Kind and endangered, the Ojibwe Spirit Horses of Mādahòkì Farm have an intriguing story to tell. An important part of Canada’s Indigenous history, they once roamed the lands freely. But through hunting and loss of wild habitat, their numbers dwindled dangerously close to extinction.

To learn of her mission to revive the breed, we spoke to Trina Mather-Simard, CEO of Indigenous-Experiences a non profit indigenous arts and culture organisation and owner of Madahoki Farm. Trina herself is Ojibwe, a status member from Curve Lake First Nation. Her passion is preserving the Ojibwe Spirit Horses and all they represent.

Guests on Indulgence of Eastern Canada are welcomed to Trina’s Mādahòkì Farm. Here you are invited to explore Indigenous history through the lens of these charming equines. Enjoy Indigenous tea and Bannock by the fire. Meet the Ojibwe Spirit Horses and learn about their place in Indigenous culture.

See their history brought to life through the beautiful works of artist Rhonda Snow. Her exquisite artworks tells a series of stories she collected from the memories of Elders.

The Ojibwe Sprit Horses

Photo credit: Mādahòkì Farm

Once upon a time, Ojibwe Spirit horses roamed Ontario’s lands, living in harmony with the Indigenous communities since time immemorial. The only known Indigenous breed of horse to Canada, they were hunted to the point of extinction, with their wild lands disappearing.

By 1977, only four wild mares were left in Lac La Croix First Nation area, in northwestern Ontario near the U.S. border to Minnesota. To save them, a group of men from the United States and Canada took them across the frozen ice to Minnesota. Here the mares were matched with a Spanish Mustang to save the breed.

Nowadays there are over 180 Spirit Horses in existence. Dedicated groups and people including Trina continue to work hard to protect the breed as a vital, and adorable, legacy of Indigenous culture.

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Living in partnership

Small, sturdy and built for the Canadian winter, these inquisitive, kind ponies played a key role in indigenous culture. Living in isolated communities where horses roamed free as deer, whenever someone needed a horse, they just went out and caught one.

“They weren’t domesticated, they weren’t corralled. They lived wild, but in partnership with our community,” explains Trina. Still showing their heritage links, many have the prehistoric tiger striping on their legs and dorsal stripes on their backs.

 So many untold stories

Photo credit: Mādahòkì Farm

“The fact that so few know about the story of the Ojibwe Spirit horses is indicative of the huge tapestry of Indigenous history, culture and heritage in our country,” says Trina. “There is so much for everyone to learn, each element playing an important role.”

“Even though I am Ojibway myself, very involved in indigenous tourism and part of the equestrian world, I only heard about these horses at the beginning of the pandemic.

“I was listening to a podcast on CBC where I heard artist Rhonda Snow, an Ojibway horse caretaker and knowledge keeper, talking about the Ojibwe Spirit horses. So, when travel opened back up, we went to go visit them.”

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The inspiration behind Mādahòkì Farm

“I thought it was a really important part of our history to share,” Trina explains. “It offers a similar kind of story to the Indigenous community. Our relationship with our lands and the resilience and strength of our community still being here.

“So, they really inspired us to move in a whole new direction with our business. We moved our entire organisation to Madahoki Farm and we purchased our first few Ojibwe Spirit Horses. Then we started building a way to share their story and show people the importance of the reciprocal partnership with the horses and our communities.

Breeding, awareness and education

Photo credit: Mādahòkì Farm

“We started with two geldings and two young colts. In talks with the Ojibway Horse Society that is managing the resurgence of the breed, we kept one of our young colts as a stallion. So we intend to continue the breeding and help rebuild this breed as well as our role generating awareness and education about them.

“We now have 10 horses, and we bred a foal last year which was very special. We have a few different pastures, some geldings and mares, and our stallion lives very naturally with his little herd of mares.”

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The works of Rhonda Snow

“We also connected with Rhonda Snow, and her work has become a huge part of our education offering here at Mādahòkì Farm,” says Trina, talking of the author and artist from whom she first heard about the Ojibwe Spirit horse’s story.

“What really fascinated me about Rhonda is that she went out and met with Indigenous communities to collect her stories. She spoke to the Elders that remember these ponies and had the oral history. As well as the teachings and stories about the ways that they had been part of their community.”

Artist Rhonda Snow is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Rare Breeds Canada for her tireless work preserving the Ojibwe Horse breed.

“She paints these beautiful, vivid woodland style paintings that tell all of these stories that she’s captured from the oral histories,” explains Trina. “We have a series of the paintings that she allows us to share, with the stories and teachings that go along with it. It’s a captivating way to demonstrate how our community and horses lived on these traditional lands.”

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Why they’re known as Spirit Horses

“I think it’s really about that deep connexion to the lands and the way that we as indigenous people view all of the animals,” says Trina. “A reciprocal partnership with equal respect. The horses would be wild and free living near our communities. And, as their elders would tell us, we would have that understanding and that respect for each other.

“They were willing to help transport items and work with the community. And the community would take care of them and help feed them over the winter months. And so I think it just really speaks of the sacred connexion that we see between all living things with Mother Earth.”

Tosee the spender of Eastern Canada, meet the Ojibwe Spirit Horses of Mādahòkì Farm, and take a journey into Canada’s Indigenous history for yourself, take a look at our Indulgence in Easter Canada limited edition tour.

Meticulous craftsmanship. Exquisite materials. Prestigious brand heritage and attention to detail. When it comes to shopping for a travel souvenir, we understand you’re looking for something special to remember your journey by.

That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite shopping destinations in a selection of the world’s most glamorous cities – you needn’t look anywhere else. From browsing big-name luxury brands on the Champs-Élysées in Paris to shopping for men’s tailoring on London’s lesser-known Jermyn Street, these are just a handful of the exclusive boutiques and decadent shopping experiences that await you on your travels.

Bond Street, London, UK

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Acclaimed for its elegant stores, designer fashion brands, art galleries, fine jewelry and antique shops, Bond Street is one of the world’s most renowned shopping streets. It is also the most expensive and sought after strips of real estate in Europe.

This luxury shopper’s paradise has been at the heart of London’s high fashion since the 18th century and is where you find iconic flagship stores of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Versace, showcasing the latest haute couture and ready-to-wear collections. As well as exquisite jewelry stores such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Bulgari.

More than just a high-end retail experience, you can enjoy an auction at Sotheby’s or an exhibition at The Royal Academy of Arts. And with Claridge’s or The Ritz just steps away, treat yourself to a luxurious British afternoon tea.

While in the capital, gentlemen should also take a look at Jermyn Street. Dating back to 1664, Jermyn Street holds a worldwide reputation for high quality British artistry and craftsmanship. One of the more unique shopping streets you will find, it is home to the highest concentration of gentlemen’s clothiers in the city. The street hosts London’s finest men’s tailors, shirt makers and suppliers of leather goods.

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Via Condotti, Rome, Italy

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Synonymous with luxury shopping Rome’s Via Condotti is a destination in itself.  Where fashion, art, and history converge, the street is adorned with prestigious fashion houses and renowned Italian brands. Here you will find Valentino, Fendi, Bulgari, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, and discover a rich tapestry of high fashion, exquisite leather goods and designer accessories.

One of the world’s most famous shopping streets, a day spent on Via Condotti is a day immersed in the grandeur of Italian fashion and craftsmanship. Opulent flagship stores and boutique showrooms bustle with attentive and knowledgeable staff providing a personalized service. Take a break from shopping at charming sidewalk cafes, savoring an espresso or gelato and drink in the street’s picturesque architecture and historical charm.

Often going under the radar Via del Babuino is also a charming shopping location. Running from Piazza del Popolo to the Spanish Steps, the street is dotted with high-fashion boutiques among which are Chanel, Cavalli, Tiffany, Sandro Ferrone and RedValentino brands.

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Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s chicest street, Avenida da Liberdade, was conceived by the city’s urban planners who wanted it to mimic Paris’s iconic boulevards and shopping streets. Built in the 19th century, a thoroughfare was created in the center of the Portuguese capital featuring wide, leafy lanes. The cobblestoned promenades are paved with stunning Portuguese-style patterns, smoothed by the many pedestrians over the decades.

Because of its history, Avenida da Liberdade became the natural destination for opulent visitors. The most expensive street to buy or rent property on, it is adorned with grand theaters, townhouse-style homes of dignitaries and celebrities, and luxury hotels.

Unsurprisingly Liberdade is also the most sought-after address for big-name fashion labels. Cartier, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Gucci can all be found, offering a luxury shopping experience to rival Paris or Milan.

Treat yourself to a gourmet dining experience at one of the elegant restaurants, indulge in a delightful pastry at a traditional café or a stay at one of the luxurious hotels that adorn the Boulevard.

Chiado is also considered to be the best shopping district in Lisbon, in which fine boutiques and street markets coexist to offer a blend of classic and contemporary fashion. It is a great place to buy gold and jewelry as you often get a better deal here than anywhere else in Portugal.

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Avenida Alvear, Bueons Aires, Argentina

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One of the world’s most stylish and flamboyant cities, Buenos Aires just oozes sophistication and style. To fill your shopping desires head to Anevidar Alvear, one of the city’s most aristocratic avenues. Dating back to 1885 it is the home of architectural marvels like the iconic Teatro Colon, a grand opera house that has hosted world-class performances for over a century.

An impressive lineup of prestigious fashion houses and designer labels including Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada can be found. Additionally, exclusive jewelry boutiques such as Tiffany & Co. and Cartier offer dazzling collections for those seeking timeless elegance.

To complete the experience, a tantalizing selection of upscale restaurants and cafes adorn the avenue. Indulge in gourmet cuisine or enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at the classic Alvear Palace Hotel.

A lesser known but must-visit destination for upscale shopping in Buenos Aires is Galerías Pacífico, an exquisite shopping mall that exudes both historical significance and contemporary glamour. This magnificent Beaux Arts style building, originally constructed in the late 19th century as a railway station providing access to the Pacific Ocean, has a captivating past. The basement of Galerías Pacífico was later revealed to have served as a grim torture chamber during the military junta of the 1970s. Today, Galerías Pacífico is home to an exciting range of upscale boutiques. Inside, you’ll discover an array of world-renowned brands, including Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste, among others.

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Ginza, Tokyo, Japan

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Though not so much a street as a district, Ginza in Tokyo is a luxury shoppers paradise. The ritziest and biggest upscale shopping district in Tokyo is home to the city’s exclusive boutiques and glamorous department stores, such as the classic Mitsukoshi and avant-garde Dover Street Market. Dior, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Burberry, Printemps, Chaumet and Hermes all have boutiques here.

The district is also dotted with art galleries, traditional tea houses and Michelin-starred restaurants, offering a fusion of artistic expression and gastronomic delights.

Also in Tokyo, Omotesando Hills is a sleek, chic shopping, dining, art and café space that opened in 2005, designed by the famous modern Japanese architect Takao Ando. While this leafy boulevard includes some of the most popular shopping malls in the city, it’s also one of the more unusual shopping streets in that it is home to some of the most amazing examples of human-scale modern architecture that you’ll find anywhere in the world. The Prada and Dior buildings are both are outstanding when lit up at night.

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Champs-Élysées – Paris, France

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The mile-long Champs-Élysées in Paris, gliding glamorously down from the Arc de Triomphe, is probably one of the world’s most iconic shopping streets. In a city where stye and chic are ingrained in every moment, this legendary boulevard epitomizes the elegance, beauty, and grandeur of France.

The Arc de Triomphe, majestically standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, commemorates Napoleon’s military victories and offers breathtaking views of the city. Further down the avenue, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais showcase magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture and host world-class art exhibitions.

High-end fashion boutiques, flagship stores and prestigious brands line the avenue, enticing fashion enthusiasts from around the globe. From Louis Vuitton and Chanel to Dior and Guerlain, the Champs-Élysées is a paradise for those seeking the epitome of style and refinement.

We also love Rue saint Honoré. Here you’ll find all the major fashion houses like Dior, Givenchy and Hermès, and lots of well-known brands mixed in with more niche designers. A favorite of magazine editors and style bloggers since it is just steps from the Jardin des Tuileries, where many fashion week runway shows take place, this is one of the shopping streets you should definitely have on your radar.

A sea of pink, so dense you cannot see the sky. Japanese cherry blossom is a mesmerizing sight. The significance of cherry trees goes back centuries in Japanese culture. Known as ‘sakura’ the pink flowers symbolize how short and precious life is.

Travel with us on our Majestic Japan tour and have the privileged opportunity to meet with a specialized Cherry Blossom Doctor. In the beautiful setting of Hirosaki Castle in Amouri, you will learn how they take meticulous care to nurture the cherry blossom trees. This ensures that each and every one is healthy and thriving during the blossom season each April.

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The symbolism of Japanese cherry blossom

As well as their beauty, the cherry blossoms hold great symbolism for the Japanese. Said to be like the clouds, as they bloom all together and sit at the top of the trees. Then, like clouds, they suddenly disappear. This has come to symbolize ‘ephemerality or transient nature of life.’ Reflecting a longstanding of Buddhist concept in Japanese culture known as ‘mono no aware,’ or roughly, ‘the pathos of things,’ which recognizes both the beauty and mortality inherent in life.

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Japan’s cherry blossom obsession

If you travel to Japan in the springtime, you will be swept up in the changes to the atmosphere and landscapes. Promises of new life and new beginnings mix with soft scents as plants and flowers burst into life. Japanese cherry blossoms take pride of place, a source of conversation as people become entranced by the trees. It is not uncommon to see people taking their time to photograph the blooms from every angle.

Shops and stores fill with pink products in celebration, and the Starbucks Sakura tree-themed drinks are in everyone’s clutches. Cherry blossom festivals are held in many parks and castle grounds across Japan. And the Japanese cherry blossom flower is seen on everything from wall paper to clothing.

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The cherry blossom doctors

Tree doctors, or arborists, are the specialists that keep the Japanese cherry trees healthy all year round. They’re able to diagnose the condition of a tree just by looking at the color of its leaves and branches or listening to the sound of the trunk. Throughout the year they take care of these precious trees, both to guarantee the most magnificent blossoms, and the ensure they can survive for further decades.

In Hirosaki, where Luxury Gold guests will meet a cherry blossom doctor, these guardians are known as the known as the sakuramori. Sakuramori literally means “people who look after sakura” in Japanese.

Most of Hirosaki Park’s cherry blossoms are the variety called ‘Somei Yoshino’ which live around 60 years. But Hirosaki also has trees that are over 100 years old and still blossom profusely. The oldest cherry blossom tree in Japan is over 2,000 years old. Called ‘Jindai Zakura’, it grows within the grounds of the Jissoji Temple in Yamanashi, with a root circumference of 13.5m.

Read more: Sakura: The story of an obsession

Preserving the green spaces in Japan

Whilst the volume of green areas in Japan’s cities has generally increased over the last two decades, in many places it is becoming more difficult for trees to grow healthy and strong. This is because of new diseases and pests. Urban forests are important to clean air, reduce flood risks and even lower stress, which is why the Japanese cherry blossom doctors are vital for keeping Japan’s cities green.

The tree doctors are highly skilled in trimming any branches that appear sick or are preventing other branches from growing. They also keep an eye out for mushrooms as these rot the branch from the inside, meaning the branch is more likely to fall.

Hirosaki Style Management

Hirosaki style management was first introduced in the 1960’s. The way sakuramoris take care of sakura trees originated from the highly successful pruning methods used by Hirosaki’s apple farmers. Local farmers grew apples on the lower part of the trees to facilitate harvest, and this technique has proved useful for managing sakura today.

Sakuramoris first thin the branches to allow new branches to grow. After pruning and fertilization, sakura flowers can then blossom from the lower part of the tree. This is why, compared to the average Somei Yoshino, each bud in Hirosaki Park can develop one to two more flowers. When cherry blossom season arrives, after a winter of loving care the flowers are simply spectacular.

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Hirosaki Castle and park

The most stunning setting, Hirosaki city is an old castle town in Aomori, Japan. Beautiful any time of year, its vast park is home to Hirosaki Castle. Widely considered as one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, Hirosaki Castle is the symbol of the park. It is one of the few Japanese castles that has been preserved in its original structure.

Constructed in the Hirayama style, the main tower was built on top of a hill for easier defense and surrounded by defensive walls, moats, and yagura towers. The park surrounding the castle is filled with cherry trees, and when spring arrives in late April the cherry blossom festival always draws huge crowds. The park has about 50 varieties of Sakura tree, with over 2600 trees overall.

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To have the opportunity to meet a Japanese cherry blossom doctor for yourself, and to explore the best of this enchanting country, take a look at our Majestic Japan luxury guided tour. Discover and elegant, enchanting and ever-changing Japan, with exceptional hotels and exquisite dining bookending each unforgettable day.