Edmonton's historic Keillor Farm is home of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre. This pastoral beauty is preserved in city parkland along the Trans Canada Trail. The setting includes Captain Keillor, M.D.'s 1917 log cabin with its two-story fireplace. "Everything I build will last 90 years" were the words of Keillor back in 1918. His log cabin and stone homes on the property prove that his words remain true.
Dr. Keillor served as a medical officer in World War I, manager of South Edmonton Veterans Hospital, City Coroner and was City Alderman -- refusing to take a salary. Keillor generously provided Edmonton a tree farm to restore the town after an insect infestation, utilized his sheep to clear thistles from parks, supported four canoe clubs, developed indoor curling rinks, provided electricity for the ski clubhouse and opened the door to his farm year-round for family enjoyment. The list of his contributions to the people of Edmonton go on and on.
The Keillor family were horse lovers and Doc Keillor preferred driving his horse on his patient rounds versus using his automobile. His granddaughters carry on in their love for horses. One manages Animal Health Science at Olds College. Another granddaughter raises horses, chairs The Canadian Warmblood Society, is a board member for the Alberta Horse Industry Association, and started the Alberta Stables Initiative supporting owners and managers which, in turn, provides a professional voice for the industry.
Doc Keillor turned down a fortune for the farm to save it from being subdivided into home sites. He wished for the ground to remain intact and for the people of Edmonton to enjoy. The Whitemud Learning Centre plays host to riding lessons, horsemanship camps, Little Bits Therapeutic Riding, NAIT student training, horse shows, gardening, picnicks, and other outdoor community events. The City of Edmonton leases this property for $1/year to WELCA, a non-profit organization, run mostly by volunteers, to keep Doc Keillor's dream alive.
The Whitemud Learning Centre is also a beneficiary of fundraisers. Canadian Grand Prix rider, Sharon Merkel-Beattie, hosted a fundraiser a few years back for Whitemud. A part of the festivities included an appearance of Team Kenton and Choklit. We simply HAD to share this adorable, beautifully executed, dressage presentation.
Visit and Support Whitemud Equine Learning Centre by clicking
HERE.
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