Helios Horse Transport

This could have been a real disaster, and set back a lot of my clients' moving plans! But thankfully, the superb construction of the 4Star trailer held up to the whole weight of this tree that came down on it after the last big storm. The wood actually had a big dent in it where it rested on the corner of the roof, but there wasn't a single scratch on the trailer! Thanks for making such a quality product, 4Star. My faith in my equipment has been strengthened, if that was even possible.

Hi everyone! We have a trip planned to the Milton, ON area at the end of this month and have room on the return portion to the Ottawa area. Please pass it on and give us a call at 613-407-4452 if this helps with your moving plans. We're also doing a trip to St Hy, QC this coming weekend and have a box stall available between July 22-24, with the date still flexible. ... Thanks! And enjoy the great haying weather that's finally arriving.

Our hearts go out to all the people devastated by the floods this spring, and especially now in Eastern Ontario and Quebec. With many of our clients on the eastern side of Ottawa and Gatineau areas where the worst damage is hitting, we want to offer what we can to help you through this. If your horses are in danger or distress in the flooded areas, please call us. We'll do what we can to move your horses to safe, pre-determined spots. When you're losing your homes and f...arms, the safety and cost of moving your horses should not be weighing you down. Take care everyone.

Happy Easter everyone, and especially all of our very loyal clients! We are planning a trip to the Richmond Hill area at the end of April, 2017. If you have anyone needing a trip coming or going from the Ottawa area, please give us a call at 613-407-4452. We have one box stall open going west and two coming back. . All the best, Sue

Weather permitting, we'll be headed to the GTA next weekend, Nov 25-27th and have one box stall available each way. :-) Oh my heavens...the 25th! We know what that means....four weeks to find that perfect pony for your favourite niece, nephew, grandchild...oh heck, spoil yourself this Christmas.

Hi everyone! Sadly I've discovered that some messages that clients have sent have been disappearing into a separate 'other' folder and have randomly popped up weeks, months, even years later. It upsets me to no end to have new clients think I am ignoring them. Please spread the word, and if anyone doesn't get a reply fairly quickly, please call or text me at 613-407-4452. ... Thanks for everyone's ongoing support and faith in our care of your babies. All the best, Sue

A number of our clients have asked why we are named Helios. Being a visual artist as well as loving my transport business undoubtedly may have contributed to the reason sounding airy-fairy, but here's the background. :-) Years ago I fell in love with driving my horses, especially the sport of Combined Driving, much moreso than riding. When searching for a name for our new little farm in Merrickville, we came across the story of the Greek God of Light, Helios, who drove a ...chariot with three horses (or four, depending on the source) across the sky, bringing the sun and light to the earth. I hoped my art would bring brightness to peoples' lives, and the three horses in my barn fulfilled the rest of the image. (See, I warned you it would be flakey!) We carried the name forward to our Horse Transport business, hence the flames incorporated with the horse's head for the logo. And no, to answer a few people, it wasn't meant to indicate that we drove like stink. ;-) So there you have it, the rest of the story. :-)

On our way to Bolton, ON, north of Toronto tomorrow morning. If there are any last minute needs to go in either direction from the Ottawa area, please send a text to 613-407-4452. :-). It has been one of our busiest routes lately!

We've had the opportunity to give some private loading and trailering lessons for our clients recently. Some are lucky enough to have gotten their own trailers, but are a bit intimidated by how much they have to learn about the whole process. Others are keen to learn how to load their ponies quietly and consistently. Like everything to do with horses, there's a lot to learn to stay safe with both horses and humans. Discovering that there is a handy gadget to help change a... trailer tire with a horse on board is one of those things that is better figured out sooner than later (in the dark on a busy road....horrors!!) Or perhaps you have a reluctant loader, and your stress level rises as the moving date for a show or vet visit gets closer. We are happy to provide practice sessions at your convenience, either as a private session, or a clinic for a group at your barn. If you're interested in brushing up on any of these skills, please give us a call/text at 613-407-4452, or send us a message here or via email, [email protected] We promise to make loading and trailering a much more relaxed and safer event for you and your horse(s). All the best, Rob and Sue Helios Horse Transport

We will be making several trips from the Ottawa area to Milton (May 6) and then King City, NW of Toronto later in May. If anyone is interested in a trip in either direction, please give us a call/text at 613-407-4452 or send a message here. A full trailer is a happy trailer (and more economical!)

On our way to the Orangeville area going through some of Ontario's prettiest scenery. There are still some stubborn trees hanging onto their scarlet and gold colours. Not sure the two pretty ponies in the back are enjoying it as much as their hay though. ;-) We are planning another trip this way in a week or two and still have room in each direction. ... Enjoy the last of the beautiful fall weather!

Ding, ding, ding...we have a winner!!!! I just have to get to my main computer to see the details, as my iPad doesn't want to share the important parts! I'll PM the winner and get the important information ASAP. :-)

We are getting very close to reaching 100 Likes! And that tickles us pink :-) As a thank you to the person who hits that magic number, we're offering an art print of your choice from our sister website, www.heliosgallery.ca In between trips with our clients, I am curled up with my watercolour and oil paints. There are prints available from most of the paintings found on our site, varying from equine portraits to still life and most subjects in between.... You will receive an 8x10 matted print of your choice :-) Good luck! ~Sue

We have had a number of requests to give loading lessons to horses that have previously had bad experiences, or are frightened of trailers for whatever reason. Thankfully we have had very successful sessions with each one, and we would be pleased to offer this service to more of our clients. Whether it be a youngster new to the whole experience or a horse that has been rushed or injured in the past, it is wise to solve any issues long before they have to be loaded with possib...le time constraints. Early timetables for shows, or having to load for a dreaded trip to a hospital for colic in the middle of a snowy winter night, these scenarios happen often and we always hope the loading goes quietly and is stress free. If you think you may have problems loading for any reason and would like a refresher course, please contact us to book a lesson at your barn. We offer clinics for groups or individuals, and will bring our bright, roomy and safe trailer that encourages success. We use quiet, patient and stress free methods, not force or fear tactics. Text or call our cell at 613-407-4452, or email us at [email protected] to book a session before winter settles in. :-)

Notice!! We have a possible trip to Quebec City this coming Sunday, September 7/14, and can offer reduced rates to anyone wanting to travel along the route in either direction. We have had a steady and enjoyable summer, and so enjoy seeing both old and new clients! New business through word of mouth/referrals are the highest complement we can receive, and we thank each and every one who has done us that favour. So many clients have new members in their family now! If yo...u'd like to post photos, a Wall of Pride for this happy occasion or shows, etc, feel free to add them to our home page...we love sharing your news. :-) Our busy season is beginning, and if you have any hopes or possible plans for longer trips, please send us a note. We may be going your way and can organize a schedule that will benefit everyone. :-) We hope your show and breeding season has been everything you hoped for, and all the new ponies are settling well into their new homes. :-) All the best, Sue & Rob. (And Pixel the Wonder Aussie!)

We've been home for a bit now and have been on the road almost from the day we landed. Planning trips & quotes around Ontario from our B&B in Italy kept us grounded. ;-) With show season coming soon, we've had some requests for the Ottawa Dressage weekend coming up at the end of May. We'd love to make things as economical as possible for our clients, so if anyone is interested in sharing your rides to the Park and home, please let us know ASAP. Thanks!

It's almost time to come home from Italy! We fly out on this coming Wednesday, and the only disappointment has been the lack of horses on our journeys. ;-) We finally visited a new in-law's farm the other day and got a horse fix, and had a look at their mode of transport...a van. I'd love the chance to drive one of them...an all in one like a motor home for equines. :-)

For all of our clients who are planning on breedings, clinics or moving barns etc. in April, we would like to let you know that we will not be available to transport from April 3rd until April 24th, 2014. Our youngest daughter will be getting married in Italy and she has requested our presence. :-) Please check your calendars and we will try to accommodate you on either side of these dates. ... If you need assistance during that time, we may be able to help organize a trip with one of our fellow transport companies. All the best, and let's continue to pray for spring!

St Hy, Montreal is fast becoming one of our more common trips. We have another booked for Jan 02/14. If you and your vet have been discussing procedures, tests or elective surgeries to be done at Eastern Ontario & Quebec's largest and closest hospital, sharing a trip will help with costs. Always better to save for future clinics or shows. :-)