Cherry Creek Canadians

01/27/2026

01/20/2026

We like to say the horse world is welcoming.
And sometimes it is.

But equestrian sport is also one of the least diverse spaces many of us will ever step into -- and that doesn’t happen by accident.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we’re taking a thoughtful look at what makes a barn feel like home and what quietly pushes people out. From language and assumptions to traditions and subtle gatekeeping, this is about noticing what’s missing, and why.

Because horses may not care who you are, but the spaces built around them often do.

Read the full reflection here:
https://loom.ly/FJ2-yyI

We’d love to hear your thoughts. What made you feel like you belonged (or didn’t) when you first found horses? 👇

01/12/2026

Montreal police horse Roscoe retires

12/02/2025

Feel SO incredibly blessed to have been able to see Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin perform in person at the 2015 World Cup final in Las Vegas. Which they of course won.

I didn't take any photos or video of them during the tests as was just too mesmerized watching and didn't want to miss a second of their performances.

It really pi**es me off when I read all the comments by all the horsey "keyboard warriors" who say that this horse was pushed to hard, that Charlotte and Carl were in it for the money, that the horse never had a life, that he was abused, that they put Valegro and Utopia down to "save money", and other complete ignorant stupidity.

I took this video of them doing their lap of Champions at the end. And of them warming up beforehand. Watch it and tell me that this is a horse that was bullied into doing this or that he hated his job.

12/02/2025

https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/dressage/alan-davies-guest-edit-my-treasured-memories-of-valegro-hh-plus-713630-713630?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com/horse-hound/library/media/614554597

Alan Davies, groom to Valegro during his record-breaking dressage career, looks back at some of the highlights of the late, great horse

12/01/2025

So very sad to see this. I had the honour of seeing Valegro in person in Las Vegas. He was the most amazing and joyful horse to watch. So talented and truly loved his job. I’ve never seen another horse since that came anywhere close.
Run free Blueberry!
😢💔

Dear Blueberry,

I love you. I don’t know how to start this with any other words. I knew of course this day would come, but I don’t think I could ever be ready for it. And I’m sitting here, summoning up the courage to write this, knowing I’ll never have the words, knowing they’ll never be enough, but wanting to share something anyway because so many people loved you and it just feels like the right thing to do. You have been and still are so loved.

You have been my constant, my rock. Through the highest highs and the lowest lows, your gentle presence, your steady heartbeat, the silent moments we shared together have been my everything, the place I could always go to. In those quiet moments we had so many conversations without words; you loved me completely, as I am. You saw my heart and I yours.

I’ve never sat on a horse like you, Blueberry. It was always your heart and your mind that made you the best. We grew together, learned together, believed together. You would enter the arena and just know how special you were - I could feel you grow. The hush of the crowd as everyone turned to look at you. It would make me sit a little taller, shoulders back, head up - I just wanted to do you proud, to show the world what you were capable of; I could feel every muscle in your body move, every breath you took, every shiver of excitement and we would just melt into each other, it was like you could hear my heart speak and I yours. A partnership that everyone talks about, but you can’t really know until you’ve experienced it. And we danced Blueberry, didn’t we dance…

You transformed our sport, yes. The London Olympics was the greatest stage and we had no idea how our worlds would change, just a girl and a horse, trying our best.

But the biggest gift of all was the amount of joy you brought to this world. You made people smile every single day of your life. What a rare and special gift that is. You were born to do it, you always knew who needed extra care - so gentle with my children and the many others who met you, particularly those unwell. Seeing eyes light up - what a difference you made. To those who were able to meet you, even if just passing by, you gave hope, love and belief - you genuinely changed people’s lives, just with a touch, a nuzzle, warm breath on a face; just by being you. I’m so glad William and Isabella met you - they will grow up knowing your name, hearing stories about you, looking at pictures and videos of you. You will live on, not just in theirs, but in so many peoples’ hearts, and that gives me great happiness - you deserve to, and will be, remembered forever.

You chose me. And I was forever yours. I don’t know why, or how, but I thank my lucky stars you did. Our story is one that anyone who’s ever loved a horse can relate to - far beyond the medals and the talent, the reason to keep going, the reason we get up in the morning and do what we do, for the simple love of a horse.

You have been, and always will be, my one in a million and it has been the honour of my life to be not only your dance partner but best friend. The magic we had, no one can take from us, and we will dance again one day.

I feel you with me, I know you’re here. I saw a robin after I’d finished my tests the other day - just sitting quietly nearby, watching. Joined by a second before both flying off. You and Uti, always side by side, together always. I miss you both, more than I can say. The robin stayed just long enough for me to know you were there with me. It lifts me, and I will always look for you.

I love you Blueberry.

With every inch of my heart.

Forever and always.

My beautiful, best boy x

11/24/2025

https://www.horsenation.com/2025/11/24/mythbuster-monday-vaccination-fully-protects-against-neuro-ehv-1/?fbclid=IwRlRTSAORa5tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR7xvwz7zq8JJ1j0kC9Y-puZRrPfVyV8jacv9GtZYaACboU7AR5QSw5AMin9lA_aem_KxS2R_CTJl0GwzMOKA_VDg

On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Can a horse get the neurological form of EHV-1 if it's vaccinated? It’s Mythbuster Monday, where Horse Nation dives into different equestrian myths and provides research-based evidence to...

11/23/2025

Information about Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)

11/22/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HGbR7Fbpo/

11/21/2025

Yikes. Hope people didn’t bring this back to Canada!

Many of you may have heard of an EHV-1 outbreak in Texas and Oklahoma. Because the initial (index) case occurred following the World Championship Barrel Racing Finals in Waco, TX, many unknowingly exposed horses travelled back to their home states or on to other events, unfortunately potentially allowing the outbreak to become widespread. EHV-1 can have an incubation period of up to 14-21 days.

Please be aware that some states may be cancelling 6 month travel passports or may have stricter than typical import requirements; if you have planned upcoming travel with your horse, you should check with the state of destination for the latest information.

Our state veterinarian made an announcement today with the following information:

The Oregon State Veterinarian’s Office has been made aware of an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)/ Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in horses that were at or associated with barrel racing and rodeo-type events in Texas and Oklahoma. Several cases of EHM have been confirmed in Texas and Oklahoma associated with these equine events, with numerous reports of additional cases and equine deaths pending investigation.

We do not have any confirmed cases of EHV/EHM in Oregon at this time. Our office is coordinating with the affected states and we are currently awaiting to receive trace information from Texas and Oklahoma. If we receive traces from the other states, we will contact those owners directly and issue quarantine orders to mitigate further spread of the disease.

This outbreak serves as a reminder of the potential disease risks associated with large commingling equine events. It underscores the importance of timely reporting of diseases and ensuring that movement requirements are followed, including veterinary inspection and health certificates prior to travel.

Recommendations for Horse Owners
If you have clients with horses that traveled to Texas, Oklahoma, or other equine events where EHV exposure may have occurred, please contact our office directly at 503-986-4711. We will provide guidance regarding isolation and monitoring:

Exposed horses should be isolated for 21 days after last known exposure.
Appropriate isolation includes restricted access to other horses, avoiding the sharing of equipment or personnel, and utilization of protective barrier precautions.

Exposed horses should be monitored twice daily for elevated temperature (above 101.5*), respiratory signs (nasal discharge, coughing), and for clinical signs consistent with equine herpes myeloenceophalopathy (neurologic symptoms including inability to stand, difficulty walking, lethargy, and urine dribbling).
If elevated temperature, respiratory signs, or EHM-compatible clinical signs are noticed, owners should contact their veterinarian.

Upcoming Equine Events
Equine herpes virus can be shed for prolonged periods of time, including in clinically healthy horses, which increases risk for continued disease spread during a EHV/EHM outbreak.

Event Organizers: We recommend event organizers consult with their designated show veterinarian and understand the risks associated with hosting equine events during a multi-state outbreak. Cancellation or postponement of events may be important to stop continued spread of disease. If events do take place, we recommend short-timed health certificates within 72 hours and increasing biosecurity practices on site. Additional requirements for equine exhibitions may be implemented based on risk.

Interstate Movement
Please note that many states may be implementing movement restrictions or new import requirements for equines during this outbreak. Please always check with the state of destination to ensure that you are following import restrictions.

Equine Herpes Virus Information
EHV‐1 is spread from horse to horse through contact with nasal discharge or spread as aerosol droplets. Infected horses may not show clinical signs of the virus but may still act as carriers. Horses can also contract the virus by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces such as stalls, water, feed, tack, and transport vehicles. People can spread the virus from horse to horse by contaminated hands and clothing. It is important for owners to watch for signs and symptoms and practice biosecurity measures. Good biosecurity practices include extensive cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come in contact with affected horses, and individuals who treat or come into contact with infected horses need to follow appropriate disinfection protocols when handling multiple horses.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian’s Office Disease Reporting Hotline may be reached any time at 503-986-4711.

09/01/2025

❤️

The Friday Cartoon in memory of the late, great Ron Turcotte 💙 Illustrated beautifully by Remi Bellocq.

Ron and Secretariat, riding together again.