Trillium Equine Complex

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Trillium Equine Complex Located in Orono, Ontario A full service breeding and equine foundation training facility, as well as an equine educational center. We hope you enjoy your visit!
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Owners and breeders of champion Morgan horses breeders for 42 years. The door is always open and you are welcome to come in, pull up a chair and sit a spell. Explore all things horse related at Trillium and be sure to join our groups. Accomplished Horse Trainer, Equine Care Specialist, Breeder of Champion Morgans, Clinician, Published Writer, Competitor. Co-owner of Trillium Morgan Horse Farm and

the Trillium Equine Complex
Catherine has also recently published her memoirs "Between the Irons", a beautifully written book of her life with horses. Please check out the page "Between the Irons" for more information.

GLISTENING ice coated everything when I arrived at the stable this morning. Chores plugged along as usual with my senior...
10/12/2024

GLISTENING ice coated everything when I arrived at the stable this morning. Chores plugged along as usual with my senior volunteers lending a hand. They came prepared with their ice grips on boots.

The stall mucking was slower than usual. All the stalls were extremely heavy since the horses were being stalled yesterday. The air was also saturated with moisture. I had to shovel out most of them and add some small amount of new pellets to create some absorption for tonight. They looked like they hadn't been picked the day before. I ache a little more now.

Back to regular lessons this evening and routine of the barn.

HORSES in the mist this morning but at least they all got turned out today. Soft slush covers the paddocks.
10/12/2024

HORSES in the mist this morning but at least they all got turned out today. Soft slush covers the paddocks.

10/12/2024

SOMETHING a little different tonight with Zayda riding Dancing Rosie ba****ck. Even with the smash of falling ice from the roof of the arena outside, Zayda hung on.

09/12/2024

ATTENTION
ALL SENIOR VOLUNTEERS
ice grips fitted to your boots
is mandatory during the winter months
when coming to the stable. We don't
want any accidental slips and falls. We no longer bounce but break.

THE "Feed the Critters" Christmas Wheelbarrow is now accepting donations for the animals Christmas Eve Dinner. We accept...
09/12/2024

THE "Feed the Critters" Christmas Wheelbarrow is now accepting donations for the animals Christmas Eve Dinner. We accept "unwrapped" mints (Scotch mints), apples, carrots, commercially made horse treats, cat and dog treats and for the ducks, frozen peas or mealworms (Coop and Braggs carry these). We do not need any molasses this year.

MR. CHIPS got a groom from Elaine then got his winter blanket on.
09/12/2024

MR. CHIPS got a groom from Elaine then got his winter blanket on.

I DIDN'T get the word out soon enough and these senior volunteers drove through that freezing rain to help at the farm t...
09/12/2024

I DIDN'T get the word out soon enough and these senior volunteers drove through that freezing rain to help at the farm this morning. I have a very short distance to drive and had to pull off as the rain froze immediately to my windshield. I needed to wait for the defroster to warm the glass so my wipers could swish the ice away.

I was relieved when my volunteers left as I was anxious about them driving. Before I left at noon, I re-watered the entire barn (in case we lose power) and gave all horses an extra flake of hay. Marilyn was still picking the rest of the boarder's stalls when I finished up all mine. (She is stubborn and wouldn't go home!) The parking lot is treacherous with all that ice and my van was like a glass figurine. I almost fell trying to get Clipper up the ramp into the van. I gave up and closed him in the barn for the day. Summer fell on the ice when I came home. I will be back this afternoon to do evening feed. Lessons are on hold unless we get a break in the weather. EVERYONE is advised to wear ice grips on their boots! I will be sending out a message to my senior volunteers. It is mandatory that they wear these at the barn during the winter. *Pic of the 3 diehards who drove in with the freezing rain coating their vehicles and the road today in an icy glass.

09/12/2024

FREEZING RAIN EVENT DAY
NO HORSES TURNED OUT
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE

09/12/2024

FITTED the harness on Traveler tonight and long-lined him after tucking up the traces and wrap straps so they weren't dangling and banging against him. As a typical Traveler character, he waited patiently as I walked with the lines in one hand and phone videotaping in the other. His brakes work too. I need to clean and oil up the old working harness before I dare hook him to a cart. His first few steps were a little confusing as he leaned into the breast plate expecting to haul a heavy buggy. "Hummm... pretty light" he must have thought to himself. Now I'm excited to hook him, although I will bear in mind that one of his former Amish driving women said he was too fast for her, but her husband loved his quick gait. As long as he has brakes, I'm good with a ground-covering trot. With a not-so-great grip on the lines anymore and a weak shoulder, I need him to come back when asked.

ONE more sleigh ride... circa 1977. This is Lauralee Foxy Man (foundation sire of Trillium Morgans.) We were at a friend...
08/12/2024

ONE more sleigh ride... circa 1977. This is Lauralee Foxy Man (foundation sire of Trillium Morgans.) We were at a friend's farm when we took this picture from the sleigh. It was a bitterly cold day as I recall, but Foxy never missed a beat. He was a 'do everything' horse.

ALL horses snug in their stalls on this very wintry night.
08/12/2024

ALL horses snug in their stalls on this very wintry night.

THE old horses, dressed to do battle with winter. I do not normally blanket horses in winter, with the exception of my e...
06/12/2024

THE old horses, dressed to do battle with winter. I do not normally blanket horses in winter, with the exception of my elderly horses and we have a lot of them now. That damp cold plays havoc with arthritis and makes for a miserable time. I know from my own experience how that feels. Old horses and old animals in general are often gripped with arthritis, chill and ache like the rest of us of a certain vintage. Keeping warm, fed and sheltered from wet really benefits them and gives them comfort. Healthy younger horses are not in need of a boost in clothing. Mother Nature serves them well with a short dense coat that shelters them from the snow and traps in the warmth their bodies generate. As long as they have good feed for calories and water to keep everything lubricated inside, and shelter if they choose, they are just fine. The pensioner, poor body score or thin skinned horse might need a helping hand during the winter months. Geographically, northern climates can be very frigid. Factor in these conditions for blanketing: age, climate, and whether or not the horse is infirmed. That would be my advice. Otherwise, let nature do its thing to keep your horse warm with a naturally thick velour coat, designed for the elements.

FIRST winter on our new property at Trillium in Orono - 1981 driving Trillium Reflection, west edge of property. Loved t...
06/12/2024

FIRST winter on our new property at Trillium in Orono - 1981 driving Trillium Reflection, west edge of property. Loved that boy! He lived his entire 31 years with us. And yes, he was a reflection of what our Morgans could do and the happiness they brought to so many. He was the first to carry our prefix and was aptly named.

BACK story to this poem that was written for one of our Christmas Festival stall designs and the resident horse that liv...
06/12/2024

BACK story to this poem that was written for one of our Christmas Festival stall designs and the resident horse that lived in that stall.

Trillium Moonraker was a son of UVM Dexter out of Hobbiton Tinuviel. Raker, as he was known, was a beautiful liver chestnut c**t foaled in 1990 and eventually sold to Utah. He became a ranch horse there and did a lot of mountain work. I wrote this poem for him.The stall design had an animated angel that open her arms. Gold beads where placed in her hands to enhance the movement. He was a beautiful horse and much loved by his owners. Pics: stall design, Raker as a youngster and finally Raker in Utah (Raker is the last horse on the right in the group shot.)

"The Legend of Raker's Christmas Angel" (C. Sampson)

High atop a wildwood mountain
Crowned by leaves of golden autumn
Hanging jewels of crystal water
Kissed by winds of old Keewatin
Lives the radiant Christmas Angel
In peace and homage for the lowly manager
And in her hands lie strands of gold
The sovereign braid of life yet told.

She spreads her wings to take the flight
As did long ago that wintry night
Godspeed with her to that chosen farm
A Morgan c**t whose gift she’s giving
The simple treasurers of life and living.

And as she looks to heaven’s way
She knows she pleased his special day
Smiling St. Francis at His side
Blessing the creatures far and wide.

The Angel’s journey now complete
The message delivered for those to keep
Brings hope and light to a world that cares
The meaning of Christmas, not want or despair.

ANOTHER poem at ChristmasThe Christmas Horseshoe Wreath (C. Sampson)These shoes have trotted the show ring wideWith vict...
06/12/2024

ANOTHER poem at Christmas

The Christmas Horseshoe Wreath (C. Sampson)

These shoes have trotted the show ring wide
With victory passes and smiles of pride.
They’ve traveled the woodland terrain so bold
Carrying safely the rider as the seasons unfold.
With cold winds blowing as winter draws near
These shoes are pulled for another year.

Hanging with honour on this festive wreath
The arc of steel guards the longing belief
That goodness is found in the meekest of men
Not in power and wealth
But in the hand of a friend.

And when the farrier comes next spring
His hammer and anvil creating a ring
As the shoes return to protect the steed
Releasing the message and planting the seed
That true strength is not measured
In a metal called steel
But in the humble act of giving
For a caring heart that feels

DUCKS bedded down in straw and a heat lamp for the long winter months. A bit nippy out there tonight. Feeling like -16 t...
06/12/2024

DUCKS bedded down in straw and a heat lamp for the long winter months. A bit nippy out there tonight. Feeling like -16 tonight.

The Christmas Cabin (C. Sampson)The Christmas Cabin sits so cozyMy hands so cold, my cheeks so rosy Cowpony c...
05/12/2024

The Christmas Cabin (C. Sampson)

The Christmas Cabin sits so cozy
My hands so cold, my cheeks so rosy
Cowpony chomps the bit for hay
So with these words, I do pray

Please keep the winter cold at bay
Stars shining bright, lead not astray
And dust the trail oh so lightly
That we can still travel sprightly

Up and over the Utah ridges
Crossing natural God made bridges
Round the crooked path we wind
Standing tall, are guarding pines

Elk and deer we don’t find
Jog on by with wary minds
Home to the Christmas Cabin we ride
Carrying a wrapped gift on the side

Music and merry I will plunk
Guitar and fiddle at my bunk
So please dear Lord keep us safe
As we ride ahead of the storm post haste

My horse is small but never a quitter
Regardless of the going & weather bitter
Keep his footing firm and steady
No wolves or cougars at the ready

Keep the sleet from my bending Stetson
As we prepare for winter’s lesson
Through a maze of green fur branches
I peer warm light as a candle dances

Glorious cabin, now in sight
Bless you Father of the night
You’ve been our lantern in the dark
Our guide and protector of these parts

My prayer for help has been heard
Sweet as any singing songbird
Our Christmas Cabin sits so cozy
"Giddyup" my friend
No time to mosey.

JULIE'S been decorating some more. We noticed the Christmas ornaments on the stalls too.
05/12/2024

JULIE'S been decorating some more. We noticed the Christmas ornaments on the stalls too.

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Videos

Bareback
Bareback

SOMETHING a little different tonight with Zayda riding Dancing Rosie bareback. Even with the smash of falling ice from the roof of the arena outside, Zayda hung on.

The Amazing Traveler
The Amazing Traveler

FITTED the harness on Traveler tonight and long-lined him after tucking up the traces and wrap straps so they weren't dangling and banging against him. As a typical Traveler character, he waited patiently as I walked with the lines in one hand and phone videotaping in the other. His brakes work too. I need to clean and oil up the old working harness before I dare hook him to a cart. His first few steps were a little confusing as he leaned into the breast plate expecting to haul a heavy buggy. "Hummm... pretty light" he must have thought to himself. Now I'm excited to hook him, although I will bear in mind that one of his former Amish driving women said he was too fast for her, but her husband loved his quick gait. As long as he has brakes, I'm good with a ground-covering trot. With a not-so-great grip on the lines anymore and a weak shoulder, I need him to come back when asked.

Mattie & Teeter Totter
Mattie & Teeter Totter

FIRST for Marilyn and Mattie.

Secret Forest
Secret Forest

THOUGHT you might like to take a peek at the secret forest where I put the duck eggs for our friend "The Scarlet Pimpernel". There are a few pics from last night here as well.

Snowfall
Snowfall

SNOWFALL morning. Tia, Penny and Deb made it in this morning despite the weather. All chores done by 11:30 a.m.

Traveling
Traveling

ROCKIN it tonight as Brendan got his second lesson tonight on Traveler. Brendan's got a big soft spot for Traveler as they learn to navigate obstacles and work on steady trot.

MUCKING A STALL
MUCKING A STALL

WITH so many first-time DIY stall renters in the barn who haven't experienced the art of stall mucking, I decided to let my camera roll this morning and put together a video of how I approach it after 60+ years of doing it. It's about 13 minutes long. (sound on)

LE incognito
LE incognito

THE other horses are wondering who is that incognito?

Smooching
Smooching

TWIST and Triumph have a smooch with the camera this morning.

Tiger the Thief
Tiger the Thief

TIGER stealing LE's hay from the bottom of the stall boards. He looks quite pleased with himself.

HOSE ROLL
HOSE ROLL

LESSON on how to roll up the 100' hose properly.

Brendan & Traveler
Brendan & Traveler

SOMEONE was a bit giddy riding Traveler for the first time tonight. Brendan was thrilled to mount up on him for his lesson this evening. Traveler is a treasured addition to our Silver Rider program for senior riders. Special thanks to Forever Morgans for allowing us to adopt him. Life has never been sweeter than now. Traveler has integrated well with his herd of 11 other geldings. He plays, runs, shares the feeders and enjoys his nightly mashes and all the grooming the senior volunteers give him. He has a warm stall at night, and lots of new adventures. He is very happy and loved here.

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