Horses
Our horses are truly some of the best instructors around. Their good nature allows you to build your confidence in and out of the saddle. Just like dogs and cats, each horse has their own personality, preferences, likes and dislikes. Read up on all the horses to get a sneak peek into their character and maybe you'll learn a little something!
Angie
I am a 1987 egyptian arabian mare and have become one of the favorites at Matsqui Stables. Most of the pony riders and first time riders have their beginning experiences with me. But don't let my size fool you....I’m a full sized horse at heart!
Bolt
I am a 1987 quarterhorse gelding cross. Being one of the original horses at Matsqui Stables, I have taken hundreds of people on the trails. From nervous adults, to little kids and international students, I've seen it all! I still go on the trails often, but have been enjoying trying my hand as a lesson horse as well.
Burkley
I am a 2000 appendix gelding. When my viewers watch me ride they often make comments about my graceful movements, great form, amazing jumping capabilities and ability to move off the leg. I am just eager to please, and enjoy looking great while I’m at it!
Cash
I am a 2004 purebred quarterhorse gelding. I've been getting a lot of attention since I got here. Everyone is making offers to buy me! I don't quite know what all the buzz is. I came from a large cattle ranch in Kamloops where they breed quarterhorses. I helped move cattle, and do basic ranch chores with my breeder. I was just one of many back home. Now I'm like a celebrity. They always tell me how flashy & well put together I am. Forget all the fuss, I just want to ride!
Chevy
I am a 1997 throughbred gelding. I was on the track as a youngster. I only ran 3 races, but managed to get 6th in one of the races. Denise says she doesn't even know how I placed at all.....apparently I'm not very fast, and don't really have too much get-up-n-go......oh well, those qualities allow me to be a great schooling horse. Good enough for me!
Dawson
I am handsome! Let's just start with that. Get it out of the way as we all know that's the first thing that comes to mind. I only know this because Denise is "ga ga" over me. I was born in April of 2006 and am a 16hh registered paint gelding. I am just a baby but Denise has great plans to take me into the show arena in the next few years. Apparently I'm her newest challenge. I look forward to all the adventures!
Honey
I am a 2000 quarterhorse mare. Some call me white, but I am a cremello with 2 blue eyes. I was originally purchased at the auction for my good looks as they thought I would be perfect for weddings! They are now discovering my many talents. I'm apparently very enjoyable to ride with great smooth gaits and a soft mouth. I'm mostly just flattered that they think I'm beautiful!
Kingston
I am a 2003 registered thoroughbred gelding. My real name is Kalamalka but Denise thought it was a mouthful, so she altered it to something more elegant. I was trained in Dressage for the last few years, and am known for my very smooth canter. They say with time I will be an excellent horse for all levels of rider.
Lippy
I am a 1995 Lippizan cross. 10 years ago I was purchased by a gentleman in search for a pure white horse. He paid top dollar for me and although he was only a warm weather rider, I spent all my winters at the trainers continuing my education. I am almost 17hh, gentle as a lamb, and ready to learn the ropes of the riding school.
Monty
Monty is a well schooled horse that is excellent on the trails, great in the arena, and good for all levels of rider. We have first time riders on him all the way to intermediate. Although he is a safe mount, he is also a forward mover. He has never been lazy or difficult to get him to go. For sure a horse for the whole family that is ready to go! Great for vet, farrier and hauling. His only vice is that he is a cribber, but is controlled with a cribbing collar.
Moxie
Moxie is a 5 yr old POA mare standing 14hh. She is lots of fun and everyone that meets her can agree she has a ton of personality. She loves to get out for a ride and make new friends. A little known fact that many dont know about Moxie is that she has won the overall BC sport pony award the last 2 years in a row. She has been trained both english and western and looks forward to all the new students she will meet here at Matsqui.
Phoenix
I am a 1998 paint gelding. When Denise bought me I was in a season of my life where I walked and jogged only, but slowly I'm getting more comfortable in the lope. If someone was to ask me what my favorite was between trails and arena work, I would have to say I like them both! Variety is the spice of life : )
Rea
I am a delicate pure bred arabian. I'm a little older than you'd expect, but people say I don't act my age. (I was born in 1983). I've been around the block a little, but have settled in quite well at the ranch. I seem to stay out of trouble most often, but there's nothing like being true to the "mare" instinct and pinning my ears back at ALL the horses. I just pretend I'm tough, but my bark is definitely a lot louder than my bite!
Skippy
I am a 1995 pony gelding. "Cute as a button", "stinkin' adorable" and "awwwwww" are phrases I hear regularly. I am a safe mount, but as any pony would tell you, there are certain things we just have to do to be true to ourselves. For example, we have to constantly test the rider with various tricks like coming off the rail, bobbing our head when we don't want to do something, or cutting the corners. It's all in good fun, but it gives us a chance to figure out which riders have the ability to outsmart us, and which ones will let us do whatever we want.
Takaya
I am a 1983 thoroughbred mare born on valentines day! I have a rather interesting history. I got my beginnings on the track. It wasn’t really my forte, so they turned me into a brood mare. I had 7 foals. Thats enough for any woman! Finally they decided to retrain me for beginner riders at the ripe age of 17. I now gladly take all ages, sizes and riding levels.