The Gauthiers entered one of their Splash Overo paint fillies into a Canadian Colours Futurity at Ponoko, Alta., in September 2012. LP Silent Chip, a.k.a. Bella, is a yearling American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Splash Overo, who received top honours in her registered class, which not only pleased her owners but also drew attention from the judges. It was unknown to the Gauthiers at the time that their prizewinning filly could have a sensory challenge, until Nicole was approached by the judges following the class inquiring if Bella was deaf. They explained how Bella’s markings are very indicative of the genetic trait linked to deafness in the Splash version of the Overo paint horse. The characteristic bonnet face, the white encompassing the nose and spreading upwards and stopping just in front of the ears, is considered genetically linked to sensory disability.

“It looks like the horse was dipped in paint feet first,” said Nicole.

Professional judge, Clinton Fullerton from Kansas City, Missouri, was among one of the judges in Ponoko. He said that in his 25 years’ experience with training, showing and coaching paints and quarter-horses, the chance of encountering a hearing-impaired horse was low. “Splash Overo is considered one of the least common paint horse colour patterns and more often than not, horses displaying this form of coat colouring are more inclined to deafness than any other horse type and breed.

“The hearing-challenged horse is either very quiet or very wild,” said Fullerton. “There is usually no medium, it is usually one extreme or the other.

“The ears on a deaf horse are positioned with the ear opening off to the side as opposed to the up and forward position,” he said, who, in his career of training and coaching horses has received 162 world and reserve champion awards.

Congenital deafness associated with the Splash paint breed is a result of the lack of pigmentation within the inner ear causing the death of hair cells necessary to perceive sound. As in many other animal species, the deafness trait is usually associated with blue eyes and white coat colour. In the case of the Splash Overo, the head and legs are also white and the markings are very straight cut and defined. The Overo pattern is controlled by a dominant gene and does not appear to be gender specific.

Bella was chosen from the Gauthiers’ stock at the weanling stage then a slow transition into training was developed. As the trainer-horse bond grew, Bella began to flourish and was quick to respond to Nicole’s body language, becoming an exceptional student once the trust and respect between the two were developed. Last spring Bella was shown as a yearling in a halter class where she did not show any indication of her challenge. In the autumn, Bella competed in a lunge line class, where the horse is required to walk, jog and lope in both directions upon voice command. It appeared that Bella responded to the positioning of her trainer’s arm height in reference to what gait was expected.

“Bella has good herd sense of knowing where she should be in the herd,” said Nicole adding, “It is important for horses to be horses and equally as important that our show horses are able to integrate with other horses.”

Most horses in training are desensitized to their environment to avoid distractions, thus permitting the horse to focus on the matter at hand. In this case Bella did not require desensitizing.

The Gauthiers are eager to begin riding Bella this spring in preparation for the Western Pleasure show in the fall of 2013.

“It will pose another challenge as Bella will not be able to see the rider and thus will not be able to associate the body language with a voice command, however, Henry and Nicole have designed a plan where someone will lead Bella while the trainer is mounted. As leg pressure is applied, the leader will display the hand height signals. Once Bella is able to distinctly associate the leg pressure with the gait, she should be well on her way to the show ring once again.

The couple’s passion for horses is evident and exhibited in all aspects of their lifestyle from leisure to professional levels. Nicole has over 20 years’ experience in the equine industry and has been training and coaching professionally for 17 years, specializing in show horse training and youth show horses. She is an active member of the Saskatchewan Paint Horse Club.

The future looks bright for the aspiring trainers and breeders at LaPlaine Quarter Horses and Paints near Duck Lake, Sask. †

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Having learned the art in 2005, Schultz now creates projects that are picture perfect. She began cross-stitching with a kit and upon completion thought that there must be a better way to create these beautiful pieces of art without having to count the stitches. She then discovered cross-stitch portraits and computer software.

The desired photograph is scanned and the installed computer software produces a symbol chart, indicating all the colours of floss required for the project, and a workable grid for the photo. The computer enables her to enlarge the picture to the desired size.

Using 14-count Aida cloth (the open-weave material used for cross-stitch), Schultz draws out the grid onto the cloth using a washable marking pen. Because some pictures can require up to 100 different shades, it can be a challenge to organize all the required floss. Schultz categorizes her floss according to symbols and stores it on a floss organizer, and another organizer allows her to keep multiple threaded needles available while stitching.

Modern technology has contributed to the success of Schultz’s projects and practically any image can be converted and made into a custom cross-stitch pattern. How about a cross-stitch picture of a favourite pet? Schultz uses long and short stitches to create a realistic likeness. She also completes projects of buildings and flowers and the attention to detail with the thousands of tiny stitches makes for a striking resemblance.

Schultz enjoys the total process from beginning to end and can’t wait to receive her completed piece of art back from the framer. The result is not just a picture but a family legacy, and a great gift for a wedding, anniversary, birthday or other special occasion.

For more information phone Henriette Schultz at 306-724-4731. †

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Lucille Scott is a self-taught Aboriginal artist who resides in north-central Saskatchewan in the community of Debden and does a unique art form of painting on feathers. She was given the opportunity to explore her natural talent of painting in 2002 during a short layoff from her job. In 2006, when the sawmill she was employed at was shut down, she was able to expand her artistic venture from painting on rocks to using feathers and leaves as canvas. The result was amazing. Scott utilized the misfortune as an opportunity to establish and open Art Rocks Gallery in May 2011.

The feather is primed with a single coat of acrylic paint by gently painting and following the slope of the plumes. Once the primer is dry, the feather is bonded and ready for a scene to be painted. Sometimes she will reference a picture she has taken or will recall a scene from memory.

Scott ventured out on an experimental project that has led to professional commissioned pieces. Each feather is skilfully created and each painting is as unique as the feather itself, being accentuated with an acid-free matting and authentic barn board frames. Each one tells a story and is ready to hang.

Scott also creates scenes on rocks, wood and leaves, that have been well received in the art world and continue to inspire many.

Art Rocks Gallery is located in Lucille Scott’s home in Debden and is open during the winter months. Call ahead at 306-724-2158. †

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Rural Saskatchewan has many individuals with entrepreneurial skills, and Tony and Bonnie Rudolph of rural Rosthern are among these gifted people.

Garden Party Concrete was established 11 years ago when the couple weighed the options of diversifying their farm. A portion of the 70-year-old barn that once operated as a dairy facility was converted into a 4,000-square-foot working space used to manufacture decorative concrete garden accessories.

The idea of creating stepping stones was an adventure that evolved into a home-based business, said Bonnie.

The concrete is made according to Bonnie s perfected recipe. Bagged cement is mixed with a pre-measured amount of water, cement gravel, fibreglass mesh, dyes and additives to produce quality concrete. The ingredients are measured into an industrial mixer for blending. The fibreglass mesh is used to bind the concrete and additives are used to produce a smooth finish. The concrete is dyed to provide a consistent colour throughout the entire piece. If the stone should be dropped and a piece chipped out, it would not be as noticeable as if the surface had only been painted. Another option with the dye is to create tree wells and stones to match the colour theme of any garden or yard.

Bonnie is proud that over the years she has developed a recipe to produce a more durable form of concrete it s not unbreakable, just more durable.

Once the concrete is mixed, it is poured into moulds and placed on the vibrating table which gently shakes it, allowing the air bubbles to rise to the surface (which will actually be the bottom of the stone), leaving a smooth top when finished. The dyed concrete will set in the mould for three days before it is removed and set to cure for another 15 to 20 days.

Humidity plays an important role in the curing process, says Bonnie. The higher the humidity, the longer the curing process takes. Large oscillating fans assist with air circulation.

All the products are reinforced and Prairie-weather durable. The paint used is designed specifically for concrete and a sealer is used to enhance the product.

Garden Party Concrete stock consists of hundreds of moulds of various sizes and designs and memorial stones and benches continue to be popular items. Although the business began with production of decorative, patio and personalized stones it has since expanded to include lawn and garden concrete items, some of which are accentuated with wrought iron.

Bonnie and Tony work effectively as a team mixing, pouring and painting. They continue to attend shows across Canada, hauling 6,000 pounds of concrete and 2,000 pounds of iron per show.

The business has gone beyond our expectations, says Bonnie, and the biggest challenge lies within keeping the products new and interesting.

Garden Party Concrete is a unique business that displays great pride in promoting rural Saskatchewan. Bonnie even designed a stepping stone mould to celebrate the Prairies.

People have been very supportive and appreciative of the work that goes into making a quality product that is durable, long lasting and capable of withstanding the elements of Prairie weather.

Bonnie or Tony Rudolph can be reached at 1-306-232- 4770 or go online to www.gardenpartyconcrete.com to view their catalogue.

VivianNemishwritesfromBlaineLake, Sask.

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The name Crossroad Farms is synonymous with quality Simmental livestock in Saskatchewan. Whether looking for replacements or breeding stock for a purebred or commercial herd, the name Crossroad Farms is often a referral.

Gerald and Laurie Woytiuk began farming in 1973. Their yard site was located in the corner of the home quarter close to an important country crossroad, hence the name Crossroad Farms.

The Woytiuks took great pride in producing good commercial cattle and in 1996, they decided to explore the purebred industry with Simmentals. From their years of experience as commercial producers, they knew that Simmental cows, with their superior maternal traits made the very best mothers and always brought home the biggest calves in the fall. The couple travelled to shows and sales, and toured many purebred herds researching and learning from established breeders. The knowledge, shared by these breeders, laid the stepping stones for what Crossroad has accomplished today. They selected some elite high-priced females from the top of these herds and through artificial insemination and embryo transplants, the dream of developing strong foundation females to build a herd and raise good bulls was coming true. Their business flourished and so did their enthusiasm.

It breathed life into us, says Laurie, and with the Simmental breed being so versatile with traditional, full fleck, red, black and polled, your options are endless.

In 1999, we exhibited at our first show, not knowing that one of our animals would be the first of many champions to come, says Laurie.

Our focus is to raise good bulls for commercial cattlemen. We understand our customers needs, she says, because we are commercial cattle producers too.

Gerald and Laurie continue to work as a team to develop the business they have today. They have two sons, Corey, who is handicapped and unable to work on the farm but keeps everyone grounded and appreciating good health. Their second son, Jody, and his wife Jackie have four young children and live on a second yard site, two miles from the main farmyard. They are a vital part of the farm and are involved in all aspects of the operation.

The 4-H program is part of the family s roots with Gerald, Laurie and Jody all being members/leaders in the past. The oldest granddaughter, Olivia, is really enjoying her first year in 4-H, and placed in her 4-H class with her calf.

The youth are so important for the future and 4-H is such a good foundation for life, says Laurie.

Crossroad Farms calves out close to 300 purebred females annually in January/February and approximately 100 commercial cows in March. Planning for each female starts months before Jody pulls a straw from the A.I. tank to breed, then the nine-month wait that will get you out of bed at 3 a.m. just to make sure everything is OK. A calf is only three days old and already family discussions are held about the calf s potential that continues on throughout the summer, fall and right up to Bull Sale day. Through phone calls and visits with the bull buyer, the family continues to track the quality of the bull s offspring.

It is a long-term investment of time, money and planning to get the genetics one wants in place, said Laurie, who manages the office part of the operation. Records are kept of what the customer requires and what they have purchased. This allows the Woytiuks to know and meet their customers needs better. Both Laurie and Jackie spend many computer hours entering data to the Canadian Simmental Association, identifying genetics on each calf born, weaning and yearling weights, transfers, female enrolment and disposals. They also picture sale animals and compile the catalogue so that customers have as much information as possible before sale day.

The family also combines 1,500 acres of grain, and another 1,500 acres for hay and silage. In the spring when grass is sufficient, cows are sorted separating bull calves from heifer calves and taken to their pastures. Pastures cover several hundred acres of seeded and native grass with some bush, all managed by rotational grazing for efficiency. Throughout the summer calves are continually being assessed by the family and by the purebred and commercial visitors. Bull calves are weaned in August with some reaching the 900-pound-plus mark; the heifers are weaned in September.

Crossroad Farms has gone from selling animals from pens at shows and out of the yard, to an on-farm bull sale. As their business reputation grew, and the quality of their stock became more in demand, the Woytiuks had to decide how to effectively and fairly market their bulls. Five years ago, the family decided to host their own bull sale so they built a barn complete with bleachers, pens, signage, office and washroom facilities.

An annual bull sale is held in February with an average of 80 bulls on offer. They also consign some registered elite bred and open females to The Source sale in Lloydminster in mid-December and some packages of heifers are offered by private treaty at the farm.

The Woytiuks have worked hard to build their business on reputation, integrity and customer service. Their greatest reward is knowing their customers are completely satisfied with the purchase and performance of the stock.

Words of advice on building a reputable cattle business: keep your mind open and learn from others; consistency is No. 1; and enjoy what you do.

You must keep your finger on the pulse of the industry, says Laurie. Remaining current, informed and educated with the industry are key factors to the success of any business.

The best thing about the cattle business is the people. We would not be who we are today if it was not for the people we met along the way, says Laurie. Life is exciting and I wouldn t change anything or where we have come from.

The Woytiuks appreciate the many respected breeders in the industry who have selected the Crossroad Farms genetics for their herd sires and foundation females, and encourage anyone to visit the farm any time to view their breeding program.

Crossroad Farms is located four miles south of Shell Lake on Highway No. 12 and two miles east. For more information call Gerald or Laurie at 306-427-4422 or Jody and Jackie at 306-427- 4944 or email crossroadfarms@xplornet.com.

VivianNemishwritesfromBlaineLake, Saskatchewan

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Both ranches work collaboratively at times but also operate independently. Vernon and Eileen bred 250 purebred cattle this spring and Ross and Tara bred another 250 head but both ranches have their own calving facilities.

While operating a commercial herd and feeding cattle to finish, Vernon and Eileen grew intrigued by the Gelbvieh breed and bred their first Gelbvieh in the 1980s. They also began direct marketing in the ’80s when they attended Canadian Western Agribition in Regina and National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. Today they also attend local shows such as Frontier Days in Swift Current and Farmfair International in Edmonton. They have also been honoured to judge many livestock events including the Royal in Toronto and the Supreme Livestock events in both Regina and Edmonton.

“By participating in and attending these events each year, it allows us to keep on target with what our clients and producers want and need,” said Eileen. “Our business accomplishments are due in large to our many mentors, clients, friends and family.”

Since introducing Gelbvieh into their herd, the Davidsons have noticed that Gelbvieh calves are widely recognized for excellence in growth, feedlot efficiency, muscling and marketability while the females are known for milking ability, fertility and quiet temperament. Besides ensuring the animals have quality feed and supplement rations, the Davidsons offer a rigorous vaccination program. Branding, castrating, tagging and tattooing are also part of the overall health and safety of the herd.

Membership in livestock associations is relevant in remaining reputable, accountable and current in the industry. Vernon says that in order to keep the breed progressive, breeders must encourage and guide associations in what issues need to be addressed and pursued. He has served as president of the Canadian Gelbvieh Association and is currently vice-president of the Man./ Sask. Gelbvieh Association. Vernon and Eileen are also members of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers. Eileen has served as zone chair and provincial director and is currently a breed representative on the Canadian Western Agribition Livestock committee.

“It is all time-consuming volunteer work, but really the nuts and bolts of everything else that happens and matters in our livestock business and our fellow livestock producers’ business,” said Eileen.

Some recent accolades include having DVE Davidson Ms Secret 78U and her bull calf DVE Davidson Hoss 1W winning Grand Champion Gelbvieh Female at the 2010 Farmfair International in Edmonton. Two-year-old DVE Davidson Cowboy 20U (who sired the calf at side of the Grand Champion Female) won the Grand Champion Gelbvieh Bull award. Davidson Gelbvieh was the recipient of the Breeders Herd and Premier Breeder Banners. The Canadian Gelbvieh Association recently recognized Davidson Gelbvieh as the No. 1 Gelbvieh breeder for the most Dams of Distinction and Dams of Merit in 2010. The Canadian Gelbvieh Association also credits the top 20 Gelbvieh Sires of the 2010 Dams of Merit and Dams of Distinction in 2010. The top listed sires are DVE Davidson Pld Blk Jim 6L and Davidson Red Wrap 26G. Both bulls were bred and raised by Davidson Gelbvieh. Of the top 20 bulls, Vernon and Eileen have the credit of five of those sires, four of which they bred and one of which they purchased.

In January 2011 Davidson Gelbvieh and Lonesome Dove Ranch attended the National Western Stock Show in Denver where they won the acclaimed Reserve National Champion Bull awards with a yearling bull they raised, DVE Davidson Romance 116W. Ribbons don’t pay the bills, but the recognition Romance’s 2011-born calves have already is impressive.

“It’s also about the making of friendships and the network of people in the cattle industry,” said Vernon, while Eileen adds that she enjoys the educating and learning aspects too. Each July, Davidson Gelbvieh and Lonesome Dove Ranch host a Customer Appreciation Day and Open House at their ranches. Check the website for future dates of annual events and sales.

Davidson Gelbvieh is located six miles south of Cadillac, Saskatchewan on Highway No. 4 and seven miles east and then one-quarter mile south. Vernon and Eileen welcome inquiries at 306-625-3755 or visit www.davidsongelbvieh.com or www.davidsonlonesomedoveranch.com.

VivianNemishwritesfromBlaineLake,Sask.

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Membership in livestock associations is relevant in remaining reputable, accountable and current in the industry

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“We are committed to providing quality products and excellent service to all of our customers regardless of order size,” said owner Ray Gaudet, who established the tree farm as a means of diversifying.

The plantation has been providing trees, shrubs and service since 1989, specializing in conifers. Conifer seed is placed in the outdoor nursery bed to germinate and grow. All stock started at Gaudet Trees is from seed and are Prairie hardy. The seedlings develop in the nursery bed until three to five years old, and then are transplanted in rows within the plantation. Gaudet Trees has 450 acres with over 300 acres planted with trees at varying stages of development. The balance of acres is dedicated wetlands.

The unique aspect of growing conifers is the time factor. Once they are field planted, seven to 15 years are required to produce four-to 15-foot trees, thus long-term plans are critical.

Operating a tree plantation is very labour intensive as most of the work is manual, requiring “hands-on” methods from transplanting seedlings and pruning, to wrapping and cutting.

“Each tree in the plantation is touched by human hands at least once a year,” said nursery manager Anne Bitschy.

“We do the best we can to create a proper environment to produce healthy stock,” said Gaudet. The staff containerize selected trees from the open ground. These trees are pruned annually and selected only based on high standards.

The public may have a misconception about appropriate transplanting times. All trees may be planted throughout the entire growing season until freeze-up. The nursery digs trees in spring until the buds break open, and digging conifers resumes in later August until freeze-up. Fall digging for deciduous trees such as poplar, linden and birch resumes after leaf drop.

Stock should be planted at the same depth as what was at the nursery, and watered up to five feet away to encourage the roots to expand outwards and to build adaptive growth that can withstand drought conditions.

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) has a general set of rules that guide the grade standards. Gaudet Trees is a member of CNLA and operates according to those standards. Quality service is tailored to the client’s needs and is the same whether the order is for two trees or 2,000.

The staff has many years of experience so well-informed advice will be given by phone: 306-922-1052, at the office: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, or visit www.treesrus.ca for their online catalogue.

VivianNemishwritesfromBlaineLake, Saskatchewan.

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The plantation has been providing trees, shrubs and service since 1989, specializing in conifers

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Born and raised in Blaine Lake, Serhienko has always had a passion for animals, whether it was showing her Hereford cattle in the 4-H show ring or training and spending time with her horses. After graduating from Blaine Lake Composite in 2002, Serhienko earned her diploma in veterinary technology at Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology.

Her educational and occupational background in the large animal industry and her passion for equine health, performance and holistic well-being has provided her with the knowledge to advance her career opportunity into the equine massage therapy field.

The two-year program consisted of correspondence theory and on-site practical training. Level I teaches the general massage techniques for horse wellness. Level II educated Serhienko to assist sport horses in competitive events such as rodeo, jumping, barrel racing, reining as well as the range and farm working horse. Level III qualifies her to complement her skills by working with veterinarians during a horse’s sickness, injury or surgical recovery process.

Serhienko provides hands-on treatments that work by releasing blockages, bracing and tension. She will often ask the handler to lead the horse while she focuses her attention on the horse’s movement watching for signs of favouritism, tightness, and range of motion. Approximately 60 per cent of the horse’s weight is muscle mass so a minor injury of one area can result in compensation and transmission of muscle tension to the surrounding area which can result in major issues. She will then work to soften tight, overworked muscles, address issues of asymmetry, imbalance and decreased range of motion, and as her methods are non-invasive the horse feels secure and trusting. Serhienko believes that massage therapy can complement any treatment program. Enhancing oxygenated blood flow to the muscles, ligaments, tendons and lymph nodes increases circulation and assists with the elimination of wastes and toxins that build up in fatigued muscles, thus increasing flexibility, muscle tone and range of motion. Using a continual massage therapy regime can improve your horse’s performance and overall quality of life, says Serhienko. “It prepares your horse for work, can assist in their recovery time and can treat or assist healing for sport-related muscular issues that can arise anytime during work or show sessions.”

Serhienko currently resides in Lloydminster and is employed by Lakeland College in Vermilion as an instructor in two programs: Animal Health Technology and the Veterinary Medical Assistant Program. She volunteers in the 4-H program assisting with various programs and events and as the Lakeland College Judging Team Coach. She has also served as president of the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists.

Serhienko’s primary concern is based on what is best for the horse. She believes that massage is a beneficial additive to any equine training program. When used in rehabilitation it can decrease the time required for recovery, and when used as relaxation therapy it can aid in the mental relaxation and improve the overall well-being of the horse. It is more cost effective to prevent an injury by keeping a horse agile and flexible with a regular massage maintenance program than it is to treat an injury and rehabilitate the animal.

Lorraine Serhienko can be contacted at lvsk@sasktel.net.

VivianNemishwritesfromBlaineLake, Saskatchewan

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The Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA) was established to provide those individuals involved in the agricultural industry with a connection with qualified, agriculturally aware professionals. It is a national, non-profit, professional umbrella organization dedicated to assisting farm families and farm businesses by increasing the skills and knowledge of farm advisers and consultants.

“There are many disciplines represented by CAFA members,” said Liz Robertson, executive director, explaining that members include accountants, bookkeepers, lenders, financial planners, family coaches, lawyers, agrologists, insurance agents, appraisers, risk managers, mediators, real estate agents, human resources specialists, government staff, educators and producers.

CAFA chapters have been established across the country with strong representation in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and a growing interest in British Columbia.

The organization ensures there is quality assurance within its membership, that each profession represented has credibility with a farm connection. Robertson said that advisers holding CAFA accreditation continue to participate in professional development to ensure they stay current and competitive in the rapidly changing agricultural industry. “This promotes the development of knowledgeable, professional and competent advisers, and enhances consumer protection and quality service.”

CAFA advisers maintain high standards while continuously increasing farm advisory skills and knowledge intended to provide value to their farm clients. It has established a code of ethics to maintain the high level of professionalism within the organization and requires a minimum degree, diploma or reputable recognized designation to obtain a membership with the association. Continued affiliation and regulation with interdisciplinary associations is encouraged. CAFA is the only national organization of certified agricultural farm advisers.

Its mission is to continually improve the quality of advice being given to farm producers and their families including agribusiness.

“CAFA members help farm managers and owners make decisions through quality advice and services. Whether it is assisting with farm transition and continuance, strategic planning, marketing, family coaching, cost of production, benchmarking, mediation and facilitation, tax planning, legal or investment advice, insurance or realty, CAFA members are in tune with the industry’s challenges and opportunities,” says Robertson.

Operating an agriculturally based business should not be a gamble. Hiring a trained, skilled, experienced professional is not an expense but rather an investment towards the future of your business.

For more information about CAFA and to find out how it can assist you, visit www.cafanet.com or call 1-877-474-2871.

VivianNemishwritesfromBlaineLake, Saskatchewan

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The Gauthiers have been raising breed and show stock for over 17 years. Both Henry and Nicole were raised with horses and over the years their love and passion grew for the quarter and paint horse breeds. Both have extensive training and experience working with horses and they are continuing their dream of raising quality quarter and paint horses.

Nicole’s background with horses has provided the experience and skills required to train the animals. She has worked under an apprenticeship program with four different trainers using different avenues of training. This enabled her to develop a broader spectrum of skills and methods that she uses in her coaching and training career. With over 20 years’ experience in the equine industry she has been training and coaching professionally for 16 years, specializing in show horses and youth show horses and is an active member of the Saskatchewan Paint Horse Club. She will train the horse from start to finish in Halter, Trail, Showmanship, Western Pleasure, English Pleasure and Pattern.

The farm currently has both American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and American Paint Horse Association (APHA) registered horses consisting of stallions, brood mares, young stock and riders. The stallions and mares have show-stopping qualities that are passed down to the offspring through selective breeding. This ensures that the pedigree and bloodlines are maintained. LaPlaine horses come from proven bloodlines and are bred for the athleticism, conformation and easygoing dispositions. Their purpose is to breed and raise all-round show and futurity horse stock.

“We aim for that ‘all-rounded’ animal that can be used in more than one event and the animal must be able to be of competitive composure,” says Nicole.

The paint breed has three main coat colour categories which produce many variations — Tobiano, which is where the white crosses over the back; Overo, with a solid body colour and white underside; and the Solid Paint Bred is a solidcoloured paint with white markings not large enough to qualify for regular paint registry. These horses can still be shown at APHA shows in separate Solid Paint Bred classes.

The Duck Lake farm begins foaling in February under close supervision of the Gauthier family. The foals are under the influence of human contact from birth. This, along with being raised around dogs, cats, small children, vehicles and tractors, enables the horse to become more adaptive to its surroundings.

With early and constant contact, the Gauthiers are able to determine within the first couple of months if the foal’s conformation and temperament will fit their training program.

“Just because a horse does not fit our program is not an indication of a bad horse,” Nicole says. “We had a high-energy horse that made a great barrel racer. We are always happy to hear that our horses fit other programs.”

The Gauthiers are excited with where they are at with their stock. Nicole has a phenomenal group of clients involved in showing and riding lessons and finds coaching very rewarding.

Both Ray and Henry ensure their stock have quality feed by producing, cutting, drying and baling their own premium quality and blends of hay. There are usually four distinct blends made to ensure their feed program is met. The feed program at LaPlaine Quarter Horses and Paints is specifically tailored to fit the nutritional requirements of each horse focusing on its specific use. A young horse, weanling to two years, is fed second-cut alfalfa complemented with grain and supplement rations. The feed ration of mares is changed to second-cut alfalfa immediately after foaling to increase lactation. Show horses are fed more frequently to ensure maximum weight and promote appetite. The Gauthiers regularly confer with veterinarians and nutrition specialists to develop a feed program for their stock and there is regular hoof and vaccination maintenance.

The Gauthiers are excited to be leading LaPlaine Quarter Horses and Paints into another decade of quality breeding and show stock. They are dedicated to raising quality animals with a focus on producing versatile horses that can show and work at home. Henry and Nicole are a good team. Nicole specializes in the client portion of the business through training and coaching and Henry uses his expertise to record and monitor breeding and to train the young and halter prospects.

For more information about LaPlaine Quarter Horses and Paints visit the website at www.laplaineq handpaints.com.

VivianNemishwritesfromBlaineLake, Saskatchewan

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