CLYDESDALE HORSE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
"tHE LIGHTS FROM OUR PAST ILLUMINATe OUr FUTURE"
The Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada Hall of Fame Committee was founded in 2020, in the spirit appreciation, to recognize those Canadian Clydesdale breeders whose decision making and hard work have developed the Canadian Clydesdale into a highly esteemed and internationally coveted breed. In 1886 a group of progressive minded pioneers, with a mutual desire to facilitate the encouragement, development, and regulation of the breeding of Clydesdale horses in Canada, came together as the newly formed Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada. Their movement took off with other Clydesdale owners, breeders, and fanciers from coast to coast, and on January 1, 1901, the once small grassroots organization incorporated. The Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada formed 136 years ago, and in that time since the first meeting of the original founding fathers, many of the most influential Clydesdales bred globally have been homebred by Canadians, from decades of selective breeding and the importation of quality foundation mares and stallions.
2020 - INDUCTEES
Alfred Edwin (Eddie) Arnold - Manitoba (1898 - 2005)
Wreford Hewson - Ontario (1903 - 1991)
Dale Rosenke - Alberta (1950 - 2013)
Thomas Daniel (Donnie Tramble - Nova Scotia (1933 - 1985)
2021 - INDUCTEES
Doug Charles – Saskatchewan (1915 – 1992)John (Junior) Heatlie – Quebec (1928 – 2004)Dennis Gordeyko – Alberta (1947 – 2018)Lawrence McIntyre Rye – Alberta (1883 – 1981)
2022 - INDUCTEES
Allan Gordeyko - Alberta
Aubrey Toll - Ontario (1920 - 2005)
Lloyd Langille - Nova Scotia - (1932 - 2017)
Frederick Wesley Dunn - Manitoba - (1902 - 1998)
Here are all our honored inductees into the Hall of Fame. Read their stories and learn from their history.
ALLAN GORDEYKO
Allan Gordeyko’s father always had a team of draft horses on their farm located at Ohaton, Alberta. That is how the interest in harnessing and driving horses was sparked at around the age of five. It was the chrome trim and good nature of the breed that first attracted Allan to the Clydesdale horse. After witnessing the Bryden Bros. hitch at the Vegreville Fair in 1965, Allan had the chance to talk with Bill Bryden who took the time to answer Allan’s questions about all things driving and the Clydesdale horse. The spark was ignited.Later on in 1965, along with his brother Dennis, they acquired their first two purebred Clydesdale mares. They exhibited these horses in 1968 at Calgary Stampede & Exhibition, where Allan has recently been recognized as the longest standing exhibitor in the Heavy Horse Division. Pre-pandemic, Allan hadn’t missed a Stampede in over 45 years.What started out as a hobby soon developed into an integral part of Allan’s farming operation. Due to son Wes’ interest in heavy horses at a young age, the business of raising, showing and breeding continued to expand.Through Allan’s numerous trips to the Royal Winter Fair from the early 70’s onward, he met the acquaintance of Mr. James Pickens of Kirkcudbright, Scotland. As a result of this relationship, over 30 head were exported from Scotland to Willow Way Farms from the late 1970’s into the early 90’s.From this stock came many of Willow Way’s great producing broodmares, whose influence is still prevalent in the Willow Way breeding program. The most impressive examples of this would be the full brothers, Willow Way Prestwick and Willow Way Swiper, the 2018 World Champion Gelding and the 2022 World Champion Stallion, respectively, along with the 2018 Supreme World Champion, Willow Way Puzzle, whose pedigrees all contain Torr’s Lady Antrim. Antrim was one of the first horses Allan imported with the assistance of Jim Pickens.Along with the aforementioned World Champions, Allan also exhibited the 2007 World Champion Six Horse Hitch in Madison, Wisconsin and bred the 2015 Reserve World Champion Gelding Willow Way Inferno.Allan has a strong belief in community in all aspects of his life. As part of his dedication to the breed, he is both a Life Member and Past President of the Alberta Clydesdale Association and Life Member, Past President and Director of 35+ years of the Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada.
lLOYD LANGILLE (1932 - 2017)
Lloyd Langille was born in Tatamgouche, Nova Scotia and grew up on the family farm near Oliver, Nova Scotia. His love of draft horses started early in life. He drove them on the farm as a child and worked with them in the woods as a teenager. In his early years, Lloyd would bring in carloads of horses transported by rail from Western Canada to Hopewell, Nova Scotia to be broke, worked and moved on to fill other people’s needs – a testament to his talents as a horseman.He started showing horses in 1959, and he and his family continued to show horses for over 50 years. The family continue to be very active in the draft horse industry to this current day, both in breeding circles and in the show ring.Lloyd was a respected judge and performed the honors of judging at the highest levels in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, including two World Percheron Congresses, the Calgary Stampede, and the Royal Winter Fair – all while he himself enjoyed successes at the highest levels and the highest stages in thedraft horse world. He was one of the most gifted teamsters to pick up a set of lines.With his wonderful wife, Marlene, at his side, Lloyd achieved many accomplishments. One of the greatest contributions one can make in any field is the ability to pass that same passion on to other generations. He did that with his own children, and others as well. He was a strong advocate for encouraging youth, recognizing the importance of developing them for the future of the draft horse industry. Lloyd loved to help young drivers handle the big hitches and become better horsemen and horsewomen. He understood a horse’s mind and enjoyed getting new people involved and educated. An excellent example of this was the 2015 World Clydesdale Show in London, Ontario where both the Male Teamster, Donnie Langille, Lloyd’s son, and Female Teamster, Sara Hayes, learned firsthand from Lloyd and, in turn, rose to the top thanks to his teachings.Many horse owners would call or visit, asking Lloyd for advice that was always freely given if they were truly interested in learning. “His calm nature, quiet voice and gentle hands would get more out of a horse in five minutes than any rough handling ever could. He always said there was a time and a place for every correction and the horse would always let you know, you just had to watch.” (Sara Hayes)
aubrey toll (1920 - 2005)
Aubrey Toll was born into a farming family near Blyth, Ontario on March 19, 1920. He married Marie MacCrostie, a teacher, in 1944. They raised four children on the family farm: Cheryl, Vaughn, Kerry and Avon.Aubrey was a fourth generation Clydesdale breeder and showed his first horse, a foal, at the Blyth Fall Fair at the age of seven. By the mid-1950’s he was showing his own six-horse hitch at local shows. He and his father, Fred, took horses to the 1956 Royal in Toronto.He imported his first Scottish horses in 1961 and, from then until the early 70’s, he imported more than 60 Scottish horses. Among those many imports were the stallions Torrs Benefactor, Dunsyre Silver King, Doura Ambassador and Collessie Royal Gift.In 1960, Aubrey trucked horses to the Brandon Winter Fair for the first time. For several years, this was an annual trip resulting in successful outcomes. Beginning in 1961, he participated for four summers in the Western “A” Circuit at Brandon, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Regina, travelling with two trucks, a wagon and up to 14 horses. During the 1960’s, he was attending up to 50 fairs each year.In 1962 Aubrey sold his wheel team, a Scottish import and his mate to August A. Busch, company chairman of Anheuser-Busch Brewery. This exchange was the first of many horse deals between the two mean. Aubrey estimated that Mr. Busch purchases over 70 Clydes from him over the years.In 1986, he was contacted by Ted Nugent’s farm manager at Timberwood Farms in Michigan, informing that all of the Clydes at the farm were for sale. When the deal was completed, Aubrey had purchased 17 horses. The best horse was Maplewood Glen Rose, which he sold to David and Wilma Cleghorn. She became their favorite and best producing mare.Aubrey trucked his horses in a simple stock truck, always shod his own horses, taught many the art of tying tails and rolling manes, and drove his own hitches. He was meticulous about how his horses were prepared and presented for show. He was adamant that their feet and legs be washed with warm water. At the end of the day, he liked nothing better than sitting on the tack box in the horse barn while negotiating a deal with a fellow Clydesdale owner.Aubrey died on July 21, 2005, leaving a legacy of love, loyalty and knowledge of the Clydesdale breed, which he generously imparted to many, including the fifth and sixth generals of Clyde breeders among his descendants. He would be proud to know that his son and grandsons are continuing the family tradition of breeding and exhibiting his beloved Clydesdales. There have been many dedicated horsemen over the year who kept the horse business going when there wasn’t much reason to do so… Aubrey was one of them. Aubrey & Marie Toll on their 50th Wedding Anniversary
frederick wesley dunn (1902 - 1998)
Frederick Dunn was born on March 16, 1902. He was the second son of Fred and Martha Dunn of Alexander, Manitoba.At the age of 20, he received a diploma from Manitoba Agriculture College in Winnipeg. After college, he farmed with his parents and became interested in raising and showing Clydesdale horses.In 1939, he marriedMaude Gamley and togetherthey raised seven children.Fred first showed at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in 1938. His western bred broodmare, Landmark Sensation, placed third.By 1953, Fred had started using the prefix Riverview for his Clydes. That year was one of Fred’s best at the Royal Winter Fair, winning the Foal Class, the Two Year Old Class, the Yeld Mare Class and the Produce Class. Fred also had the Grand Champion Stallion that year. Riverview Clydesdales went on to win many honors in the show world.Fred was a quiet spoken man who truly loved his Clydesdales. In his later years, he left the farm and moved to Alexander, Manitoba but still made the six mile journey to feed his beloved animals every day.Fred passed away on April 24, 1998. His Riverview prefix lives on in many pedigrees today.
Doug Charles (1915 - 1992)
Doug Charles was born on January 11, 1915 at Pleasantdale, Saskatchewan. Early in his life he developed a love for livestock. His show career began in 1928 as a 4-H Club Exhibitor at the local fairs.
As a young boy he was a member of the LacVert 4-H Club and later, a leader of the Pleasantdale 4-H Swine Club. This grew into an adult career of regularly showing horses at the Melfort Fair. By 1942, he had already shown at the Saskatoon Fair and by 1949, he began a long succession of showing Clydesdales horses at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair where he won many prizes for the halter and team classes.His biggest thrill was winning the six horse hitch class at the Royal Winter Fair in 1952. In 1955 he was asked to drive the stage coach that brought the Right Honourable John Diefenbaker and his wife into the grandstand area at the Saskatoon Exhibition.Doug was secretary of the Clydesdales Horse Association of Canada for many years. He was very helpful to horse breeders throughout the country. In his later years, he also became an avid harness maker. Many people showing horses today are still using all or part of show harness made by Doug Charles.His involvement in the raising, importing and showing of heavy horses kept the horse industry going during hard times. It is doing well today partly because of his efforts and we owe much to him. Doug Charles was a good friend and as one farmer said, “He was the kind of man you would like to have living next to you or just across the road”. He was a valued neighbor.Doug passed away on May 16, 1992. While he may be gone his accomplishments live on
John (junior) heatlie (1928 - 2004)
John Heatlie, often known as “Junior”, was born on January 9, 1923 and passed away March 29, 2004 in Brownsburg, Quebec. He was an ardent lover of Clydesdales from the time his father purchased his first registered horse off the boat from Scotland in 1928.John was well known across Canada, USA and Europe as a quality Clydesdale breeder. He was a long time member of the Canadian Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada and other Clydesdale Horse Associations as well. He was the custodian of the famous stallion imported from Scotland, Doura Perfect Motion – the sire of the great Ogdensburg Teddy Lad.Junior and his family enjoyed showing Clydesdales at various fairs each year and took top honors at the Royal Winter Fair on many occasions. He would always say, “It wasn’t just what you won, but who you beat”.He was a proud father and grandfather. John will be dearly missed in the Clydesdale world. His family and grandchildren kept up the tradition he and his father began. Nothing would have made him more proud.
Dennis gordeyko (1947 - 2018)
Dennis Gordeyko turned an early interest in the Clydesdale breed into a lifelong passion and business hobby. Even as a child, Dennis had great interest and admiration for the “gentle giants”. As a young man, he would attend local fairs and larger city shows and his appreciation for the breed grew.Dennis and his older brother, Alan, shared a common interest. Together they started their small hobby with two purebred Clydesdale mares. It wasn’t long before the two men realized their hobby of producing foals and showing horses was becoming a larger business than initially anticipated. They then decided to establish themselves individually in the world of the heavy horses.Dennis imported several top quality stallions and mares from Scotland where the breed originated. One of the foundation stallions of his line was Bardrill Enterprise, imported from Scotland in 1976. Dennis established many good friends in Scotland over the years who shared a similar passion for the Clydesdale. Several breeders and exhibitors from Scotland became especially close to Dennis and his family, visiting back and forth as often as possible.Dennis was asked to judge classes at the National Stallion Show in Glasgow and the hitch classes at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh. He was also invited to judge in Peterborough, England. His ability to judge the quality of a good horse was recognized by many in Canada and the United States and, because of his “eye for a good horse”, he was invited to judge at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair and the Calgary Stampede, to name but a few.Over the years, Dennis exhibited Clydesdales throughout Canada and the United States and sold many top quality Clydesdales to other established breeders in North America. Horses bred on his farm were also exported back to Scotland. Dennis Gordeyko was an important member of the “Heavy Horse Family”, both at home in Canada, in the USA and worldwide. Together that family would share experiences and knowledge in order to maintain the quality of the heavy horse.Dennis bred and showed many champions over the years and was known for his depth of pedigree in the Clydesdale bloodline he established. Dennis’ expertise and passion for the Clydesdale breed will always be remembered and respected.
Alfred Edwin Arnold (1898 - 2005)
Eddie Arnold was born in Toronto in 1898. His long association with heavy horses started in 1918. He established the Croydon prefix in 1923 and this was synonymous with quality Clydesdales for over 60 years. Eddie was a strong supporter of the small local shows and often walked the horses to the shows in the early years. For several years he showed on the Western Canada show circuit and travelled between the cities on the train.Eddie showed at the Royal Winter fair in Toronto for forty years, up to 1984. That year Torrs Reformer, a colt Eddie had purchased at the 1983 Highland show in Scotland, was junior champion and reserve grand champion. Many times at the Royal his Croydon Clydesdale horses won the award for the best Canadian bred, born and raised.Eddie was a much sought after judge, and he judged many shows across the continent. He was a great influence on many breeders and show people, and was always willing to pass on his considerable knowledge of the Clydesdale horse. In particular he was very obliging and encouraging to the youth in the industry. If you were interested and listened he would take the time to educate you.Eddie was a director of the Manitoba Clydesdale Club for 40 years and also served as president. He was director of the Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada for 28 years and was president twice during this period. He was a long time member of the Manitoba Horse breeders and the Shoal Lake Agriculture Society. For many years he was on the Manitoba Heavy Horse Selection Committee for the Royal Winter Fair. In 1984 Eddie was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame for the many contributions to Agriculture in Manitoba. In 1992 he was conferred Canada’s Commemorative Medal for significant contribution to compatriots, community and Canada.As a breeder of champion Clydesdales, Eddie brought many awards to his farm and honor to his home town and province. What best characterized him was his willingness to advise and encourage others in the Clydesdale industry.
Wreford hewson (1902 - 1991)
Wreford Hewson was born in Malton, Ontario in 1903 into a farming family raising Shorthorn cattle and using Clydesdales and Shires in the fields. Back then, the Hewson family showed horses that they had raised. Wreford’s grandfather won the Shire Progeny and Get of Sire at the 1922 Royal Winter Fair. As a teenager, Wreford had a fascination for raising rabbits. His dad told him he would give him a Clyde filly if he got rid of his rabbits. That was the beginning of a concentrated approach to Clydesdales.Wreford married his wife, Alice, in 1927. They raised two children – Mary and Albert. Wreford and Alice raised Clydesdales in Malton until 1971 when they purchased a farm in Beeton, Ontario. After the 1971 Royal, the horses were moved to the Beeton farm. Breeding, showing and importing was the main game at Beeton. Every year, Wreford would take a “vacation trip” to Scotland. In total, he imported around 130 Clydesdales.Wreford was worried about the future of the Clydesdale breed back in the 70’s and 80’s. He felt that people were only worried about how clean and close the Clydes’ hocks were and how close they moved. He was concerned that they weren’t looking at the whole horse. Most of Wreford’s champion mares were used in the hitches. They weren’t only halter horses, but had to carry harness as well. Wreford was a master at getting horses to move right. He would work away at shoeing, and making shoes to get things just right. He was also a good teacher. Not only did he tell you, but he would show you, then make you pick out the good and bad points of a horse just to prove you knew what you were talking about.Devastation struck in 1990. The barn in Beeton burned with a loss of thirty-nine horses, including 18 pregnant mares. The barn was reconstructed, but sadly Wreford never saw the barn finished, or the first foal born in that new barn. He passed away in April 1991.Wreford was a respected judge of the Clydesdale horse. He judged the Royal Highland in Scotland, the Clyde Show in Melbourne, Australia as well as numerous shows in North America.Wreford may be gone, but his “touch” is in almost every Clydesdale if you go back far enough. Thank you Wreford for being a forward thinker.
DALE ROSENKE (1950 - 20113)
Dale Rosenke was the eldest sibling in afamily of fi v e. The early 70’s began what became a full time Clydesdale breeding operation. Two mares , Bonnie Argyle and Masondale Lorna were purchased in 1970. Bonnie Argyle was thegranddaughter of Balgreen Final Command. The first Clyde foal was born in 1971. This sparked Dale’s ambition to breed quality Clydesdales andimprove the breed.In 1972 he purchased another half secti on of land west of Olds just below the Westerdale Church and this has been the home of Westerdale Clydesdales ever since. A daughter, Jean, was born in 1974 and later a son, Greg, was born in 1977.In 1976 Dale jumped at the opportunity to purchase the imported stallion Bardrill Strathmore by Torrs Renown. He imported two mares, Glenord Choice and Glenord Melody, both by Glenord Comet. These horses built the structureof the foundation “Westerdale” mare line.If you asked Dale what was important tohis breeding program he would tell you that he liked a horse with “a wide heel, beautiful flat hock, flat bones, soft silkier feather, strong over the top and smart between the ears.” Dale continued tobreed his own mares while using outside stallions in the last few decades. He purchased C.I.E. Perfection by Doura Sensation in 1998. Before he passed away he was working on importing somegenetics from Australia to add to his line. In the late 80’s he showed the home bred mare Westerdale Judy toReserv e Jr. Champion Mare and Westerdale Winston to Grand Champion Stallion at the Royal AgriculturalWinter Fair. His primary focus was halter horses but he had shown teams and carts as well. Over the years Dale had many horse visitors from all over the world . He spent a lot of time sharing hisknowledge with new Clydesdale enthusiasts. There was always a big garden on his farm and he was very proud to be able to put a fully home cooked meal on the table. Dale loved nature and would work late at night jus t to enjoy the stars and memorize theconstellations. On several occasions he would get the kids up out of bed just to show them porcupines in atree, fireflies or the Northern lights.Dale loved all animals but especially the babies. There were always foals, calves, piglets, lambs, chicks, goslings, ducklings, puppies and kittens on his farm. He also loved children and not just his own but friend's and neighbour’s children as well. He was a skilled carpenter and built an oak heirloom cradle that was used forall five of his grandchildren. Dale had a special connection with his Grandchildren and always had time to show them the latest surprise, which would often be a new foal, rooster or a nest of something. Dale passed away of cancer at home in 2013 at the age of 63.
THOMAS DANIEL TRAMBLE (1933 - 1985)
Judge Thomas Daniel Tramble was born June 21, 1933 in the village of Monastery, Nova Scotia, a stone’s throw east of Antigonish. He was the oldest of four sons born to Joseph and Mary Tramble, and grew up on the homestead established by his great grandfather, George Tramble.Donnie was educated in local schools, and on the home farm with a variety of livestock. Farming as a career ended for Donnie in 1961 when he made a trip to a neighbours to borrow a wrench. He had left the pickup truck running and in neutral, and it began to roll away. In his effort to stop the truck, it rolled over him. The result was he was paralyzed from the waist down. While in rehab, and knowing that he could no longer farm for a livelihood, a decision was made to further his education. As Donnie would say, he made a pact with God: “Let me do something and you will never hear me complain”.The fall of 1962 saw Donnie enter St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish. With braces on his legs and on crutches, he was not shy about seeking assistance. He graduated from St. FX in 1966 and moved on to study law at Dalhousie University in Halifax where he graduated with his law degree in 1969. Following graduation, he returned to Monastery with his wife and built a home next to his parents on the farm. Donnie entered into law practise with the firm McInnis Meehan and Tramble in Antigonish. Although he enjoyed the practice of law, it did not give him a great deal of free time for family, the farm, and other interests. When offered the opportunity to become a Family Court Judge, Donnie accepted the position.About 1973, Donnie decided to get a team of Clydesdale horses. The team consisted of a gelding and a mare named Belleau Silver Belle. He spoke with some other breeders in the province and brought them together to form the Nova Scotia Clydesdale Club in 1977. About this time, Donnie became the Maritime Director of the Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada. Discussions were held on securing a stallion for the use of the club. A colt, named Scotstoun’s Excelsior, was purchased through this program from Tom Bennie of Manitoba at the Royal Winter Fair in 1981. This horse went from the Royal to the Central Experimental Station in Ottawa until he was of breeding age. When he was of breeding age, he was stabled at Tramble’s Elm Glen Farm in Monastery for the use of club members in Nova Scotia. In 1983, Donnie was elected secretary of the Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada.Donnie urged the Nova Scotia Club to host a Clydesdale Show in Antigonish. The show was held in 1985 with a good turnout of horses. Tramble’s Elm Glen Farm was well represented with thirteen head. The following week, Donnie entered hospital with heart complications. Although he fought to carry on, he passed away on September 24, 1985. After his passing, the Clydesdales were sold at public auction and the stallion, Scotstoun’s Excelsior, was returned to the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. St. Francis Xavier University established the Tramble Center of Accessible Learning in Donnie’s honor, and the Class of ’66 established a bursary in his name. In 2003, he was inducted in the St. Francis Xavier Hall of Fame.We are grateful for the virtues Donnie showed us during this far too brief time on this earth; his sociability, his wish to be of service to the community, his refusal to be knocked down by any challenge and his capacity to live a full and happy life.