SugarTide Equestrian

UPDATE: Initial testing for all horses on the SugarTide property (tested Aug 28th) came back negative for EIA on Sept 2 2026.

This is a post I really hoped I would never have to write.

Over the past week, SugarTide has been dealing with a confirmed case of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA).

What began with routine Coggins testing resulted in a non-negative screening result for one of our horses, Siesta. Because EIA is a federally reportable disease in Canada, further testing was completed through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) National Reference Laboratory.

Unfortunately, that testing confirmed yesterday that Siesta was positive for EIA.

Also yesterday, we humanely escorted Siesta across the rainbow bridge.

There is no cure or vaccine for EIA. Once infected, a horse carries the virus for life and can remain a source of infection to other equines even while showing no symptoms. Under Canada’s EIA control program, horses confirmed positive are ordered to be humanely destroyed.

It is a horrible thing to write because behind all of the testing, regulations, phone calls and quarantine requirements, there was an otherwise healthy asymptomatic horse at the centre. A horse who was loved and cared for, and who deserved a very different ending.

I also want to explain what EIA actually is, because understandably there have been a lot of questions.

EIA is a blood-borne viral disease affecting horses and other members of the equine family. Transmission occurs through the transfer of infected blood from one animal to another. Large biting flies such as horse flies and deer flies can mechanically transmit the virus, and transmission can also occur through blood-contaminated equipment such as needles, syringes or surgical instruments.

EIA poses no risk to human health and affects members of the equine family, including horses, donkeys and mules.

Following Siesta’s confirmed result, our property was placed under CFIA movement restrictions and quarantine. All horses on our property are now being tested under their direction.

For the quarantine to ultimately be removed, the exposed horses must test negative for EIA twice. The first round of testing takes place today, with the second occurring at least 45 days after the last date on which contact with an infected horse could have occurred.

Every one of today’s blood samples represents a horse who is deeply loved by us and by their owners, and I don’t think I can adequately describe what it feels like to wait for those results.

We have worked closely with our amazing veterinarians at Moore & Co. and the CFIA throughout this process and will continue to follow their direction until our herd is cleared and the quarantine is lifted.

I also want to thank our clients, staff, friends, veterinarians and everyone else who has reached out, offered help or simply given us some grace while we navigate something none of us ever expected to face.

Because EIA is a disease that very few people in our community have ever had to deal with firsthand, we know there will be questions. We will continue to share confirmed information as it becomes available. For anyone looking for information about EIA itself or Canada’s EIA control program, the CFIA is the appropriate source.

For however long this takes, our job remains to protect the horses entrusted to us, support the people who love them and get this herd safely to the other side.

Siesta’s infection was discovered through routine testing as we were hoping to attend shows in September. Although this was an outcome none of us ever expected or wanted, that testing did exactly what disease surveillance is intended to do: identify an infected horse so that the necessary measures could be taken to protect other equines.

Today, though, we take a moment to say goodbye to Siesta.

He deserved a different ending, and I’m incredibly sorry that this was his.

Another great week at RMSJ in the books. 💜

I’m so proud of every one of our horse and rider partnerships this week. There were ribbons, personal bests, confidence-building rounds, a few learning moments, and lots of reasons to celebrate. Every trip through the ring teaches us something, and watching our team continue to grow is the best part.

A huge thank you to our incredible clients and families for trusting us with your horses and your goals. We couldn’t do what we do without you.

A special thank you to Janna Tymstra and the entire RMSJ team (Rocky Mountain Show Jumping )The amount of work that goes into putting on these shows is enormous, and it certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. We’re incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated team creating opportunities for riders across Alberta.

And of course, thank you to Ty (Ty Frederick ) for once again capturing all of these moments so perfectly. Having these memories to look back on is something we never take for granted.

Outfitted by Greenhawk Calgary . Saddled by CWD Alberta and Saskatchewan . Powered by TRISANA NUTRITION FOR DOGS AND HORSES . Protected by BFL CANADA BFL CANADA Equine .

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The storm doesn’t ask permission before it changes the landscape.

Neither does life.

Recently we’ve mourned, we’ve said goodbye, and we’ve watched decade long chapters come to a close.

But standing here after the rain, it’s hard not to remember that a barn is more than the people who pass through it. It’s the place that holds every story, every horse, every friendship, and every memory.

Here’s to those we’ve loved, those we’ve lost, and the chapters still waiting to be written. 💜

Amazing day for our riders having a cross country clinic with the one and only Kristine Haut ! Thank you to He Loves Me Stables in High River for hosting on your gorgeous property and Kris for putting all of this together and giving everyone such a fabulous experience, looking forward to Cochrane next week to do it all again! 💜

Such a fun weekend at the Tilted Tiara Dressage Show. So proud of all our riders and horses - lots of lovely rides, learning moments, and confidence gained across the board.

One of my favourite things is watching this team support each other ringside and celebrate each other’s wins just as much as their own. Very lucky and proud to have such a great group. 💜

Thank you as well to the organizers and to Rocky Mountain Show Jumping for putting on such a welcoming and well-run experience for everyone.

One year ago, during what can only be described as a business tornado, walked into SugarTide and somehow became woven into the heart of it so completely that it’s hard to remember what this place felt like before her.

In this past year, she has carried riders through nerves, celebrated victories with them like they were her own, loved our horses fiercely, and poured so much of herself into every lesson, every show, every hard conversation, every tiny breakthrough, and every long day that nobody else sees.

She has stood beside me through some incredibly difficult moments personally and professionally, and I genuinely do not know what I would have done without her. There are very few people you can trust with your business, your clients, your horses, and your heart all at once - and Demi is one of those rare people, it’s my pleasure to call all those things ours.

The amount of growth, confidence, independence, and success our riders have found under her guidance this year has been incredible to watch. She pushes people to be better while still making them feel safe, capable, and supported, and that balance is something special.

SugarTide is better because of her. I am better because of her.

Thank you for the laughs, the chaos, the unwavering loyalty, the endless hours, the brutally honest conversations, the passion you bring every single day, and for loving this place almost as much as I do.

Happy one year, Demi.I love you endlessly and I’m so unbelievably grateful you chose us.

While I was stuck in a hospital bed this week, the SugarTide crew was out at Spruce Meadows doing what they do best.

5 riders. 6 horses. One coach holding down the fort.

I could not be prouder of what Demi accomplished at the May Classic. Every rider came home with independent successes, breakthroughs, confidence, and rounds worth celebrating. No shortcuts. Just good horsemanship, teamwork, resilience, and the kind of coaching that helps riders grow for real.

Watching from afar while recovering was emotional in the best way. SugarTide has never been about one person - it’s about building a team that lifts each other up, even when life gets hard, and the support from our entire team and barn family this week has been unreal while I’ve been recovering, thank you all so much.

And honestly, getting to see everyone thrive like this on my birthday feels pretty special too!

Huge congratulations to all of our riders, horses, parents, and especially Demi. I am so incredibly thankful for you and proud to work alongside you with all of our amazing students. 💜

Thank you to for making sure everyone gets the most amazing photos even when the personal photographers are having to play nurse. Of course credit for the beautiful edits to that self same resident photographer

Here’s to growth, grit, and a pretty incredible May Classic.

All the fun at our SugarTide SpringFest show today! Thank you to everyone who came out to take part and spectate! We love these little glimpses into our season, the progress our riders are making and their sportsmanship 💜

Thank you for all the beautiful photos and giving up your Sunday. Thanks to for her and the barn team getting the barn done while we played, and of course and for steering the ship with me! 💜

Huge congrats to the winners of our pairs class Kaley and Kaia on Sky and Jango! They beat out some tough competition with a time of 32.56! 💜