THE FRINGE

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Rural living

Since 1976, rural and small-town Canada has been steadily growing in population, says Statistics Canada. There may be more people and horses and dogs and geese on acreages within easy driving distance of towns and cities but the number of commercial farmers is shrinking.

Drive a few miles from any city in Canada and you will see blocks of former farmland now used as residence sites for families who like the freedom and fresh air of the country. They grow gardens, pets, forage crops and children. For the most part their homes are comfortable and their lives are busily engaged in seeing to it none of the advantages of city living are missed.

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Many of these acreages are located on some of Canada’s best agricultural land. Class A topsoil does and should produce good turf for horses and geese.

There are those in high places who are disturbed at this trend. They think productive farm land should be retained for growing wheat, canola and chickpeas.

Instead we have an upsurge in the horse population.

When one moves to an acreage, it is necessary to provide the kids with pets. And what makes a nicer pet than a pony that can be ridden, scratched, and trained to do tricks?

The understanding is that the child receiving a pony is committed to feeding, watering and generally caring for the steed. Sometimes it works that way.

Many years ago Statistics Canada gave up on keeping track of non-farm pet horses. Now that they number in the tens of thousands they are becoming an economic factor worthy of attention. And so are their owners.