VIDEO: New foals named in tribute to B.C.’s provincial health officer

The youngest additions to the team at Sun Peaks Stables bear familiar names.

When a filly and a colt were born to two of the business’ mares earlier this summer, they were named Bonnie and Henry.

Owner-operator Robert Taylor says the names, a tribute to B.C.’s provincial health officer, were an idea that came forward during the business’ COVID-19-related shutdown.

“We had a lot of time to think about names and talk about names,” Taylor told CFJC Today. “It was one that was suggested by Rebecca, my business partner, in the event that there was a boy and a girl pair.”

“When they were born and we did have a boy and a girl, it just seemed to be the right fit.”

Sun Peaks Stables keeps 12 horses, offering sleigh rides in the winter and trail rides during the off-peak seasons. This is the first time they have welcomed foals.

WATCH: Bonnie enjoys some dinner with her mom, Jinx (Video Credit: YouTube / Sun Peaks Stables)

Taylor says even though Dr. Henry’s rules enacted as a response to the global pandemic have had a significant impact on the business, he still feels appreciative of those guiding B.C. through the health crisis.

“I’m one of these people who is taking this seriously,” he said. “It’s had a great impact on the business, for sure, but in other ways, it’s given us a chance to reassess everything that we do and how we do it and even why we do it – and come up with some different ideas and some different plans for the future as well.

“I certainly don’t begrudge public officials for doing what they had to do.”

It will be another three or four years before Bonnie and Henry are old enough to join the working complement at Sun Peaks Stables.

WATCH: Henry stretches his legs (Video Credit: YouTube / Sun Peaks Stables)

In the meantime, Taylor says they are quickly becoming part of the family.

“Henry, his name really suits him and I think – oh, she’s just charging around the paddock here – I think her name suits her. She’s a little feisty thing right now,” said Taylor.

“Everyone close to us – friends and family and trusted advisors – just absolutely loved the names,” Taylor said. “We just thought it was the natural choice for the times and what Bonnie Henry represents. The ‘be safe, be calm and be kind,’ that’s kind of what we want out of our horses.”