It was in 1975 that we discovered the Canadian horse. He was involved with the Canadian Horse Breeders' Society as a director. Ranch-L is the herd name of my father. While he works hard to make his name has a breeder, I am studying in agricultural management at the Cégep de St-Hyacinthe. I move in a farm a few kilometers away and start slowly my own nerd. I work on the farm with my father and also have an outside job. No need to lie in the breeding business, it takes another income to survive.

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In 2001, my father dies suddenly, and decisions have to be made. My mother and I decided to take over the farm. Ranch-L becomes Ferme Litjens. So, I now have to work full time on the farm.

I find myself alone for the work in the field, the maintenance of buildings and parks. It is financially impossible to hire and employee.

My mother, Colette, feeds the horses on the main farm and helps me with horse care. We have the help of family and friends for the unloading of hay and various repairs. We are very grateful for the help we received.

 

Today, my mother is slowly retiring.

My spouse gives me a hand after her day of work at the town hall and on weekends. Horse care, feeding, breeding season for our mares and  outside mares, socialization of babies, hay season, social networks and paperwork... our days end long after sunset. Not to mention the agricultural exhibition season that adds work to the plate. We present our subjects at exhibitions in halter classes. More work, but it gives us visibility with our customers and future customers. Again, we couldn't do it without the help of family and friends.

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I follow in my father's footsteps and get involved as a director at the SECC (Canadian Horse Breeder’s Society) which I have been a life member for over 30 years.

 

The passion of the Canadian horse, the dedication to the breed and the desire to offer quality horses keeps the passion alive.

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Ferme Litjens is 10 stallions and more than forty mares divided into 2 herds, on 2 farms.