During these difficult times, it’s easy to feel out of touch or disconnected from our horses and fellow riders. Instagram and other social media tools are one way we can stay in touch and also live vicariously! Here are ten of our favourites to follow on Instagram. Tell us who you follow!
The Canadian actor, singer and equestrian is a familiar face and name to fans of Heartland, the long-running CBC series she stars in. Marshall’s social media feed offers up personal photos of herself, her horses and her numerous other pets and farm animals as well as promotional moments during her role as an entertainer. @amber_marshall_farm
The world-renowned trainer dispenses his Jonathan Field Horsemanship program through clinics and a collection of videos available to stream on his website. A major figure in natural horsemanship, the British Columbia born Field uses his Instagram for more personal posts about his travels, the people he meets and even mundane farm work like moving hay, giving fans a glimpse into his private world. @jonathanfieldhorseman
The Australian equestrian and showman, now based in Texas, serves up inspirational videos as well as humorous images (including a steer dressed as a reindeer for the holidays) that are guaranteed to make you smile. @guy_mclean_horsemanship
More Aussies! This time the team of Dan James and Dan Steers formed Double Dan (get it?) Horsemanship in 2008. They operate two facilities, one down under, and a second in Lexington, Kentucky. The Double Dans tour extensively bringing their entertaining show and horsemanship clinics to audiences everywhere. But if you can’t get to a show, their Instagram account offers an inside look at their philosophy and passion for horses. @doubledanhorsemanship
This adorable account is the brainchild of Camryn Nicole, the Alberta-based owner and rider of “Roo” AKA Roozy/Rooster’s Cocktail, a 1998 registered sorrel quarter horse mare. The 22-year old mare and her adventures with Camryn make up the Instagram feed, along with other horses and family members. We can relate to Camryn’s wistful posts about not being able to see Roo during the pandemic. @roonicorn_the_chestnut
Mishka (Hebrew for gift from God) is a 2015 bay roan mustang gelding. He was adopted from Devil’s Garden in California, one of the wild horse adoption programs run by the United States Department of Agriculture. The owner, a young woman whose identity remains unknown, has posted some lovely images of Mishka being trained (his tarp desensitization facial expression is priceless), groomed and ridden on the trails. @my_mustang_mishka
One of Ontario’s premiere trail-riding facilities owned by Cary and Vanessa Warren (who is an avid dressage rider), The Ranch also offers riding lessons and children’s camps. Fun fact: The Ranch and its horses have been featured on cover art for Harlequin Romance novels and in television and film productions too! Their Instagram feed is a blend of eye-catching trail photos and fun behind the scenes candid snaps of their horses and the people who love them. @ridetheranch
Alberta horse trainer and clinician Scott Phillips uses his Instagram account to inspire riders to connect with their equine partners. His series of webinars are available on his website https://amazinghorsecountry.com but his Instagram also includes some training videos of horses currently in training with him. @amazinghorsecountry
The Burlington, Ontario Trillium circuit hunter/jumper barn run by couple Natalie and James Parish sets itself apart on Instagram with its mix of competition snaps and also personal touches like their boarder Halloween party. The Parish’s do a great job of keeping in touch with their boarders and clients including hosting a Christmas photoshoot. @parishridgestables
The social media home of Josh Nichol, the Alberta horseman who is known for his clinics and coaching western riders of all ages using his “Relational Horsemanship” method, which promotes empowering the horse, over dominating it. Nichol tours the country to promote his teaching, and has online training available on his site https://joshnichol.com On Instagram he posts a variety of events and inspirational messages, more recently he has been using Instagram to reach out to fellow horse people who are feeling the pangs of social isolation during Covid-19. @ahorsemanspursuit
