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My name is Suzi and this is a bit about me and a few of the special horses that have taught me valuable lessons over the years. I caught the bug at the age of 7 when I was put on a pony for the first time. My life changed that day. I continued through Pony Club for the next few years and it wasn't until age 19 that I purchased my first horse. As fate would have it, I was visiting a relative's farm one cold night. The last thing I expected to see was a newly born foal lying wet and unattended in the corner of a stall. That little bundle of legs and ears upon examination later that night by a DVM, was not expected to make it through the night. I would hear nothing of the grim prognosis and drove home for supplies.

That filly would grow to a strapping 16.3 h example of equine strength and beauty. Due to Cachet's rough start and the amount of extra attention she would require early on, a special bond was formed between us.

Cachet got us out of many a sticky situation over the years: from bad spots at fences, finding our way back home after I got us lost in the woods, to standing up to a bull moose while out on a hack in northern Alberta.

Cachet taught me that taking care can go both ways between horse and human.

The 4 legged love of my life came along about 6 years later when I purchased a stunning 17.2 h Selle Frances gelding. Count was going to be my dream dressage horse. I put everything I knew into his care and training. Nothing was too good for this very special horse. Things went along so well that his value grew rapidly. It wasn't long before a buyer came along and paid the asking price.

There I stood, holding the cheque crying as he calmly loaded onto the trailer knowing all the while I may never again ride such a horse.

Count taught me to never again sell a horse just for the money.

Selling Count broke my heart. I was determined to own horses I could "flip" easily with little or no attachment. I would put time and training into them, find a suitable buyer and move on. Sounded like a good plan. That was until I bought DeNaro.

I purchased the 16.3 h 7 yr old thoroughbred gelding from the track just a day or so after he ran his last of 64 career races. I could see given the appropriate "let down" time, the addition of a few hundred pounds and some reprogramming, he could make a nice hunter. De had the softest eyes of any race horse I'd ever seen. Still filled with the diet and "extras" given to many race horses, he was still gentle enough that a small child could walk him out after a good gallop.

Once DeNaro learned to jump there was no stopping him. You had better have good steering because if there was a jump in sight, he was going over it.

After 16 years as a show hunter and school horse, DeNaro is happily retired at Canterbreeze Stables. In this 27th year, he is an invaluable teacher of good manners and equine etiquette that he seamlessly passes on to our youngsters. Above all else, DeNaro exemplifies heart. He gave 100% to his rider even when he was injured.

DeNaro taught me that tremendous strength can be found in the most gentle of souls and will forever be missed.

Cindy and I share a common goal. We want each horse we breed, raise, train and ultimately sell to maximize his or her potential in the show ring. We feel that by providing the best nutrition, care and training available, our horses will have solid foundations for success.Together we represent over 44 years of equine management. We believe our horses will clearly demonstrate our commitment to producing a quality athlete.

Hello, my name is Cindy. This is a bit about me and my "horsey past". I was lucky enough to get a pony named Susie at the tender age of 5. Susie was my first equine partner. Who knew all these years later another Suzi would come along and we would form a partnership of a different sort. Anyway, I loved that pony and as ponies do, she taught me many lessons. From about age 7 through 12, I rode at an equestrian facility in Markham learning all the basics that still hold true today. It was there that I discovered my love of jumping. My family moved from Toronto to Peterborough. Once in Peterborough, I attended Saddlewood for a few years where I continued my riding lessons. I believe it was about then, that I also discovered the opposite sex. As is the case with many young girls, riding took a backseat to school and teenage life. Then the realities of marriage and raising youngsters of the 2 legged variety took up most of the next few years.

Once a horse lover, always a horse lover. In about 1998, we purchased a gorgeous TB mare. (who would go on to become Zoe's Dam see For Sale page) Gracie was too nice to leave as a broodmare and I felt she deserved to be showing. I am happy to say that she is still active in the hunter ring and doing very well. We bought Tommy about the same time. Tommy was a retired dressage show horse who proved to be a great addition to the farm. Every stable should have a 17 yr old gelding around to show the rest how things are done.

Over the years I have tried to improve the horses at Canterbreeze. This remains my primary goal. I have learned something from each of the horses who have passed through these gates. I take each purchase and subsequent sale very seriously. Since there is so much time, money and energy invested into the raising and training of horses, I have decided to focus my resources on breeding and purchasing the very best. This takes time but remains my primary goal.

Thanks for taking the time to view our new web site. Suzi and I hope you will pop back often to meet the newest additions to Canterbreeze Warmbloods.

Sincerely

Cindy

For Diva

The Foal

I'll lend you for a while my grandest foal, HE said. For you to love while he's alive and mourn when he is dead.

It may be twenty years, or days, or months, you see. But will you, till I take him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,

you'll have treasured memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all on earth return, but there are lessons taught on earth I want this foal to learn.

I've looked the world over in my search for teachers true. And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, with trust , I've chosen you.

Now will you give him total love, not think the labor vain, nor hate me when I come here to take him back again?

I know you'll give him tenderness and love will bloom each day, and for the happiness you've known, forever grateful stay.

But should I come and call for him much sooner that you'd planned

you'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and someday understand.

Author Unknown