Dear Readers,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. This is the time of year when we drag out our decorations for tree, house, barn and yard! It’s invigorating to wake up to a frosty or snowy morning, put on a pot of coffee, wrap up well and tromp out in the crisp air to feed the horses. Christmas has a way of making us feel warm and cozy, sitting by the fire in the evening, reading a great story, the smell of pine and apple cider filling the house. Friends and family arrive through out the season for gift giving, wonderful food and great conversation. Christmas is about community, about relationships, about God’s grace upon us all.

I’ve had opportunities lately to attend both trade shows and horse shows. The Mane Event in BC was where the contact was made for our cover story this month. Roxanne and Marty Salinas are passionate about the National Horse of Canada, the Canadian Horse. Roxanne is a walking history book on these strong, beautiful animals. Her article details the breed from their arrival in New France in 1665 to the present day. The dedication of many people has preserved the Canadian Horse when so few were left, even as late as the 1970’s when there were only 400 registered Canadian Horses.

Our upcoming January 2005 Stallion Issue will feature a pull out glossy insert that you can keep as a reference and guide for your breeding needs. Every reader will enjoy this issue whether you’re breeding horses or just love reading about them. Want to show case your stallion? Call NWHS today for details.

God Bless you and your family this Christmas, and Remember to Ride!

Karen

“ Dashing through the snow, on a one horse open sleigh…..”

Following is the caption info that Roxanne sent with the painting.

A Canadien habitant in a horse-drawn sleigh. Oil painting entitled "Habitant Sleigh"by Cornelius Krieghoff (1815-1872)
Credit: C. Krieghoff, National Archives of Canada