Does anything on Earth go better together than horses and dogs? Whether they’re official greeters, parking lot attendants, riding lesson watchers, office loungers, or part of your showgrounds cheering squad, barn dogs enhance the atmosphere of the best equestrian spaces. They’re the glue that holds every riding school, equine therapy facility, or competition team together with moments of humour and emotional support. And the horses seem to love them as much as we do!
If you’re in need of a little holiday cheer, enjoy this scroll through an assortment of awesome Instagram images of Canadian barn dogs.
Top eventing star Jessica Phoenix’s Bubba takes a well-deserved nap in the sun at Phoenix Equestrian in Cannington, Ontario. Jessica Phoenix (@officialteamphoenix)
Bichu, who belongs to world-class show jumper Tiffany Foster, knows the best way to stay warm in the cold is to stay inside. Tiffany Foster (@tiffanyfosterofficial)
Bizzy from O’Hanlon Eventing in Kingston, Ontario spends the holidays doubling as Santa Paws. O’Hanlon Eventing (@ohanlon_eventing)
Dressage champion Camille Carier Bergeron soaks up the sun with her “better halves” at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. Camille Carier Bergeron (@camille_carier_bergeron)
International show jumper Beth Underhill’s Jack Russell dogs Elliot and Oliver enjoy treats from the Young Riders chef d’equipe Dayton Gorsline at Thunderbird Show Park. (Photo by Mackenzie Clark)
Beth Underhill (@bethunderhillofficial)
Elliot and Oliver also enjoy post-riding walks in Belgium. Beth Underhill (@bethunderhillofficial)
The dogs of top eventing rider Karl Slezak always have a special spot in the barn at the TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Florida. Team Slezak Eventing (@teamslezakeventing)
The chilly weather in Calgary, Alberta means it’s sweater time at show jumper Holly Burns-Grayton’s Grayton Farms. Holly Burns-Grayton (@hgrayton)
Miss Mabel tells Alex Grayton of Grayton Farms that she will watch his takeout while he completes his round at Spruce Meadows. Alex Grayton (@agrayton)
Show jumper Taylor Winther of Ridge Country Farm in Prince George, British Columbia knows it’s better to cool out with friends. Taylor (@taylor.winther)
Sorine Winther’s Ridge Country Farm in Prince George, British Columbia is a place where new and old friends meet. RidgeCountry Farm (@ridgecountryfarm)
Canadian FEI dressage rider Ashley Rand-Torres dresses up the team at A.R.T. Dressage. Ashley Rand-Torres (@aerand22)
Canadian FEI para dressage rider Sophie Lehoux and Hatachi on the farm in Rosemère, Quebec. Photo by Andre Parizo. 𝓢𝓸𝓹𝓱𝓲𝓮 𝓛𝓮𝓱𝓸𝓾𝔁 🐴 (@sophielehoux.paradressage)
Rocky the puppy finds the perfect place to take a nap after his first Trillium show at Foothills Farm in Sudbury, Ontario. Foothills Farm (@foothills_farm)
The pup at Lauren West’s Lauren West Dressage in Innisfil, Ontario, makes sure the tack room is kept pristine. Lauren West 🇨🇦 (@lauren_west_dressage)
FEI dressage rider Vanessa Creech-Terauds and her dog celebrate a successful first show with Daniel L at Caledon this past summer. Vanessa Creech-Terauds (@vanessa_creech)
Parker and PJ are available for after lesson cuddles at the hunter/jumper barn Cedar Vista Stables in Metchosin, BC. Cedar Vista Stables (@cedarvistastables)
EC Dressage Judge and FEI Trainer Stefanie Goldfinch gets coaching support from Daisy.
Stefanie Goldfinch (@stefaniegold)
Dogs are welcome to help pick up orders at the Greenhawk Store in Moncton – especially if they fit inside the order, like Lloyd the pug. Greenhawk Moncton (@greenhawkmoncton)
FEI dressage rider Lori Bell knows the best way to keep barn dogs occupied is with a lot of toys.
Lori Bell (@loribell422)
Two of Canadian 5* eventer and EC coach Diana Burnett’s helpful ‘teaching assistants’. Diana Burnett Eventing (@dianaburnett)
Course designer Dexter mulls over his work at training and boarding facility Copper Cove Farm in Kemptville, Ontario. Copper Cove Farm (@copper_cove_farm)
The golden retrievers at Belle Wood Equestrian Centre in Pickering, Ontario, wish all lesson students happy holidays. Belle Wood Equestrian Centre (@horsebackriding_bellewood)
At Toronto Equestrian North in Uxbridge, dogs and horses stick together like birds of a feather. Toronto Equestrian North (@toronto.equestrian)
Team Phoenix’s Bubba helps coach up-and-comer Jordan Phoenix’s riding lessons.
Jessica Phoenix (@officialteamphoenix)
Dressage coach and rider Nikki Maclellan’s Tika enjoys home-grown carrots as much as her horses do.
Nikki (@nikki_maclellan)
FEI dressage rider Allie Schmidt celebrates “gotcha day” with rescue dog Porter.
Allie Schmidt (@allieschmidtdressage)
The team at Centaur Riding School in West Kootenays enjoys regular office naps. Danika GP Dressage (@centaur_riding_school)
The dogs at Lee Tubman Dressage know it’s important to stay hydrated on hot barn days in Wellington, Florida. Lee Tubman (@wltubman)
Lansdowne, Ontario’s Believe Equestrian Centre says the best of friends always have four feet. Believe Equestrian (@believe_equestrian.ca)
