Honoring
Ella
When a friend bought a herd of Mini Jerseys, I put my name down for the first heifer calf born. Ella was first to come that spring and she gave me so many wonderful memories in the decade she lived with us. A sweet natured and loving cow, her legacy lives on in her daughter Belle.
On IG #AmbersCowElla
Honoring
Tuff
Tuff was the father of many Jerseys we’ve had on the farm, including Belle. A gentle sole, he was always so calm and loving towards kids. He was my go-to for “bull rides” when friends brought their children out to the farm. He retired on our farm and spent his quiet days watching over the herd. After a life of love, Tuff passed peacefully in our grassy pasture.
Remember on IG #AmbersJerseyTuff
Remembering
Mimsy
Mimsy was born on our farm and lived a full life with us. In his younger days, he spent some time with my friend Donna as a “house bunny” and as he grew up, he returned to us to live with his sister Strawberry. Both have now left us, but we are thankful for the time they gave us.
On IG #AmbersRabbitMimsy
Remembering
Strawberry
Strawberry was born on our farm and lived many happy years here with her brother Mimsy. She was not the most social rabbit with humans, but she loved spending her days close to her brother Mimsy, keeping the vegetation mowed down around our hen house.
On IG #AmbersRabbitStrawberry
Remembering
Butter Duck
Life on the farm is not always fair. This special duck was taken by a predator one night on our farm. Butter was raised in our home and loved more than most. She even appeared as a celebrity model for a butter sculpting contest. This sweet girl made me a big fan of ducks!
On IG #AmbersDuckButter
Remembering
Gilman
Gilman was always the adventurer. Going on many unplanned trips in trailers or hay floats we can only imagine what became of this orange tabby. We always did a “Gilman check” every time a trailer left the property, but somehow he managed to always get out of Dodge. He definitely lived his 9 lives to the fullest and was right there helping with chores on the farm from 2011-2020. I will always miss your antics little buddy.
On IG #AmbersCatGilman
Remembering
China
China was my little shadow. Found as stray on a reserve in Alberta, I adopted her in 2008. This fearful Border Collie mix was already into her adult years when she came to live with me and through love, patience, and stability she slowly emerged from her dark past and became the most loyal friend that anyone could ask for. China taught me so much through the decade we had together, and I still think of her often.
On IG #AmbersDogChina
Honorable Mentions
Cash
I first got to know this gentle Buckskin at only 2-months old as his mom was boarding with me for the summer. When it was time for him to be weaned, I asked if I could purchase this friendly little guy. Cash and I went on many trail riding adventures together over the years, but I couldn’t help but notice he was a horse who longed for human attention. I was working long hours away from home and Cash didn’t seem to bond with the other horses in my herd. When my friend Shay reached out looking for a companion, something just told me this was meant to be. Cash and Shay are the perfect team and I am so happy that now she gets to explore the Alberta foothills with this gentle boy. He gets the attention he deserves – plus I still get to visit him!
See him grow through the years on Instagram: #AmbersHorseCash
Ranger
This feisty colt was born in the Panther Range to a herd of wild horses. Sadly, at only 3 weeks of age he was found standing beside his lifeless mom, who had died of unknown causes. Quick to action his finders contacted the Wild Horses of Alberta Society who took him in. Since they are not set up to keep full time resident horses at the center, I agreed that Ranger could live in my herd until he was old enough to move on to a new home. At two years old he was ready for his next adventure in life. He was adopted by a good friend of mine, and she is teaching him the ways of being ridden and exploring the Alberta foothills where he once called home.
See Ranger on Instagram: #AmbersHorseRanger
Breezy
Breezy is a very lovable and easy-going dog. In fact, nothing really phases her as long as she is able to be your co-pilot! My friend Kyra took a liking to Breezy the day a brought her home and would puppy sit for me from time to time. When the lockdowns first hit Kyra wanted a hiking buddy. I told her Breezy would love to go and it didn’t take long for these two to become inseparable. After a short time, I realized that Kyra was a much better match for this shaggy pup. Breezy still hangs out on our farm from time to time, but it’s rare that Kyra goes anywhere without her shaggy co-pilot!
Check her out on Instagram: @breezytheshag or #KyrasDogBreezy #AmbersDogBreezy
Blue
Although Blue belongs to my in-laws, he is often referred to as my “Ontario horse”. Hosting several events in Eastern Canada on horseback, meant that I needed a trusty steed I can rely on. Since my horses live in western Canada, I always looked to Blue as my go to Ontario mount. Blue is now living a quieter life in his 20's so I do not ride him as often as I used to, but I always know he's still ready and happy to accompany me when duty calls! Blue is retired on my in-laws farm north of Toronto and spends his days happy grazing with his best friend Frosty. I’m lucky to be able to visit this beautiful boy.
See Blue at events on Instagram: #AmbersHorseBlue
Toro
Since my Jersey Tuff was related to Ella, I needed to find her a boyfriend. I bought this adorable little bull out of the US to pair with my sweet Jersey Ella. It didn’t really make sense for me to have a bull for only one cow, and since Toro was such a sweet boy, I didn’t want his fatherly duties to be under appreciated. He now lives in a large herd of Miniature Jerseys, where he continues to pass on his beautiful, gentle personality.
See Toro on Instagram: #AmbersBullToro
Cinch
When I first got into Team Roping, it was hard to get everything lined up. Learning to swing a rope, watch a moving cow and keep your horse in position is a lot to focus on, especially for someone as un-coordinated as myself! Cinch was the man for the job! This wise old sole has left us for greener pastures, but he was a prime example of a horse who loves his job, and I am thankful for our time together.
See him on Instagram: #AmbersHorseCinch
Pepsi
My mom brought this cute little Welsh cross home when he was just a weanling. At 5 years old we found his true passion was to jump. Since my mom only rides on occasion, she boarded him at an English barn where he could be ridden often. He was such an honest jumper he quickly became a barn favourite! Pepsi's talents far exceeded what my mom had imagined, so when a friend offered to buy him, we were all for it.
See him on Instagram: #AmbersHorsePepsi