My Story by L’Harmonie Chico Gitane

Hello, allow me to introduce myself. My name is L’Harmonie Chico Gitane. I was born in Quebec on April 19, 1997. I am a cheval canadien, or a Canadian Horse, declared to be the national breed by Canadian Parliament in 1909, and made an official animal symbol by an Act of Parliament in April 2002. In 2010, Quebec named us a heritage breed of the province. I am a mare and have borne two fillies. I moved to the United States in September 2003.

Some History

For those of you unfamiliar with my breed, here is some background. In 1685, King Louis XIV sent two stallions and 12 mares from his Royal Stables to New France, a newly established colony along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. These horses were of various breeds, but predominantly light draft and riding horses. Their descendants, confronted by the harsh climate of New France, soon adapted to food scarcity in winter and the geographical conditions, many of which were extremely challenging. They could accomplish any task put before them and developed an enviable reputation as the “little iron horse.”

In the 18th century, New France was conquered by the British Empire, and as trade developed, the Canadian Horse became popular and experienced massive exportation to New England, where it became known as a tireless worker. Used in both stagecoach and cavalry services, it also played a role in the American Civil War, during which thousands perished. One soldier was overheard saying that his horse could live on a handful of acorns if necessary.

The Canadian has a fine longevity. They often live close to 30-something years of age. They are very fertile, and we frequently see breeding mares giving birth until their mid-20s. They can be black, bay, or chestnut. The breed risked extinction, as in 1976, fewer than four hundred horses remained. The breed society revitalized the studbook and recognition as Canada’s National Horse helped as well.

While the Canadian may be a heritage horse and the foundation for many of North America’s horse breeds, notably the Morgan, the breed also has a reputation for being sane, sound, and versatile. Incredibly smart, these horses love training and excel at many competitive disciplines, including jumping, eventing, dressage, barrel racing, driving, and working equitation.

My Back Story

But, back to my story. As I said, I was born in Canada and spent my early years hauling logs for a local sawmill operation. My first filly was born there, and I began to work in harness as a driving pair. In my eighth year, I was sold to an American couple, where my second filly was born. We often traveled down to Florida to work with a top trainer. I didn’t care much for Florida, way too hot.

Little did I know that my life was soon in for another big change. I was brought into the barn where a man and a woman were standing. I don’t know why I considered them important, but I learned forward and nuzzled the woman, whereupon the man said, “Well, that’s a done deal. She’s sold.” After the vet check where I was pronounced healthy, into the trailer, and off on another adventure. I loved my new barn, where I lived with two other horses on several acres. I had my own roomy stall and a paddock, meaning I was almost always outside. I soon let the other horses know that I was the lady in charge.

My new mistress soon saddled me up and into the ring we went. I was tentative and a bit off as I had never been ridden, a fact of which my new owner was unaware. She never asked me. Once that fact was established, back to basic training. She would attach a long rope to my halter and have me walk, trot, and canter around her. She called it longeing, but I called it running around in a circle. Fun fact, horses are mounted on the left side because Calvary officers carried their sword on the left.

My Routine

My days soon fell into a routine. I had my hay and grain around seven, after which I was turned out to graze, check out the pastures, nap, and take it easy until my lesson. One day, a new person arrived, and she measured me, watched me move, and came back several weeks later with a new saddle.

It was made just for me and was a perfect fit. I’m told it was an English saddle. Once the new bridle arrived, we were set to go. Oh, I am most comfortable with a snaffle bit. Fact: a harsher bit won’t prevent a horse from running away. Horses are prey animals, and their first reaction to fear is to run. When a human is afraid of the horse, the horse senses this fear. If this human is afraid, I should be as well, and I am off.

Back in the barn at 5:00, I received my grain and more hay. Did I mention that I also got hay at noon? We do like to eat and can graze all day. That’s the reason we can produce between 35 and 50 pounds of manure each day. That’s 9 tons a year! I didn’t mind coming into the barn as my paddock allowed me outside access. My stall was rarely closed, although a major snowstorm might call for doing so. I think it has more to do with all the bedding getting wet and my mistress having to replace it.

Into the woods

One day, rather than working in the ring, my mistress and her friend opened the gate and off we went into the woods. I loved it. All those new sights and sounds and because of my even temperament, nothing bothered me, unlike the friend’s horse who spooked when a butterfly floated by. I didn’t care much for putting my foot in the water, as I like to see where my feet are going, but I made it through the stream.

At four o’clock in the morning one day, I was awoken and loaded into the trailer. Unlike many horses, I love to get in the trailer as it often means a new adventure. I was going to my first-ever Hunter Pace. It’s outdoors and a long course interspersed with jumps. What fun! We galloped most of the way. At the starter gate, the official asked if the bar was open. Silly question at 8:00 in the morning. My mistress was relieved to learn he was referring to the bar that prevents the stirrup leather from sliding off. We participated in several Hunter Paces, as well as organized trail rides with obstacles and scary situations designed to show the level-headedness of the horse. I was a star!

On another adventure, my mistress and three friends decided to go for a sleigh ride. As none of them had any experience with hitching me up, it took the four of them two hours to figure out how to harness me. By the time I was ready to go, the snow had disappeared.

New York Move

After 15 years in Connecticut, we moved to New York. By then, I was 23 years old, and my mistress was getting up there as well. We decided that riding was no longer feasible, but she still longes me, that darn circle again. I’m living at a wonderful barn in upstate New York. With close to forty horses in residence, I’m in horse heaven.

Now at 28 years, I’m glad to be allowed to live a leisurely life outside. I rarely need a blanket in winter as my coat is so heavy. Remember where my breed originated. The vet gives me my yearly shots, and I have my teeth floated (dentist work) annually. I’m generally in good health, although my joints aren’t as limber as they once were. I take a supplement for that.

I find it ironic that I live twelve miles from the county where I was born. I’ve had the best of both worlds. I think my mistress knew from that first nuzzle that I would take care of her. We have been together for twenty years. I have no complaints.

By L’Harmonie Chico Gitane, with help from my owner, Allison Burchell-Robinson

Bios: You have just read all bout me, L’Harmonie Chico Gitane, but my owner 's story is here:

Allison Burchell-Robinson's great grandfather built a cottage on Wyoming Island in 1910, and five generations have followed. She spent her childhood summers in the River, on the River or by the River. Eventually, she and her husband moved to an island in Ivy Lea Group. She is happy to return every summer to enjoy, relax and rejuvenate in an area her son referred to as the most beautiful place in the world. Many will recognize Allison for her many years of service to the Thousand Islands Association TIA serving as President then Secretary/Treasurer, and until recently, editor of TIA's "River Talk". Allison joined the TI Life team this summer and you may see her contributions here.

Editor's Note: John Stencell, one of our proofreaders, is a great fan of the cheval canadien or Canadian Horse, and he wrote that he appreciated this one; he has passed on a web link to a CTV news article: New Canadian Horse statue at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ont.