadien horses are asked to perform
- from
dressage to endurance.
Will and Elaine enjoying the Prairie winter
Superbe with friend Barry resting along the trail
