One Horse Town
If you live in Cochrane Ontario, this past Sat, March 29, 2008, you might have caught a glimpse of myself and my Quarter Horse mare, Chelsea Buns, parading down the streets of Cochrane.

We rode in from where we board (roughly a 1.5 hour ride in), and rode through town. It was a beautiful day, perfect for riding! No wind, warm and the ground was perfect, not slippery and not too messy.

There were many new experiences for my mare from the big mill, water tower, to some large equipment digging ditches. Buns was fantastic, hardly a reaction from anything, except the horse eating, sewer grates of course. However, she soon realized they weren't going to eat us, at least not that day.

The most exciting thing about riding a horse through town is the reactions of people who see the horse, especially the children. I see so many smiles, I can't help but smile right back. I so remember that feeling when I was kid if I saw a horse. There was no stopping me! I'd have to go see that horse. So anytime, I'm asked to stop I do.

We spent some time standing around at L&R's to let people pet Buns and answer the gazillion questions the children had. The biggest one answered "yes, you can ride your horse in town". Horses were the first mode of transportation, so they are welcomed on just about any streets in any city, town etc. Horses have as much rights on the street as your vehicle.

So if you live in the area and you see us riding by, don't be shy, shout to us and we'll stop! Chelsea Buns loves the attention anyways!!

Ride with the wind @ http://www.equinenorth.net/

Romance hasn't died

I recently had the privilege of meeting the owner or Windsong Carriage from Owen Sound: http://www.windsongcarriage.com/

Gordie, the founder and owner of Windsong, brings back the days when the only mode of transportation was horse and carriage. Only, he does it with a touch of class; top hat, tails, and a smile that would melt anyone who looked his way.

His handcrafted, fringe top surrey carriage which he custom made himself, strolls down the city streets with his proud, powerful horse/s. In this case, it was Duke who took us for a stroll, a kind, golden, Belgian who's wants nothing more then make sure you enjoy your ride/tour through the streets.

Windsong is known mostly for doing weddings. What a romantic way to say I do, even for the not so equine lover. Riding down the streets in a classy carriage controlled by a handsome man in top hat and tails and the sound of the horses hooves pounding on the pavement. Surely an addition to your wedding photo album you'll want to have.

Windsong will go pretty well anywhere in Ontario. Your best to give him a call directly (tell him equine north set you) to find out the specifics, but from what I hear, it's a memory never to be forgotten. I know I'll never forget my trip there. Just visit his site to see what he offers, his horses and learn how this business came along.

Ride with the wind @ http://www.equinenorth.net/

April 3, 2008