Raised in Switzerland, Beda Wachter was riding and competing in Europe at an early age. His professional focus was initially the familyโ€™s livestock and dairy business, and in 1997 Beda and his parents, Kurt and Irene, relocated to Canada to open a large dairy operation in Innisfail, AB. Bedaโ€™s heart remained with the horses, however, and in 1999, with the support of his family, his focus shifted to pursue his career ambitions. Along with his parents, Jenny Wachter and their teenage children Nadine and Robin, Beda now runs Wachter Horses, a boarding, training, breeding and sales operation with strong ties to the European markets and traditional management practices in the development of his horses.

How did Beda Wachter get involved with horses?

My involvement in horses started, I think, as a lot of young boys start in the sport: I noticed the cute girls were all at the horse shows and thatโ€™s where I wanted to be as well! My first horse was an Irish gelding named King Cobra. He was supposed to be a great jumper, but I never made it past jump six in a course; he taught me a lot about tenacity and horsemanship, as I had to be smarter than him in most situations.

Wachter Horses is truly a family business. What role does each member play?

My parents, Kurt and Irene, have been instrumental in building the foundation of the business; they are often involved in maintaining the farm and also oversee the office duties. Jenny has always done an exceptional job of the daily office work and managing the breeding program. She often manages the whole business when I need to be on the road. My brother, Ivo, is a constant support and reliance; he is always able to step in to assist or take over with anything I may need help with. Nadine, my daughter, is a talented up-and-coming rider who constantly gives me a run for the money in the show ring. My son, Robin, keeps it all very level with his sense of humour and his support of the sport and business. With the help of my family, we were able to build a well-respected name in the industry with breeding, training and selling quality on a consistent basis, and we continue to do so.

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