“Carter” Alterra Cartier

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13.1 hh chestnut gelding Conemarra

DOB: 20 May 2009

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Arrived at WELCA: June 2024

Carter is a loving and handsome retired show pony who did 4H and some jumping before arriving at WELCA. He has fit right in with WELCA and Little Bits ever since!

“Dakota”

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Bay mare

DOB: 1998

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Dakota has participated in Little Bits classes since 2008. She has a long history at Whitemud: she was first leased to WELCA in March 2007, at which point she was sponsored by Whitemud patron Jean. Jean assumed full ownership of Dakota in July 2018, after which Dakota has remained an integral member of the WELCA and Little Bits programs. She is an independent and responsive mare who appreciates a gentle touch during interactions, and she teaches our riders to pay attention to her so that they can learn to engage with a soft hand and leg while riding.

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Dakota has taken part in many events in the past, including the following:

• She appeared in a commercial for the Canadian Finals Rodeo with Gord Steinke

• She appeared in a Christmas Eve special on CBC radio, playing the part of a reindeer– complete with Jingle Bells and all!-- crunching through the snow while pulling Santa in his sleigh

• She appeared with Nicole Thompson on a CBC Nova episode “First Horse Warriors”

• She has been in photoshoots including weddings

• She has appeared numerous times elsewhere in print media

“Davinci”

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DOB: 2003

15.1 black Tennessee Walking Horse cross gelding

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Davinci arrived at Whitemud in March 2022. By fall of that year, Davinci was introduced to lessons for some more independent riders and was an instant favourite. Davinci is a very sweet and gentle horse who will come to see you in the field when called.

“Disco”

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DOB: 2012

Buckskin Quarter Horse mare

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Disco moved to Whitemud in 2022 and is privately owned. She is only used by a few of the riders in our program and they are very lucky to work with her. Disco has fit right into both the WELCA and Little Bits programs, and is a very willing and kind partner.

“Easy”

 

DOB: 2007

Chestnut Quarter Horse cross gelding

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Easy arrived at Whitemud in August 2016, where he started his new career as a mount for beginner and advanced riders in WELCA classes. Prior to his arrival at Whitemud, Easy participated in 4H clubs and trail riding excursions with his previous owners. This experience allowed him to make an easy transition into being a lesson horse. In 2017, Easy began to participate in Little Bits classes with independent riders who could take advantage of his sensitive nature. Easy also does well in helping out his riders who require additional assistance from volunteers. He is a curious horse who loves to watch what is going on around him, so you might often witness him people-watching!

“Echo”

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DOB: 1999

Bay Morgan gelding

 

Echo is the most adorable Morgan horse with a long thick mane and a twinkle in his brown eyes, which are often hidden by his thick forelock. This handsome fellow is independently owned by two great patrons of Whitemud. Echo began his work with Little Bits when he was just 4 years old, and has participated in our program ever since due to his agreeable nature. Echo’s riders are all very loyal to him: they love working with him, especially when he’s all dolled up in his pink accessories.

“Farrah” Long Story Short

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DOB: 28 March 2007

Grey Welsh cob cross mare

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This beautiful pony has experience jumping and came from a loving home where two young girls adored her. When she arrived at WELCA in September 2024, she fit right into lessons and has become a fast favourite for riders and leaders alike. She is sweet and easygoing, and we are very glad to have her on the team!

“Gemini”

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DOB: 2002

Dark bay Quarter Horse mare

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Gemini is a Quarter Horse from a Doc Bar line, which means she comes from a good bloodline. When Gemini arrived at WELCA in 2012, she was very shy and unsure of her new lesson horse role. Since then, she has become a favourite and was even given a Therapy Horse of Distinction award from the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) in 2025.

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Gemini is used in WELCA’s Learn to Ride program, and is an absolute star in Little Bits! She is patient, kind, understanding, and even-tempered. She is ridden by some riders who mount at the ramp, which is a less traditional option for mounting. Gemini walks right up to the ramp with confidence and waits patiently for her rider to be assisted onto her back. When ridden, Gemini is very forward and likes to stride out. When allowed, Gemini will break into a smooth jog, which absolutely delights her riders. All that her leader has to do to encourage this is to walk a little bit faster and Gemini will know that her job is to trot! We are very fortunate to have her in our program.

“Gus” Augustus of Troy

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DOB: 2009

16 hh bay Warmblood gelding

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Handsome Gus, sired by the jumping stallion Iroko, competed with his previous owner in eventing and hunter/jumper competitions. He arrived at Whitemud in 2021 where he began work in the WELCA program. Gus is now being ridden by many riders in the Little Bits program.

"Jaycie"

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DOB: 25 April 2001

Red dun Quarter Horse mare

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Jaycie arrived at Whitemud in July 2018, where she was slowly introduced to her new role as a lesson horse. Jaycie has soared in her new role and takes great care of her riders, no matter their age. Whether they are beginners learning basics or more advanced riders striding over fences, Jaycie helps them along. In fall 2018, Jaycie was introduced to the Little Bits program and quickly became a hit. Because she is such a responsive and easy-going horse, more independent riders can perform off lead with her, confidently executing exercises as instructed. Jaycie can also be ridden in both English and Western tack, looking stylish either way. She lives in the mare field with her best friend Aries. These two are thick as thieves, and you can often find them hanging out together and grooming each other.

Sa Kasanova “Kassidy”

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DOB: May 2001

Chestnut Arabian gelding

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Kassidy is a registered and alluring Arabian gelding. This classy chestnut has four white socks, a white blaze, and tongue that you simply can’t miss: Kassidy has been missing teeth for many years, and although he eats happily just like a normal horse, his tongue hangs out sort of like that of a dog. Like most Arabian horses, Kassidy is very curious and will come over to greet you if you stand at the fence or in the field. He lived with his previous owner from the time he was 4 until he was 15, and then he was donated to Whitemud, where he arrived in fall 2016. He was introduced into WELCA lessons where he thrived in all lesson formats. Kassidy gained popularity among his riders when he entered the Little Bits program in winter 2020. His small but wide build makes him easy to ride, and he likes it when his riders stay engaged and ask him correctly to perform different movements. Kassidy always tries his best!

“Lilo”

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DOB: 2008

Dun Quarter Horse mare

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Lilo has done it all: English, Western, working livestock, and traversing mountains. Lilo arrived at Whitemud in March 2022 and began work right away in summer camp lessons. She was introduced to the Little Bits program in winter 2023 and is showing us how much she loves working with her new riders. She challenges them in lessons, and we look forward to having Lilo in our program for years to come.

“Mary” Blessed Twice Mary

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DOB: 2005

Chestnut Quarter Horse mare

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Mary is a pretty mare who was a working cow horse for her previous owner. She moved to Whitemud in late 2022 and was introduced to WELCA’s program. She did so well that she was introduced to Little Bits and is now a favourite of riders and volunteers alike.

“Mike” Big Mike

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DOB: 1 June 2002

14 hh bay Welsh Cob gelding

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Big Mike is a Welsh Cob, which is a breed known for their calmness. He arrived at Whitemud in July 2018 and was chosen thanks to his size and attitude as a perfect match for both the WELCA and Little Bits programs. Mike began his work in WELCA’s program and was so good that he was quickly introduced to the Little Bits program. Mike is a sturdy gelding with smooth gaits who helps his riders keep balanced when riding him. He has such an amazing calm temperament and can be ridden by both independent riders and those who require more help on his back. Riders and leaders alike adore Mike’s loving and curious nature.

"Peanut"

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DOB: 2010

Buckskin Welsh cross gelding

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Peanut is the perfect name for this little pony. He came from a family who competed in eventing with him. He arrived at Whitemud in October 2020 and was put to work in WELCA lessons and summer camps before joining the Little Bits program in September 2021. He is the favourite pony of a few of his riders and volunteers.

"Pearl"

 

DOB: 1995

14 hh flea-bitten gray Arabian mare

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Pearl knows her job well and loves for her riders to be gentle and understanding. Pearl’s well-maintained long mane and tail show us that getting older doesn’t have to mean you can’t be good-looking as well! Pearl is sweet and calm, and these qualities make her a great match for our program.

“Popeye” Jacks Royal Mystery

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DOB: 1996

Chestnut gelding

 

Popeye arrived at Whitemud back in 2004 and became a fast favourite with independent riders in WELCA’s program and with his Little Bits riders. Popeye is known for his remarkable western jog. Anyone who works with Popeye loves him and all of his playful ways. Popeye is one of our oldest lesson horses: he will be turning 30 in 2026!

 

Popeye is a natural leader in the herd. His experience shines through as he guides our trail rides with calmness and courage, helping newer horses learn the ropes. Popeye still loves his job and is now enjoying a well-earned semi-retirement, working limited hours and participating in select classes with our littlest riders in both programs. We feel deeply grateful to have had Popeye in our programs for the past two decades. He is steadfast, sweet, and reliable, with the softest, velvety coat you could imagine. We love Popeye dearly, and know he holds a truly special place in our hearts.

“Rapunzel”

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DOB: 15 October 2002

Palomino Connemara mare

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This sweet Connemara pony is known for her flowing mane and sweet demeanour. Little Bits is lucky to have Rapunzel in our classes, where she excels and her riders adore her gentle trot and great personality.

“Reighven” (“Raven”)

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DOB: 1998

Black Morgan/Thoroughbred mare

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Raven arrived at Whitemud in April 2022, and she began her work with Little Bits in fall of that year. She is a fantastic horse with a forward walk that gives her riders good movement. She is a drooler, and you can often see a puddle on the ground where she’s been standing in place too long, but we don't mind! Her personality and willingness shine through and we are so happy to have her as part of our herd.

“Tango”

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DOB: 15 October 2018

14 hh chestnut Haflinger/Quarter Horse cross mare

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Tango arrived at Whitemud in October 2024 with her friend Thor. Tango has been welcomed into Little Bits classes as of Fall 2025! Tango is a sensitive mare who enjoys a gentle rider and volunteers who can communicate with her clearly and calmly. She is willing, sweet and a nice size to comfortably carry riders.

“Thor”

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15 October 2016

13.3 hh chestnut Haflinger/Quarter Horse cross gelding

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This handsome chestnut arrived at Little Bits in October 2024 with his friend Tango. Thor has experience in 4H, and is going to be a great addition to our classes. He started to participate in classes in fall 2025, and we look forward to continuing to work and learn with Thor in the future!

“Winter”

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DOB: 2007

15.1 hh gray Paint/Percheron cross mare

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This beautiful gray mare arrived at Whitemud in March 2021. Little Bits purchased Winter from her previous owner in Wetaskiwin County when she showed that she didn’t have the speed for barrel racing. Winter began her work here in the WELCA 2021 July summer camps and was introduced to WELCA lessons before joining the Little Bits program in fall 2021. Her forward motion can be intimidating to some, but with a soft voice, longer loose reins, and a gentle hand, she will slow right down. Winter is now a hit with her favourite riders, and loves to walk out on the trails and Keillor Road.