For over 6,000 years, horses have worked alongside man, building our communities and influencing history.  They are known for their intelligence, patience, and calm demeanor and have a proven ability to help us heal and move forward during difficult times.

Traditionally, the powerful and strong draft horses were used for heavy work such as farming and carrying knights into battle.  Today, our draft horses live more peaceful lives, using only a fraction of their actual power and receiving topnotch care.

Each Tally-Ho horse is chosen for its calm demeanor, friendliness, trust of people, and enjoyment of new situations. These traits contribute to making them ideal candidates to safely guide our guests through the streets of Victoria.

Many of our horses have been doing their ‘jobs’ for years: they are highly experienced and enjoy their work.

The horses live with their humans on Hidden Acres Farm. They are an integral part of the family and their health and well being are always the highest priority.

Hidden Acres Farm

The Tally-Ho horses live with their human family at Hidden Acres Farm, which is located about 25 minutes from downtown Victoria. The farm is aptly named as it provides a small, private oasis for the horses to relax when they are not working.

The horses are trucked from the farm to downtown Victoria for their work days. In peak season there are two shifts of horses working per day, and up to six carriages per shift. After each shift, the horses are immediately returned to Hidden Acres Farm.

When horses retire from their carriage work, they remain at Hidden Acres Farm with the family of owners and employees who love them. We have a number of horses in our herd that are no longer working and are kept strictly as pets.

Carriage Horses

We treat our equine partners as part of our family, and are committed to ensuring they always enjoy balanced health (mind, body, soul), are well trained, form a close bond of communication and trust with their drivers, and are happy in their work.

Tally-Ho uses only draft, or heavy horses, such as Clydesdales, Percherons, Belgians, Shires and a Suffolk Punch in our operations.  They are the lifeline of the company, providing the general public a sensational opportunity to be introduced to horses, contributing to the vibrancy of Victoria, and creating employment opportunities for those of us whom are fortunate.

On average we have 20 draft horses in our herd, ranging from 9 to 22+ years old, and with various levels of skill development.  For a horse to become part of our team, he must enjoy the work we do.  All our horses have the right physical and emotional fitness levels to perform their jobs with ease, dignity and comfort.

A draft horse can easily pull a wheeled vehicle that is six times their own weight: our carriage horses are only expending about 20% of their capacity at a very low-impact level.  Our horses are often living up to 10 years longer than the draft horse average due to their health care and lifestyle.

Many of the breeds we use are sadly facing the threat of extinction.  Having worked alongside mankind for over 6,000 years, during peace and war, and significantly contributing to building our communities and influencing our history, recent estimates show an alarming worldwide decrease in some draft horse breeds, with some falling to the critical point:  Clydesdale:  < 5,000; Shire:  <2,000; and Suffolk Punch:  <850.

We are honored to share our lives with these amazing, beautiful, goofy, playful horses and hope you enjoy getting to know our amazing equine partners as much as we do!

Care & Comfort

Our horses are part of a family of owners and employees and will always be provided a home to live out their lives with one of the humans who love them. We have a number of horses in our herd that are no longer working and are kept strictly as pets.

We consider the horse’s point of view first, and then we know the best way to present our idea

Developing Partnerships

Horses and humans are better together then they could ever be apart. We learn lessons from horses that are very rarely found elsewhere. They are a gift to us, and we have a major responsibility to give an equally big gift back to them: with the right approach our horses can become calmer, braver, smarter and more athletic on a daily basis, which makes them more comfortable in all of their surroundings.

Horsemanship is the art of developing our equine partnerships so that the rewards from the connection are equal to both humans and horses. It considers the horse’s point of view first, and then we know the best way to present our idea. When are able to communicate within their world, we are able to build deeper, more meaningful and trusting relationships. The better our horsemanship is, the more correct and right we can be for our horses.

In 2016, Tally-Ho Carriage Tours partnered with Glenn Stewart, a leading expert in natural horsemanship, to develop and operationalize a horsemanship program that will deepen our equine connections. Glenn is a former Champion of the Cowboy Up Challenge at the Calgary Stampede and was chosen as one of the Canadian representatives in the 2012 Road to the Horse, the World Championship of Colt Starting in Murfreesboro, TN. He was also nominated as one of Western Horse Review’s Horseman of the Year.

“Horsemanship is what keeps you and the horse safe and gives both parties enjoyment. The more you understand the horse and work with their natural tendencies the more extraordinary the results can be. It is natural if you cause and allow learning to happen rather than make. Considering the horse’s point of view first and then the best way to present your idea can all be learnt. If you get it right, everything else will be too! If you understand what is important to them, have the ability to read each as an individual and know the why, the how and the when to responding, the possibilities for what horse and human can achieve in a partnership are limitless.”

COMMITMENT TO HEALTH

At Tally-Ho, the health and well-being of our horses are our top priorities. We work closely with a dedicated team of equine specialists to ensure that every horse in our care receives individualized attention and support.

Equine Specialist Veterinarian

Our licensed veterinarian provides comprehensive oversight of the herd’s health. This includes regularly monitoring each horse’s body condition and weight, coordinating deworming protocols, administering vaccinations, performing dental care such as teeth floating, and addressing any medical issues that arise. The vet also collaborates closely with our professional farriers to maintain optimal hoof health, ensuring that each horse is comfortable and sound.

Certified Professional Farriers

Tally-Ho’s certified farriers visit the farm weekly to provide expert, individualized hoof care for every horse in our herd. Their role goes beyond routine trimming—they closely monitor hoof condition for early signs of imbalance or health concerns and customize care plans accordingly. When needed, they fabricate specialized shoes that provide the right support, much like orthotics for humans.

All of our horses are shod with steel shoes fitted with borium and/or traction pins to ensure stability on pavement. Achieving the right level of traction is critical to musculoskeletal health—too much slip can strain tendons and ligaments, while too much grip can create jarring impacts, increasing the risk of injury. To further protect our horses, we invest in high-quality concussion pads placed between the hoof and the shoe. These pads help absorb shock from walking on hard surfaces, reducing wear and tear on joints and soft tissues.

For more information:  Success Story! Hoof Care

Chiropractic and Massage Therapy

In addition to routine veterinary care, we integrate complementary therapies to support each horse’s physical wellness. Our equine chiropractor and massage therapist play a key role in promoting joint alignment, muscular balance, and overall comfort. These treatments not only help prevent injury and support recovery but are also a favorite among our horses—many of whom visibly relax and doze off during their sessions.

This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that our horses remain healthy, happy, and capable of performing their work safely and comfortably. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a specialized therapy, Tally-Ho’s herd receives the highest standard of care, every step of the way.

BALANCED DIET

Each Tally-Ho horse has an individualized feed plan based on a comprehensive assessment of factors such as age, weight, body condition score, overall physical condition, anticipated workload, and any underlying health conditions. This tailored approach ensures optimal nutrition and supports the horse’s performance, well-being, and long-term health.  A well-planned diet is a cornerstone of responsible horse care.

Horses have complex digestive systems and specific nutritional needs that must be met to support bodily functions, energy levels, immune health, and musculoskeletal integrity. Proper nutrition supports:

  • Energy and Performance: Adequate nutrition fuels daily activities and supports physical work, whether light exercise or demanding tasks.

  • Digestive Health: Horses are prone to gastrointestinal issues like colic and ulcers. Proper feeding helps maintain gut health and prevents disruptions.

  • Muscle and Joint Health: A balanced diet supports muscle development, joint integrity, and recovery after work.

  • Immune Function: Key nutrients strengthen the immune system, reducing susceptibility to infections and disease.

  • Coat and Hoof Quality: Nutrition directly affects the condition of a horse’s coat, skin, and hooves.

When developing a nutritional plan for horses, several key dietary targets should be considered. Total daily feed intake should be approximately 2% of the horse’s body weight. Fortified hay can make up to 25% of that total. Fat should constitute less than 8% of the overall diet, although horses in heavy work may require fat levels providing up to 20% of their digestible energy needs. Supplements should not exceed 10% of the horse’s body weight. The target protein content is 21%, with essential micronutrients including selenium at 3 mg per day and vitamin E at 4,000 IU per day.

Each Tally-Ho horse’s daily feed includes a premium blend of high-quality haylage, alfalfa and/or teff hay, along with a targeted mix of vitamins and minerals. Additional components such as flax, rice bran, beet pulp, and canola oil provide essential fats and fiber, while magnesium oxide supports muscle and nerve function. We also incorporate Mad Barn’s Omneity and Visceral supplements to ensure comprehensive nutritional support and optimal gut health.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Thoughtful Workload Management

Each horse’s workload is carefully monitored and managed to promote long-term health and prevent overexertion. We track individual working hours to ensure a balanced schedule, with younger horses typically working slightly more than their older counterparts. No horse works more than eight hours per day, and all receive scheduled breaks during their shifts. Horses typically work between two and five shifts per week, and on average, each horse is active for less than three months out of the year. Importantly, pulling a carriage uses only about 17% of a horse’s actual physical capacity, and the low-impact nature of the work—conducted entirely at a walk—contributes positively to their overall fitness and joint health.

While working, horses are provided with high-protein soaked alfalfa and nutritional supplements to support energy levels and overall health. Clean water is always available, and rest periods are built into each shift. This attentive, proactive care ensures our horses remain well-nourished, hydrated, and comfortable throughout the day.

At the end of each shift, our horses are promptly returned to the farm, where they enjoy ample downtime and the opportunity to relax and socialize with their herd companions. This time off is essential for their mental and emotional well-being, allowing them to recharge in a familiar and peaceful environment.

Commitment to Welfare and Ethical Standards

Tally-Ho works closely with the City of Victoria and the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) to ensure that the carriage horse industry in Victoria sets a high standard for animal welfare. Through this collaborative effort, Tally-Ho has played an active role in shaping progressive regulations that prioritize the health, safety, and overall well-being of the City’s working horses.

The regulations we support include:

  • Limiting working hours to prevent overexertion

  • Mandating regular veterinary oversight to monitor health

  • Restricting operating areas within the downtown core to reduce stress and risk

  • Ensuring horses have access to shelter, clean water, and appropriate forage at all times

  • Licensing all operators and subjecting them to regular third-party inspections for accountability

By adhering to and helping shape these standards, Tally-Ho proudly positions Victoria as a leader in the ethical care and management of working horses.

In addition to the Tally-Ho horses, Hidden Acres Farm is also home to a few other four-legged friends:

TIGG

Breed: Everything!

Tigg is our adorable source of daily laughter and entertainment.  He is a delightful mix of insanity and cuddly: when he’s not zooming around exploring all the amazing things life gives him, he’s ready to curl up in our laps and settle in for a good long hug.  In 2024, Tigg has become Murphy’s babysitter and is doing a great job trying to contain the kitten-crazy!

MILO

Breed: Ragdoll

This designer kitty is a hilarious mix of stunning beauty with deadly instincts. When not lounging in his pink build-a-bear bed (with fur trim), he is outside surveying the property to ensure we are not overrun by rats, mice, lizards or birds.  His favorite place:  the cutting board on the kitchen counter (why? because he’s NOT allowed there!).

MURPHY

Breed: Siberian

Murphy is a Siberian cat who joined us on Hidden Acres Farm in 2024.  He’s a bundle of kitten energy and is always into mischief.  He may actually think his name is MurphyNo!  His antics are very brave and we’re a bit concerned he may be testing the ‘9 lives’ theory – lol.  Despite his crazy, this little guy is also a complete cuddle monkey and loves to nestle in for warmth and soft purrs, wrapping his front legs around your neck.

GEMMA

Breed: multi

Gemma joined the farm in May 2025 and has quickly shown us how brave and spunky she is!  Weighing maybe 6 lbs, she runs Tigg around quite easily!  She’s exploring the indoor world still but when ready (and spayed) we know she’s going to love farm life!

Capital City Tally Ho Sightseeing Company Ltd. • 1960 White Rd. Saanichton, BC Canada V8M 1V9 • © 2025 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Website Development in Canada by IdeaZone.ca.