Angel Rock Farm

01/24/2025

The human horse partnership is real, just not in the way that is so often displayed in equestrian media and sport.

The human horse partnership is one that has more sacrifice on the part of the human than the part of the horse.

It is one that emphasizes equine wellbeing above what we can make a horse do.

One that recognizes that “good training” values wellbeing over speed of behavioural acquisition and that it isn’t a shortcoming of a trainer to move slower if that’s what is best for the horse.

Bringing out the best in a horse isn’t just about what they can do to impress people, but about how the horse actually feels about it.

I wish I had learned that sooner.

A real partnership has equal communication on either side and does not extinguish one side’s ability to communicate its truth.

I think as an industry we need to be more honest about whether or not the way we behave is in line with being a fair and just partner.

Because, for many years, I called myself a partner to my horses when really I was just a dictator.

01/24/2025

FREE course for youth on the language of horses by at .ca from January - March 2025

https://thehorseportal.ca/course/on-demand-horse-behaviour-and-safety-youth-course-ages-13-17/.

01/22/2025

Where horses and humans connect magic happens. Even when outside of the arena in their own environment. Bonds grow stronger as intimate moments unfold.

Photo Credit to : Diane Valberg-Groulx

01/13/2025

Absolute joy in the herd as they galloped and jumped together, delighting in the soft sand beneath their hooves. Joy in the simple things; a lesson for us humans.

Photo Credit to : Diane Valberg-Groulx

01/08/2025

Is your horse’s nighttime vision better than your daytime vision?

When comparing equine vision to human vision, the horse has a smaller visible spectrum (see image) which means they see a smaller range of colors than we do. However, horses have a structure in the back of their eye—called the tapetum lucidum—that humans do not have. This enhances vision in low light conditions and allows a horse to see better in the dark than a human does. However, reflections from the tapetum lucidum can also blur images and lead to poor depth perception at night.

Dilation of the pupil allows all species to see better in the dark. This process takes longer in a horse (45 minutes) than it does in humans (25 minutes). So, when a horse is asked to do something in a dark environment, it’s important to allow their vision proper time to fully accommodate.

Overall, the nighttime vision of a horse is better than the nighttime vision of a human. However, the horse’s nighttime vision is NOT better than the daytime vision of a human. Anytime you are asking your horse to function in a dim light situation, give them time to adjust. And if they are fearful, be patient and try to understand how things look from their perspective!
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

12/18/2024

12/16/2024

The Angel Rock herd were delighted to come inside from the icy footing to enjoy the soft sand and kick up their hooves. With their warm breath visible in the frosty air, their presence warmed our hearts and forged new connections ❤

12/08/2024

12/07/2024

𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬: 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱-𝗡𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀

A recent study by K. Kienapfel et all (2024) investigated the relationship between head-neck positions (HNPs), conflict behaviour (CB), and judging scores in elite dressage horses. The study examined how these factors align with the animal welfare principles and competition rules established by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
• Conflict behaviour increases with lower nasal plane angles in elite dressage horses.
• Relationship found between head-neck positions and conflict behaviour.
• Surprising rule contradiction: tests with small poll angles received high scores.
• Urgent need to address animal welfare and enhance solutions in dressage sport.

𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆:
The study observed 49 horses participating in the Grand Prix Special (CDIO5*) at CHIO Aachen in 2018 and 2019. Researchers analysed video footage of warm-up and competition phases, measuring HNPs (angle at the vertical, poll angle, and shoulder angle) and recording instances of conflict behaviour. These were evaluated against judges' scores.

The results showed that:

▪️ The nasal plane was behind the vertical more frequently during warm-up than in competition (-11° vs. -5°).
▪️ Poll angles were larger in competition (28°) than in warm-up (24°).
▪️ No significant differences were found in shoulder angles between warm-up and competition phases.

Conflict behaviours, including unusual oral movements, occurred more often during warm-up than in competition. Tail swishing was not affected by the nasal plane’s angle.

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀' 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
The study authors concluded that the findings raise concerns about the welfare of elite dressage horses and the application of FEI rules. According to the authors, horses showing restrictive HNPs—such as nasal planes behind the vertical—exhibited more conflict behaviours, yet these positions were not penalised during scoring and, in some cases, correlated with higher scores.

The authors emphasised the importance of addressing these discrepancies to ensure that dressage practices align more closely with established rules and prioritise horse welfare.

12/04/2024

“In their eyes, we find solace and our troubles melt away; in their presence, we find sanctuary and our spirits soar.” – Patricia Atchison

12/02/2024

12/01/2024

The Power of Horses in a Child’s Life

Horses offer more than just a ride—they teach invaluable life lessons. Caring for a horse fosters determination, as kids commit to tasks like grooming, feeding, and mucking stalls. Responsibility becomes second nature, as the well-being of a living, breathing companion depends on their efforts.

Riding introduces the thrill of accomplishment, whether mastering a new skill or completing a challenging course. Along the way, children learn patience, perseverance, and the importance of trust—both in themselves and their horse. These experiences shape resilient, compassionate, and capable individuals, creating lifelong memories and values that transcend the barn.

Let horses guide the next generation toward growth and greatness!

11/26/2024

What a fantastic day with our jolly Santa, the playful Grinch, five adorable ponies, and the lovable Sammy - all of whom happily posed for photos with Angel Rock students, families, and friends.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and generously donated to the Food Bank, helping support families during these challenging times.🎅🐴🎁

11/21/2024

Tell our government officials to stop the cull and ensure our beautiful wildies are protected.
Say no to a cull. Say no to contraception.
Email Todd Loewen and Danielle Smith
and ask them to stop taking our horses and reducing their chance of survival as a wild species.
Todd Loewen
[email protected]
Danielle Smith
[email protected]

Send a message to learn more