Cairns Ranch-Equestrian Division

08/16/2025

For all my Alberta friends, Krystl Raven is the very best saddle fitter out there.

Looking to do a day of fitting in Wainwright area. Please contact me if you’re interested. Looking at either August 27 or 29th. Travel fee split between all clients seen on the trip.

08/16/2025

Branding Day Comicals 🐂💩

Every branding day comes with a little dirt, a lot of cows, and usually a dash of chaos… but this year, I managed to supply the comedy act too.

We were moving the herd across a field thick with grass and alfalfa into the branding trap when I decided to show off a little hustle. I stepped off my horse to get to the gate next thing I know, my spur hooks onto the pull tab of my other boot, hog-tying myself mid-stride. One second I was running like a ranch hand, the next I was eating dirt like a rookie. 🤦‍♀️

And not just any dirt, mind you. Nope—straight into the freshest, cow-patty-flavored patch Mother Nature could serve up. 💩 Olympic-level face-plant. Gold medal performance.

My husband and sons? Let’s just say they’ll be telling the tale for years, because apparently watching Mom yard-dart herself into cow p**p is peak entertainment. 🤷‍♀️😂

So while the rest of the crew came home bragging about roping calves, I came home fertilized, humbled, and officially crowned the slapstick queen of branding day.

Moral of the story: ranch life will always keep you grounded… sometimes face-first. 🌾🐄 sometimes with a boot in need of repair 👢

07/26/2025

🌟 Want a better horse? Start by letting him feel successful. 🌟

Every ride is a conversation. When you focus on what your horse can do—no matter how small—you build confidence, trust, and willingness. You show him, “I see you. I believe in you.” And that’s where partnership begins.

But if you spend every ride digging into what he can’t do, guess what happens? He starts to worry. He feels like he’s always failing. That tension turns into anxiety, which often gets labeled as “disobedience.” It’s not that he doesn’t want to try—it’s that he’s bracing for disappointment.

Progress comes from success stacked on success—not pressure stacked on frustration.

As riders, we can park our emotions at the barn door. We can choose patience, clarity, and calm. But your horse doesn’t get that choice—he feels everything in real time. Your #1 job in the saddle is to make sure he feels confident, understood, and successful.

Yes, growth takes challenge. But the best training makes the hard things feel easy, because the horse is already confident in himself and in you.

So today, find something he can do and build on it. Let him walk away from the ride feeling proud. That’s how you make a better horse—and a true partner. 🐴❤️

07/21/2025

This past weekend marked Rhiannon’s Tango, Bugger’s, third level debut, and I couldn’t be prouder. Despite his modest stature, this horse has shown an extraordinary heart and a keen mind. With ample opportunity for further development, his respectable score of 65.27 in his first third level appearance is impressive. Moreover, he was declared the champion at second level. I do have to thank our entire team here because 8 months ago I didn’t think I would ever compete on him again.

07/21/2025

Rhiannon's Francesco made a stellar debut in town, showcasing remarkable poise and confidence throughout. He proved to be a truly delightful companion. We successfully completed a couple of intro and training level tests, earning impressive scores ranging from 65.000 to 70.250. This training level test yielded a score of 68.000, a truly outstanding achievement considering this young horse has only had 90 rides. I am thrilled with this performance and excited for his bright future. Breeder of this fine fellow is Lesley Rhys-Williams

06/24/2025

What a fantastic educational experience at the Saskatchewan Horse Federation Pathways to High Performance Clinic in Saskatoon this past weekend. Belinda Trussell is kind and well-versed. Always bringing out the very best in each horse and rider pair. Unfortunately, my photographs are not of high quality as I was fully engaged in riding and listening. Thank you Elevation Equestrian for opening up your excellent and dry facilities to us dressage riders. Thankful for the rain but equally thankful for your hospitality.

06/12/2025

Nolan’s good grullo horse, Hawken. Earning his keep. Such a nice gelding. Breeder: Cross Bar Ranch

05/29/2025

Just because a young horse appears quiet, it does not necessarily mean they are suitable for an older amateur rider. Horses under 7 years old are still undergoing physical, mental, and emotional development. Their true personality, strengths, and quirks often do not fully emerge until they reach maturity. Even the calmest young horse can exhibit unexpected behavior when hormonal changes occur, confidence grows, or they encounter challenging situations. Some sellers may advertise young horses as "bomb proof," but it is essential to recognize that no horse is entirely "bomb proof," especially at 3, 4, or 5 years old. It is impossible to predict how a young horse will react in unfamiliar or stressful situations. A young horse may behave well with a confident, experienced rider but may exhibit unpredictable behavior with a timid or unbalanced rider. Older amateur riders should seek a seasoned horse with extensive experience, as this will provide a safer and more reliable partnership. Conversely, young horses require a confident, consistent rider to guide them through their formative years. In my 32 years of experience starting horses, I have found that maturity plays a crucial role in achieving successful outcomes, rivaling the importance of quality training. By pairing horses and riders appropriately, we can set both parties up for success.

05/21/2025

Thinking about turning your horse out to pasture? Do it—for both of you! Sure, pens are convenient, but there's something magical about a pasture-kept horse. The daily walk to bring them in? That's your warm-up! It gets your body moving, your mind slowing down, and your stress from work melting away. Your horse benefits too—more movement, more natural grazing, and a happier headspace. It sets the stage for a better ride and a stronger bond. Let the fresh air, green grass, and extra steps work their magic. You might just find that pasture time is your kind of therapy too. Today I walked over a mile to get my two geldings so I could ride. Half a mile there and half a mile back. Okay, I cheated today because I hitched a ride on Nolan's quad for part of the walk there, but you get the idea. It doesn't actually take very long. Most of my horses are stellar individuals and can easily be caught. I do have one jerk, but he's almost over the catching thing. Here's the scene that greeted me when I first arrived. I also very rarely have a hot horse.

03/21/2025

🐴 Unlocking the Power of the Seeking Reflex in Your Horse 🐴

A horse that understands and engages with the seeking reflex is a horse that’s truly connected — both mentally and physically. This natural behavior encourages the horse to seek forward and down into the contact, promoting balance, relaxation, and self-carriage.

Why is this so important?

✨Balance & Posture: A horse hiding behind the contact often avoids using its back properly, leading to tension and imbalance.

✨Confidence: When a horse trusts the bit and seeks forward, it shows mental engagement and trust in the rider’s hand.

✨Strength Building: Proper engagement allows for correct muscle development over the topline.

If your horse tucks behind the bit, it’s not “light” — it’s evading. Encourage softness, not submission. Support your horse to confidently reach forward into a gentle, elastic contact. That’s where true harmony happens.

02/02/2025

I felt honoured when I received an unexpected surprise in the mail on Friday - my pony and I earned the champion and high point team titles for open second level in the small horse division, thanks to Tango’s entire team.

01/07/2025

Buying and Selling Horses: Shared Responsibilities

The horse industry thrives on trust, transparency, and professionalism from both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re buying or selling, here are some key responsibilities to keep in mind:

Sellers:
• Be prepared! Have clear, well-lit conformation photos and a good-quality video showcasing the horse’s movement.
• Be upfront about price. As a buyer, there’s nothing more irritating than hearing phrases like, “Our prices start at…” or “Make me an offer.” Just name the price of the horse in question, or if selling multiple foals, provide a brief sales list with pricing. Transparency saves everyone time.
• Accurately represent the horse’s age, training, and temperament. Honesty is everything in this business.

Buyers:
• Know your budget and requirements before reaching out.
• Be prepared to answer questions from the seller about how you feed, care for, and manage your horses. Sellers have a responsibility to ensure their horse goes to the best possible fit.
• Ask clear, concise questions about the horse that help you decide if it’s a good match.
• Respect the seller’s time—don’t ghost or haggle excessively if the price is fair.

Remember the age-old horseman’s truth: You can have cheap and sound—they won’t be broke; broke and sound—they won’t be cheap; or cheap and broke—they won’t be sound. Be realistic about your expectations, and you’ll find a better match for your goals.

The art of buying and selling horses is much bigger than this post, but in a nutshell, these are the basics. A smooth transaction starts with mutual respect, clear communication, and proper preparation. Let’s work together to make the horse-buying and selling experience better for everyone, especially the horses!