John and Shelley have been married for over 25 years. A milestone for most, only the beginning for them. They share their love with their own children Lucas and Paisley who are both very accomplished red seal trades persons.
Shamrock and Thistle was established in 1999. Initially serving as a livestock supply, tack store and petting farm in Gibsons, British Columbia. Over the past years, it has become “home” to many boarders and is now located in the beautiful area of Gleneden in Salmon Arm, BC. The name Shamrock & Thistle came about after Shelley’s mom passed away. In her belongings was a box, inside held two broaches; one of a shamrock and one of a thistle. Shelley’s heritage is Irish and John’s is Scottish. Both of the broaches represented the flowers of their individual heritage. Now when they are asked how they came up with the name, the response is, “Shelley is the good luck charm and John is the prickly one (due to his love of not shaving.” :)
The acreage is home to accomplished performance horses and well established school horses. Several working cats (and a couple of “not so working cats” aka FAT) and 2 dogs, Mango and Olive, help protect the property.
It is John and Shelley’s wish to ensure that your time spent here is relaxing and enjoyable. The farm has fabulous views of the city of Salmon Arm from most every room in the home. The view even extends to the arena.
About the Coach & the Cook
The Coach - Shelley is an Equestrian Canada Certified Western Competition Coach, Senior General Performance judge, Senior Western judge and United States Equestrian Federation Recognized Western judge. She is also a member of the Equestrian Canada General Performance & Western Committee. She has spent many years developing her eye for both horse and rider. Shelley's main goal is to always educate the rider and help them learn to understand the horse. Her motto, and she makes everyone say it to their horse, “Thank you for the opportunity to learn, and the patience to teach me.”
Shelley has created an environment for the beginner to learn. She is an Evaluator for EC Western Rider levels and coaches all the way through the levels up to Basic Training. She also helps prepare riders for their Instructor of Beginners or simply helps riders overcome their fears.
The Cook - Shelley has absolutely no professional training. It all comes from the need to ensure everyone has enough energy to ride and do chores. However, over the past 15 years she has cooked for many boarders between Alberta and British Columbia. Many who choose to come back time and time again. Her style is “home,” like mom used to make. Everything from roast beef and Yorkshire puddings, shepherd's pie with bacon, eggs benny to pan seared portabella mushrooms stuffed with salmon or crab. You gotta stay just for the food! Her specialty is dinner. Don’t ask for a fancy breakfast but you will be able to have something healthy. Her sandwiches on home-baked focaccia for lunch are well known to FILL YOU UP!
About the Master of the House
John is a amazing, He is in charge of keeping Shelley in line. John spent many years working in the oilfield until a work injury resulted in the loss of his left leg below the knee. Even as an amputee, he rides. He is hopeful to have others do the same and is here to support them in a similar journey. He loves spending time with the horses and their dogs, Mango and Olive.
About the Horses
Cashoo
Cashoo is the love of Shelley’s life (aside from John). She is an amazing school master and retired reining horse. Cashoo has spent several years as a school master for the Olds College Coaching program and is now available at the farm for lessons and Western Rider Level exams.
Kookie
Kookie is also a retired show horse. She is the beautiful “Princess” that every little girl dreams of. Shown here with Joni, her owner of many years, you can see the bond that is created with this lovely mare. She is soft, quiet and very affectionate, but above all, Kookie is talented and able to teach a rider how it’s done; from western pleasure to trail. Thank you Joni for the most wonderful opportunity to own Kookie.
Louie
Louie is Cashoo’s baby boy. He is a bundle of everything! Kind of like a pocket pony, he will follow you around and wait for snuggles and kisses. Nothing phases this young gelding. Although he is not old enough for others to ride yet, he is on his way to being a superstar!
Not here yet but on their way!!!
Cashoo and Kookie have been bred to Loveable Nic! Due to arrive in the summer of 2019.
