SMITHS FALLS—Canadians may be about to lose a unique and valuable part of their heritage without even knowing it exists.
Suffield Mustangs are the last of Canada’s free ranging wild horses. They are know for their intelligence, deep-seated instincts and genetic quality.
Now a local couple, Gaelin and Larry O’Grady of Smiths Falls join the efforts of a few dedicated western horsemen in protecting the breed .
In the USA, the m ustang has been protected since 1971 and still runs free. In Canada, the government deemed that the unmanaged Mustangs were destroying the fragile Prairie grassland ecosystem and ordered their complete removal from their range on the Canadian Forces Base Suffield in 1994. Since then, their survival has depended on the efforts of a few private citizens.
A few individuals adopted a small number of Suffield Mustangs and formed the Suffield Mustang Association of Canada. However, tragically, only 200 of the 1,200 Mustangs removed from the base were recorded as foundation stock. Although the registry has grown, such a small initial gene pool makes preserving the horses a challenging endeavour.
The western drought further threatens the survival of the Suffield Mustang. These phenomenal horses would undoubtedly survive the drought if they still roamed free on the range. However, their plight is more perilous as they must rely on man. In many areas there is little feed. Many of the few remaining Mustangs are going to auction and from there to the slaughter plant.
The O’Gradys are bringing back a small breeding herd of Suffield Mustangs, some of which have never known the touch of a human hand. By introducing them to Ontario, they are ensuring select bloodlines are protected. They hope to cultivate interest and support from local horsemen and the public by hosting a "Meet the Mustang Man Evening", 7 p.m. Thurs., Oc. 17 at Sam Jakes Inn, Merrickville. Guest speaker will be Eldon Eadie, president of the Suffield Mustang Association of Canada.
Included will be a silent auction and a sneak preview of 10 Suffield weanlings he is bringing with him to give other Ontarians the opportunity to buy their very own living legend.
The Suffield Mustang Weanling Sale and Fundraising Auction will be held 10 a.m. Sat., Oct. 19 at the O’Grady farm.
Limited tickets for the evening social are available for $25 at Sam Jakes Inn and Smiths Falls Veterinary Services or by calling the O’Gradys at 283-3650. Proceeds will help members of the Suffield Mustang Association protect the breed.
From the Archives:
News, October 2002
