Since I became a farrier, every week someone offers me a free horse. Every week, I say no. There are always horses looking for homes for a plethora of reasons, and I am honoured people feel that I would be a good owner. That being said, horses are incredibly costly in time and money. Declining …
Climbing Horseshoe Mountain
The first shoe I ever pulled off a horse took 45 minutes. My arms, hands, back and legs were screaming at me why are you doing this??? Beads of perspiration dripped into my eyes as my fingers gave their best death grip on tools that felt awkward and heavier with each passing second. Still, the …
Become A What?
The first time I heard the word farrier, I thought it had something to do with taxidermy. No, I was told, it is the person who cares for the horses hooves. The horses need regular trimming and sometimes shoeing, and the farrier travels around to different barns to provide this service. My highly opinionated project …
A Diva Named Contessa
What is in a name? A LOT! Contessa was proof of that. A two year old dark bay filly with attitude coming out of every pore - she was a handful. Contessa was born on the farm a couple of years before Aquila and I arrived as WWOOFers. From the moment she entered the world, …
I’m Addicted to Horses
There are plans, and then there is life. Initially, Aquila and I were to stay at our WWOOF location for two weeks. Nearly two years later, we were still there. The farm owners were looking for long term apprentices and we were happy to fill those roles. Despite my family believing I had joined …
Sense Knocked Into Me
Friday the 13th was the beginning of my new life. It was June of 2008 when my boyfriend Aquila and I left Montreal to go WWOOFing across Canada. Our first chosen farm destination captivated me with its description of horses, vegetable gardens, and maple syrup, but the promise of equines guided my soul. Nestled in …
Seeing My Way Out
A shocking change of perspective was the key to unlocking my mind. Once I believed life was really mine to live, there was no going back. My best friend, Aquila - now my husband - asked me to travel with him and I said YES. We had no idea where we were going, but …

