“It’s all about the horses.” That’s what Kathy Coonfer says when asked to reflect on the motivation behind the breeding operation that her and husband, Cliff, have operated more than 15 years. For the Coonfers, their breeding farm, Dungannon Standardbreds, truly is all about the horses and the immaculate care and attention to detail that their mares and foals receive. Their dedication has led to immense success in the Alberta harness racing industry, highlighted by a litany of superb racehorses to their name, and a reputation as breeders that is among the best in the province.
Both Cliff and Kathy share a love of horses that extends all the way back to childhood. Cliff himself is from a family that worked closely with horses, while Kathy showed horses, barrel raced and even spent a year riding the touchdown horse for the Calgary Stampeders’ games. Their passion for horses has been a constant that’s followed them throughout their entire lives.
It’s why, in a 2007 trip to Stampede Park with friends Gordon and Helen Empey, a spark was lit: an idea to begin a Standardbred breeding farm in Alberta. Prior to that point, the Coonfers had bred Quarter Horses, but this would be a different venture entirely. Despite the challenge of navigating a completely new industry, the Coonfers would prove to be up to the task.
What followed was the formation of Dungannon Standardbreds, a passion project that kept them busy throughout their retirement from their original careers. Focusing on quality over quantity, the Coonfers started a small breeding operation, with just a couple of mares, but that foundation would be all they would need to make their mark in the industry.
Over the years, the horses they bred have made a tremendous impact in Alberta harness racing. Those noted names have included the likes of Withflyingcolours, The Big Heist, Make Three Wishes, Past Affair, Noisy Nora, B R Money Matters, Go Nine O, Promise Kept, Amysterytome and Make Some Waves, among others.
Perhaps the most notable, however, is Mateo. Mateo has proven himself to be one of the more successful racehorses to come out of Alberta in the past decade. His story is a special testament to the passion and care that the Coonfers exemplify in every aspect of Dungannon Standardbreds, and why they’ve earned such a tremendous reputation in the business.
Born partially blind, life was always going to be a bit of an extra challenge for Mateo. Considering this, the Coonfers took additional time to ensure that the young horse received the extra level of attention that he needed. They built an immense trust with the colt, and carefully sought out Jim Marino as someone who could work with his condition. Their diligent work and decision-making paid off, helping lead Mateo to a Western Canada Pacing Derby win, an O’Brien Award nomination and a successful racing career that has continued to this day.
This is just one example of how the Coonfers go above and beyond for the horses they breed; and, as Kathy is quick to point out, it isn’t just their massively successful pupils that they are proud of. In their eyes, every horse they breed is a strong point of pride. A trip to their Facebook page, Dungannon Standardbreds, highlights that gratification. Kathy is quick to share the results of their previous foals’ racing successes, as well as pictures of Cliff jogging and working with the next crop of Dungannon racehorses. It’s easy to tell that each and every horse holds a special place in their heart.
In total, the Coonfers have helped bring 38 foals into the Alberta harness racing industry. Not every one has been a superstar or made the races, but the pair have nurtured plenty who have gone on to win races both big and small. Their breeding operation continues today, and their offspring will continue to find their way from their farm in Central Alberta to the racetracks of Calgary, Edmonton, Lacombe and beyond.
In honour of their contributions to the Alberta harness racing industry, Cliff and Kathy Coonfer received the 2022 Breeder’s Recognition Award at the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association awards banquet last weekend. For a complete list of award winners, click here.
(With files from Alberta Standardbred Horse Association)