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To this retired NHL blueliner, guiding horses shares numerous similarities with his beloved game.
“When you are passionate about what you do, it doesn’t feel like labor. It is just like my days playing hockey,” Rich Pilon explained to CBC.
Pilon, whose 15-year career in the NHL spanned the 1980s and 1990s with stints playing for the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, and St. Louis Blues, mentioned that he began organizing carriage rides in 2022. His initiative, Horses & Hockey — Let’s Talk, is dedicated to supporting youth mental health.
On December 5, 2023, Pilon submitted an application for a commercial license to run his business in Saskatoon. Following a successful trial run, the local transit committee voted in favor of sending a proposed regulatory framework to city council, which would permit carriage services within municipal limits.
Rich Pilon notes that his connection with horses dates back to when he was four. (Provided by Rich Pilon)
He remarked that the carriage excursions are wonderful for children and have featured in diverse gatherings, such as Sikh cultural festivities and Back to Batoche Days.
“I avoid promotions and marketing because my schedule is already completely full.”
Saskatoon’s transportation director, Jay Magus, commented that the upcoming vote by the council “sets up a formal regulatory structure for carriage operators in Saskatoon, ensuring these animal-drawn units can run safely on city streets.”
Among the proposed rules are mandates to possess a Class 5 driving permit, adhere to relevant road regulations, yield sufficient room for bicycle riders, and tidy up any waste left behind by the animals.
At her ranch, Natasha Quigley strives to foster life skills, boost self-awareness, and cultivate self-assurance through interactions with horses.
An essential aspect of operating carriages in Saskatoon involves avoiding high-traffic roads, Pilon pointed out.
“Your goal is simply to ensure the safest possible journey for your passengers while making certain that everyone enjoys themselves thoroughly.”
Various other municipalities across Canada have faced resistance from advocates concerned for the well-being of the draft animals.
In 2020, Montreal prohibited all commercial carriage operations, with local authorities pointing to instances of animals suffering injuries or experiencing distress.
Pilon explained that his commitment to his horses’ welfare is rooted in a deep familiarity with them, noting that he typically limits their working shifts to three hours maximum.
“They receive excellent care. You don’t mistreat an asset that you depend on,” he mentioned.
“I understand their boundaries and I never exceed them.”
According to a document prepared by municipal employees, six additional major cities in Western Canada permit carriage operations: Calgary, Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Victoria, and Vancouver.
