Former Vanderhoof sheep farmers embark on cross-Canada journey by horse and wagon

The Nellens’ connection to animals stretches back decades. Will grew up working on dairy farms in the Netherlands, while Ankie worked as a veterinarian. After settling in Vanderhoof in 2007, they purchased a small farm outside town and launched a sheep operation known as Ewes on Clogs.

The family later became well known throughout Vanderhoof through shipping and delivery services. Ankie served as the community’s Greyhound agent before branching out into courier services with companies such as UPS and FedEx. The couple also built a business selling lamb, wool and other sheep products under the name Everything For Ewe.

Their story has also included challenges. In 2013, Ankie was diagnosed with breast cancer. With support from Will and their family, she successfully completed treatment and recovered.

For years, however, another dream remained in the background: seeing Canada at a slower pace.

Earlier this year, the couple sold their business and began final preparations for the trip. They converted a truck camper into a horse-drawn living trailer and assembled the team that will carry them across the country. Accompanying them will be Baxter, Ankie’s Appaloosa riding horse.

The plan is to travel south this fall before spending the winter near Pritchard, B.C., where they will work on a ranch in exchange for horse feed and boarding.

Along the way, the Nellens hope to meet Canadians, hear their stories and share their experiences online through their Facebook page, Ankie and Will Through Canada, and their project, 2 Horse Power.

For the Vanderhoof couple, the trip marks the beginning of a new chapter, one measured not in kilometres per hour, but in hoofbeats.

by Greg Fry

Former Vanderhoof sheep farmers embark on cross-Canada journey by horse and wagon

What's Trending