Candace started taking English riding lessons at Damastra Farms in Vineland when she was 11 years old.  She got her first horse, a quarter horse named Kellie Miscue, when she was 12. She has been involved with horses ever since. Candace started in the Niagara Pony Club as well as the 4-H Horse Club, and from there went on to compete in three day eventing with her Thoroughbred mare Slowmovin Dream. Later on Candace decided to try some barrel racing - and followed the rodeo circuit for a couple years. From there Candace and her lovely mare went on to pursue some cow sorting, and mainly just having fun! Candace has done a little of everything when it comes to horses - from dressage and showjumping, to PPG games and barrel racing, and from cow sorting to carriage driving! She has always enjoyed teaching horses new things, including tricks and finds working with Thoroughbreds especially rewarding.  In 2009 Candace decided that it is time to try something new and is very excited about working with the drafts and competing with them eventually as well! Of course, her true love is still the Thoroughbred, and there are a couple of lovely Thoroughbred mares at the farm for her to train, love and show.

Todd is fairly new to horses - his love and admiration of them grew through getting to know Candace's mare Slowmovin Dream. However, even as a youngster, Todd always loved watching the draft horse hitches at the fairs and parades, and for some reason was always drawn to them. Once he met Candace and started hanging out at the barn watching her work with her horse and realizing what a bond there is between horse and rider, he decided that maybe being into horses didn't have to be "just a pipe dream". So Todd started to do some research on breeds, and once again found himself drawn to the heavies. At first the plan was to just get a well broke horse that maybe had some draft breeding in it. But, after going to some shows and auctions, both Candace and Todd realized that they aren't the type of people to just dabble in something here and there - so they made the decision together to just jump right in with both feet! At an auction in April 2009, Todd found "the horse".  He brought home Southridge Navan Della - a lovely 3 year old registered Belgian mare.

But, one is never enough! After talking with some other draft horse enthusiasts at a clinic, they found a well broke gelding that would make a nice match for Della, and could also help teach them a thing or two about driving. In June 2009 Candace and Todd brought home Thor.

And so began the draft horse journey....


Slowmovin Dream aka Dolly

Candace and Dolly competing on the Rodeo Circuit

Hammerdown Farm
Located in Lowbanks, Ontario, Canada

Registered Thoroughbreds & Registered Belgian Horses


Hammerdown Thor

Candace and Thor trying out Thor's new Saddle!