Why Thelma and Louise?
It began in July of 2011. As most breeders will testify, it’s not always easy to get a mare in foal. Heather (“Louise”) met Deb (“Thelma”) over a mare that didn’t take. Heather is a veterinarian, and Deb is a small breeder with a focus on performance horses, both Western and Sporthorse. That summer she had a warmblood mare to be bred, and was referred to Buffalo Head Vet Clinic for help getting her in foal. There she met Heather (“Louise”), owner and veterinarian at the clinic and also a warmblood breeder with a lot of experience. Very quickly a kindred friendship developed between Deb and Heather. “We soon started watching hours of stallion presentations in preparation for the breeding season.” They saw a resemblance between themselves and the women of the movie Thelma and Louise. “Soon the road trips started,” making an even stronger parallel with the road-trip bonding of Thelma and Louise in the movie. They went to Boston together to attend a breeders seminar, and noticed how well they operated as a team—and how memorable. Ask the attendees whether they remember the duo from Canada! Since “Thelma and Louise” shared the same breeding ethics and similar backgrounds, the idea of combining resources was a natural, and Thelma and Louise Sport Horses was born. Most recently, the pair returned from attending the two-week course for breeders held in Germany.
Buffalo Head Farms
Located in southern Alberta, Buffalo Head Farms is owned by Dr. Heather-Lynn Smith (“Louise”) The goal of Buffalo Head Farms is to produce “Mind, Movement & Motivation” through a program of selective breeding. “We believe firmly in the production of a ‘workable, motivated athlete’ in both dressage and jumping. As a practicing veterinarian, I make every endeavor to assure our stock has a good beginning in life, paying attention to nutrition, environment and handling to make sure each horse fulfills its genetic potential. We take advantage of advances in reproductive technology, using both shipped and frozen semen as well as embryo transfer. I invite you to consider a Canadian Warmblood horse for your next partner in sport. We have quality young horses available for your consideration.”
Iron Will Ranch
At Iron Will Ranch, located just south of Pincher Creek in Alberta, Deb (“Thelma”) Symes and Keith Robertson specialize in horses for performance, both Western and English. “If you are looking for mind and athletic ability backed with pedigree, look no further. Our sporthorse focus is breeding for dressage. We are excitedly awaiting foals from our two licensed Canadian Warmblood mares. Dante’s Inferno is from the Duellant II line, and is in foal to Earl. Sallyintheally is a retired sweepstakes winner who will be bred to Royal Blend. Both of these mares are spectacular movers.” For more information, or to see what we are producing for young reining and working cow horse colts, please visit the IronWillRanches.com website.
Theodore and Louise AKA Thelma and Louise Sporthorses
The merging of Iron Will Ranch and Buffalohead Farms culminated in the creation of Thelma and Louise Sporthorses, now also known as Theodore and Louise Sporthorses. Combining the strengths of both farms, the union symbolizes a harmonious blend of Iron Will’s dedication to robust and resilient livestock with Buffalohead’s extensive veterinary knowledge both influenced by Deb Symes our shared inspiration and mentor.
Under Thelma and Louise Sporthorses, the breeding program still reflects a commitment to producing top-tier sporthorses capable of excelling in various disciplines. Keith Robertson and Heather Smith preserve the legacy of both farms while ushering in a new era of excellence in equestrian pursuits. The seamless continuation embodies a shared vision for a passion for fostering exceptional sporthorses that honor the traditions of Iron Will Ranch and Buffalohead Farms.