About our Farm and Buyer Feedback
About US (Click facebook link for more albums)Smoky River Sport Horses is a family based business located in Bezanson, approximately 30 minutes east of Grande Prairie, Alberta near the beautiful Smoky River Banks.
We have been breeding and raising horses for over 40 years, using our natural location as the perfect place for training and breeding quality horses. Our horses are mainly pasture raised where they have lots of room to roam, play, and get daily exercise and lots of natural grazing. This we believe also contributes to development of our horses right from foals all the way to being mature horses. They get they the ideal amount of exercise to properly develop bone, ligaments, muscles and strength while still growing and maturing. This will positively impact their development and helps with long term soundness and durability. For generations our family has used horses under saddle and in harness for work, competition, or pleasure. We have put extensive time and miles on our horses resulting in well-trained horses that have been exposed to a vast variety of tasks, obstacles and challenging terrain. It become obvious early on, that only the best type of horses (horses with superior endurance, soundness, and stamina, along with willing temperaments and courageous nature) could handle this type of work. This invaluable training and these attributes go a long way toward producing successful competition horses. We have continued and furthered our goals by adding top bred horses with tremendous athletic ability and proven bloodlines to our breeding program. We now also have many of our other horses out competing on the circuits and winning and placing on many levels all across North America , Spruce Meadows, as well as locally. We look forward to getting many more to their future homes and bright futures! Shown Above : Alyssa (left) on Whiskey, and Kayla LaValley (right) on Wage. Some of our crew while competing "A" circuit shows with their Smoky River Sport Horses! Grand Prix Mare (Sister to Shutterfly)Nabella shown above was purchased by our farm several years ago. (barn name BELLA) She is a successful Grand Prix showjumping mare herself and was originally imported from Germany. Nabella has proven that she has her own impressive jumping talent, but also has famous linage. Bella is sister to the famous Grand Prix Showjumper “Shutterfly”.Shutterfly rode by Meredith Beerbaum, a successful international showjumper and ranked as the Top Show Jumping Horse world wide in 2005.
|
 Aerial picture of some of our farm where we raise our horses.
.
FEATURED on HORSE-OPOLY:
We are honored to have our Trakehner Stallion Donnerval (Shown being rode by family member Arne LaValley) was selected to be featured on the Horse-opoly Board game version of Monopoly to represent the Trakehner breed. He was one of our stallions we trained and stood as a stallion on our farm. We are delighted to have much of his intelligence, athletics and trainability in many of our current bloodlines and performance horses. FEI Qualifier
Tobruk shown above (now sold) and with lessor Carlie (junior rider) recently went to ALBERTA YOUNG RIDERS DRESSAGE SHOW. Carile did all FEI level tests at the FEI Children’s and got Qualifying marks needed to Qualify for the Nationals. Also shown featured on cover of CTHS publication magazine. Tobruk competed in the FEI LEVEL children’s Provincials and Nationals.
|
|
|
Our CW Stallion Valero - at Thunderbird Horse ShowShown being Rode by Jean-Francois.
Valero in Summer 2011 took some time off from his breeding duties to go show and compete at some bigger shows in BC. Valero also has offspring available for purchase. |
Smoky River Sport Horses Buyer/Rider Feedback
While looking for a new horse I had a few things I really wanted, I was starting to become a little "picky" because alot of the horses I was looking at were not matching my criteria. I wanted a big, strong bay gelding for dressage and show jumping, it doesn't sound that hard to find but I was becoming a little frustrated because I couldn't find exactly that, until I came across an ad for Smoky River Sport Horses stating "17.1hh Stallion Warmblood". I contacted Brandy right away to see if he was still for sale when she replied yes I knew I had to jump on the opportunity to own the horse of my dreams. I knew I didn't want a stallion and I had a limit on what I could afford. Brandy was very helpful and patient, she worked out a great deal on Valegro and also had him gelded for me. When I saw Valegro for the first time I was very impressed by his movement and his calm, pleasing temperment. The LaValley family is very welcoming and they really try to help you find what you are looking for in a horse. They take great pride in the horses they breed and sell.
He impresses me more and more everyday. He has amazing conformation, and his abaility to learn is fascinating. You show him something once and it clicks with him. Even with his size he is very focused on me and what I am asking him to do. I dont think I could have found a more amazing horse that fits my ability so perfect. Valegro is everything I wanted and more. I am very grateful i got to meet the LaValley family and had the chance to own one of their horses. I recommend them to anyone who is looking for a quality show or pleasure horse.
Thank you so much Brandy & the rest of the LaValley family for your help in shipping and in finding the most perfect horse!!
- T. Wrightson
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you so much Smoky River Sport Horses. I spent months trying horses throughout Western Canada only to be disappointed time after time. Frustrated with the whole process, I was about ready to give up when you replied to my email request and encouraged me to come out and try some horses. I spent the 9 hour trip getting ready to come home again without a horse...I was so wrong! Your horses were everything advertised and more, with steady minds, solid foundation in riding and wonderful work ethics. It was a pleasure to stay with the LaValley family and be among excellent horsemen and women, enjoying arena and outdoor rides in a beautiful setting as I made my decision.
It is rare to find sellers who so deeply care about matching horses with riders and who are skillful at making those connections. I will recommend your operation to anyone looking for a quality horse for competition, work or pleasure...no matter where they are coming from, Bezanson AB is worth the trip! M. Naef
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dakota is extremely easy going, smart and sensible mannered boy. He is so easy to work with and L and K sport horses has big plans for this guy! We love him and couldn't have made a better choice! Thank you for your patience and all your help for us to find the perfect boy. We took Dakota to his first show after only having him for two weeks, and he was Champion in halter as well as the showmanship Champion! We are so proud. Thanks for everything Smoky River Sport Horses, - L K Sport Horses -
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Midnight is doing great!! I really love her and am enjoying getting to know her. My trainer thought she was lovely and quick learner. Thank you Brandy for your patience and honesty with me when I was in the process of purchasing Midnight. Right from that very first e-mail I felt confident in pursuing my interest in this little horse as you gave me the whole picture regarding her and her suitability for me. And was not disappointed when I eventually got to see her. You were patient and understanding through it all. From my excellent experience with you, I will certainly recommend Smoky River Sport Horses to my friends. She is everything that I was looking for in a horse. So thank you again. All the very best. - W. Julyan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last year after searching for a dressage horse to lease, by searching on-line we came upon the Smoky River Sport Horse’s. We contacted the LaValley’s and they said that they had a couple of potential lease horses for the dressage ring. We made arrangements to come up not knowing if we would be coming home with a horse or not. We made the 8-hour journey and were nicely surprised that when we met, it was like going to see family. They were so welcoming and honest. We truly know that they would never be dishonest about matching horse and rider, or selling horses. Which is so reassuring in a sometimes-skeptical horse market. We happily headed home with a horse, and the work began. We had an awesome year with Tobruk, we got him into shape, aiming to try to qualify for FEI Children’s Dressage Nationals. By our first show in May we already got some of our qualifiers. Showing throughout the summer and finishing off the year qualifying and riding in Nationals 2008. We really enjoyed working with the LaValley’s and Tobruk!! Thank you again Smoky River Sport Horses for the great year!!! - C. Ringland
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My 12 year old daughter had been riding for years and was now ready for a new horse to match her ability. We looked and looked for a long time and could not find anything to suit our needs and were becoming quit frustrated. We wanted a fairly young horse, big and athletic, and yet had some decent training. We thought we were not going to find anything until we stumbled upon an ad for Smoky River Sport Horses and one horse in particular caught my daughters eye. So we headed to the Smoky River Farm thinking this would probably be another futile trip. BOY were we wrong! We were immediately welcomed as part of the family. We spent 4 days there riding and trying horses and being looked after by the LaValley family. I truly felt that I was dealing with people who I could trust and were committed to providing us with a great horse.
We have now brought home our new horse, Sly. He is athletic, willing and with out a doubt, the best natured horse I have ever seen. He has come to us with lots of exposure to every kind of riding. We cannot get him to spook at anything! I have had several people come up to me and ask where we bought our new horse, and the first thing they say is "Do they have anymore like him? What an incredible horse! Thank you Brandy,Travis, Arne and Elaine for your hospitality and a great horse. I did not think it was possible to find such an athletic horse, along with such an incredible dispostion. We have indeed found the perfect horse! - C Mennis
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's not an easy task finding the perfect horse for you. Brandy did an amazing job fitting my personality with a horse before we had even met. It was so easy, and their family was so helpful and nice. Trooper is everything that I wanted him to be and more. He is great, I love his personality. I would recommend anyone I know who is interested in buying a horse to them. Thanks again! - T. Ehnes
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smoky River Sport Horses has an outstanding breeding program producing athletic intelligent calm and out standing conformation characteristics. I cant say enough about the thought and care that goes into the selection process to end up such well put together horses. After meeting the people with Smoky River Sport Horses and seeing there work first hand I will be purchasing my second colt from them. - Sincerely D. Hartzell
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you Brandy and Arne for making my search for a new horse so easy. I told you what I was looking for and you knew exactly what horse would fit the bill. I drove out to look at Ransom and he was all that you had described him to be and then some. I would without a doubt recommend you to anyone that I know who is looking for a horse for any English discipline. I would not have any issues with buying my next horse from you guys without even coming out to look at it. I would take your word over the phone any day. You guys are great and I think that some of the other breeders should take lessons from you on honesty and etiquette. Thanks again, and I will be sending lots of pictures of Ransom as he grows. - R. Merchant
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a professional rider and trainer, I have had a lot of experience with the buying and selling of horses. I have never been more impressed with the overall experience I garnered from Smoky River Sport Horses and the people there. From the very beginning, I was greeted with respect and kindness, and special attention was taken care that the horse I was looking for was going to be the best possible match for the rider. Not only are they extremely careful about the quality of horse they provide, but that the horse is going to work out as well as it can. Any questions I had were answered honestly and openly, and all information provided for me, including abundant pictures and video clips.
Upon arriving, Dandy impressed us even more than we expected. Not only was he everything promised, but he turned out to be an absolute joy to ride. The soundness of mind is just as important as the soundness of the body, and these horses have it all. They are very personable, very ride-able, and are all top quality horses suited for every level. Arne builds a wonderfully strong foundation into them, and the horses learn to collect, ride well, and remain light and responsive to the rider. He also exposes them to a plethora of surroundings, so the horses are sensible in and out of the arena, which certainly aides them in adjusting to new surroundings. The consistency with which these horses are brought along and maintained is remarkable. My experience has continued to be wonderful here, and I am proud to have had the experience working with them. I personally recommend them as top choice to anyone seeking the best in quality horses and an overall gratifying experience. - Erika Fink
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have talked to so many people about horses, and I must say you stand out at the top. The reason that I say that is that even though you are a very accomplished horse person you have a wonderful down to earth way about you that is very appealing. I appreciated you taking the time to give me a hand with my questions and such, knowing how busy you are. Thanks so much. N. Schuck
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My daughter had always dreamed of having a horse, thus began the adventure looking for a suitable horse. Our journey took us to many breeders, then finally we met Brandy and Arne. With just a few questions they were quickly able to determine my daughter’s vision of a perfect horse and at the same time they were able to assess her riding capabilities. Arne and Brandy took extra care so that that horse and rider are suited for each other. Their family was so patient as we were trying to decide on a horse. Any questions I had were answered honestly and openly.
I can’t say enough, having spent many days with them I truly appreciate their honesty and their training. Their horses have beautiful natures and I am sold on the Trakhener Breed. Smoky River Sport Horses were honest and their love for their horses is very apparent. Not only that but their after service has been OUTSTANDING as well.. Thank you Arne, Elaine and Brandy its been a pleasure! - R. Skinner
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for the warm welcome and the excellent buying experience you and your family provided. I feel you all helped me pick a horse that suits me and will carry me far. I appreciate your efforts and enabling me to ride the horse under several conditions. I was able to watch him as well as handle him myself. I feel that you have given Big Smoke excellent training that will last him all his life. When a horse is started correctly and has good foundation, it enables him to learn more quickly and without fear. I also appreciated the help with the export process. I hope to return! - Marcella Lambert
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He impresses me more and more everyday. He has amazing conformation, and his abaility to learn is fascinating. You show him something once and it clicks with him. Even with his size he is very focused on me and what I am asking him to do. I dont think I could have found a more amazing horse that fits my ability so perfect. Valegro is everything I wanted and more. I am very grateful i got to meet the LaValley family and had the chance to own one of their horses. I recommend them to anyone who is looking for a quality show or pleasure horse.
Thank you so much Brandy & the rest of the LaValley family for your help in shipping and in finding the most perfect horse!!
- T. Wrightson
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you so much Smoky River Sport Horses. I spent months trying horses throughout Western Canada only to be disappointed time after time. Frustrated with the whole process, I was about ready to give up when you replied to my email request and encouraged me to come out and try some horses. I spent the 9 hour trip getting ready to come home again without a horse...I was so wrong! Your horses were everything advertised and more, with steady minds, solid foundation in riding and wonderful work ethics. It was a pleasure to stay with the LaValley family and be among excellent horsemen and women, enjoying arena and outdoor rides in a beautiful setting as I made my decision.
It is rare to find sellers who so deeply care about matching horses with riders and who are skillful at making those connections. I will recommend your operation to anyone looking for a quality horse for competition, work or pleasure...no matter where they are coming from, Bezanson AB is worth the trip! M. Naef
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dakota is extremely easy going, smart and sensible mannered boy. He is so easy to work with and L and K sport horses has big plans for this guy! We love him and couldn't have made a better choice! Thank you for your patience and all your help for us to find the perfect boy. We took Dakota to his first show after only having him for two weeks, and he was Champion in halter as well as the showmanship Champion! We are so proud. Thanks for everything Smoky River Sport Horses, - L K Sport Horses -
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Midnight is doing great!! I really love her and am enjoying getting to know her. My trainer thought she was lovely and quick learner. Thank you Brandy for your patience and honesty with me when I was in the process of purchasing Midnight. Right from that very first e-mail I felt confident in pursuing my interest in this little horse as you gave me the whole picture regarding her and her suitability for me. And was not disappointed when I eventually got to see her. You were patient and understanding through it all. From my excellent experience with you, I will certainly recommend Smoky River Sport Horses to my friends. She is everything that I was looking for in a horse. So thank you again. All the very best. - W. Julyan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last year after searching for a dressage horse to lease, by searching on-line we came upon the Smoky River Sport Horse’s. We contacted the LaValley’s and they said that they had a couple of potential lease horses for the dressage ring. We made arrangements to come up not knowing if we would be coming home with a horse or not. We made the 8-hour journey and were nicely surprised that when we met, it was like going to see family. They were so welcoming and honest. We truly know that they would never be dishonest about matching horse and rider, or selling horses. Which is so reassuring in a sometimes-skeptical horse market. We happily headed home with a horse, and the work began. We had an awesome year with Tobruk, we got him into shape, aiming to try to qualify for FEI Children’s Dressage Nationals. By our first show in May we already got some of our qualifiers. Showing throughout the summer and finishing off the year qualifying and riding in Nationals 2008. We really enjoyed working with the LaValley’s and Tobruk!! Thank you again Smoky River Sport Horses for the great year!!! - C. Ringland
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My 12 year old daughter had been riding for years and was now ready for a new horse to match her ability. We looked and looked for a long time and could not find anything to suit our needs and were becoming quit frustrated. We wanted a fairly young horse, big and athletic, and yet had some decent training. We thought we were not going to find anything until we stumbled upon an ad for Smoky River Sport Horses and one horse in particular caught my daughters eye. So we headed to the Smoky River Farm thinking this would probably be another futile trip. BOY were we wrong! We were immediately welcomed as part of the family. We spent 4 days there riding and trying horses and being looked after by the LaValley family. I truly felt that I was dealing with people who I could trust and were committed to providing us with a great horse.
We have now brought home our new horse, Sly. He is athletic, willing and with out a doubt, the best natured horse I have ever seen. He has come to us with lots of exposure to every kind of riding. We cannot get him to spook at anything! I have had several people come up to me and ask where we bought our new horse, and the first thing they say is "Do they have anymore like him? What an incredible horse! Thank you Brandy,Travis, Arne and Elaine for your hospitality and a great horse. I did not think it was possible to find such an athletic horse, along with such an incredible dispostion. We have indeed found the perfect horse! - C Mennis
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's not an easy task finding the perfect horse for you. Brandy did an amazing job fitting my personality with a horse before we had even met. It was so easy, and their family was so helpful and nice. Trooper is everything that I wanted him to be and more. He is great, I love his personality. I would recommend anyone I know who is interested in buying a horse to them. Thanks again! - T. Ehnes
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smoky River Sport Horses has an outstanding breeding program producing athletic intelligent calm and out standing conformation characteristics. I cant say enough about the thought and care that goes into the selection process to end up such well put together horses. After meeting the people with Smoky River Sport Horses and seeing there work first hand I will be purchasing my second colt from them. - Sincerely D. Hartzell
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you Brandy and Arne for making my search for a new horse so easy. I told you what I was looking for and you knew exactly what horse would fit the bill. I drove out to look at Ransom and he was all that you had described him to be and then some. I would without a doubt recommend you to anyone that I know who is looking for a horse for any English discipline. I would not have any issues with buying my next horse from you guys without even coming out to look at it. I would take your word over the phone any day. You guys are great and I think that some of the other breeders should take lessons from you on honesty and etiquette. Thanks again, and I will be sending lots of pictures of Ransom as he grows. - R. Merchant
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a professional rider and trainer, I have had a lot of experience with the buying and selling of horses. I have never been more impressed with the overall experience I garnered from Smoky River Sport Horses and the people there. From the very beginning, I was greeted with respect and kindness, and special attention was taken care that the horse I was looking for was going to be the best possible match for the rider. Not only are they extremely careful about the quality of horse they provide, but that the horse is going to work out as well as it can. Any questions I had were answered honestly and openly, and all information provided for me, including abundant pictures and video clips.
Upon arriving, Dandy impressed us even more than we expected. Not only was he everything promised, but he turned out to be an absolute joy to ride. The soundness of mind is just as important as the soundness of the body, and these horses have it all. They are very personable, very ride-able, and are all top quality horses suited for every level. Arne builds a wonderfully strong foundation into them, and the horses learn to collect, ride well, and remain light and responsive to the rider. He also exposes them to a plethora of surroundings, so the horses are sensible in and out of the arena, which certainly aides them in adjusting to new surroundings. The consistency with which these horses are brought along and maintained is remarkable. My experience has continued to be wonderful here, and I am proud to have had the experience working with them. I personally recommend them as top choice to anyone seeking the best in quality horses and an overall gratifying experience. - Erika Fink
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have talked to so many people about horses, and I must say you stand out at the top. The reason that I say that is that even though you are a very accomplished horse person you have a wonderful down to earth way about you that is very appealing. I appreciated you taking the time to give me a hand with my questions and such, knowing how busy you are. Thanks so much. N. Schuck
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My daughter had always dreamed of having a horse, thus began the adventure looking for a suitable horse. Our journey took us to many breeders, then finally we met Brandy and Arne. With just a few questions they were quickly able to determine my daughter’s vision of a perfect horse and at the same time they were able to assess her riding capabilities. Arne and Brandy took extra care so that that horse and rider are suited for each other. Their family was so patient as we were trying to decide on a horse. Any questions I had were answered honestly and openly.
I can’t say enough, having spent many days with them I truly appreciate their honesty and their training. Their horses have beautiful natures and I am sold on the Trakhener Breed. Smoky River Sport Horses were honest and their love for their horses is very apparent. Not only that but their after service has been OUTSTANDING as well.. Thank you Arne, Elaine and Brandy its been a pleasure! - R. Skinner
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for the warm welcome and the excellent buying experience you and your family provided. I feel you all helped me pick a horse that suits me and will carry me far. I appreciate your efforts and enabling me to ride the horse under several conditions. I was able to watch him as well as handle him myself. I feel that you have given Big Smoke excellent training that will last him all his life. When a horse is started correctly and has good foundation, it enables him to learn more quickly and without fear. I also appreciated the help with the export process. I hope to return! - Marcella Lambert
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------