Our Story
A Legacy of Excellence
The Journey Begins
Alborak Stable represents a lifelong passion for horses, a commitment to excellence, and a dedication to making equestrian sport accessible to everyone. Our story is one of family legacy, personal achievement, and the unwavering belief that horses and horse sport are for everyone.
Sandra Donnelly: A Life with Horses
Sandra Donnelly was born in Calgary, Alberta and began riding almost as soon as she could walk. At five, her first partner was an 11hh Welsh pony named Pollyanna. A year later, the two of them started Pony Club.
Sandra went on to get her A rating in Pony Club and throughout those years won many awards and championships, including Alberta Hunter Champion, Pony Champion at Northlands, 2nd individually at the National Pony Club Rally, and 1991 ASJA Modified Jumper Champion.
In 1990, Sandra qualified two horses for NAYRC in both show jumping and eventing but was only permitted to take one. This early success demonstrated her natural talent and dedication to the sport that would shape her future.
Education and Return to Passion
Following High School, Sandra enrolled at the University of Calgary and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, which led her to employment with TCPL.
After experiencing city life, Sandra decided to return to her passion and went to teach at Touchstone Farms in central Alberta for a winter before returning home to start her own business.
This decision to return to her roots and pursue her equestrian passion full-time would become the foundation for what Alborak Stable is today.
Building Alborak Stable
Sandra started out breaking colts, coaching, and training at the family property near Kananaskis. In 1997, she collaborated on building a new facility with a 100×200 ft indoor arena and 25 box stalls.
Since that time, her business, Alborak Stable Inc., has been slowly growing into a thriving equestrian center providing lessons, training, and preparation for sales horses. She has also developed a broodmare herd and produces warmblood sport horses specifically for eventing and jumping.
Today's Alborak Stable
Today, Alborak Stable offers premier equestrian and cattle facilities designed to support athletes of all levels and ages. Our world-class facilities include a 100 x 200 heated indoor arena, a 25-stall heated barn, a 100 x 200 outdoor sand ring, grass derby field and cross-country terrain park, and extensive trails for riding.
As Equestrian Programs Director, Sandra Donnelly is NCCP certified HP1 and specializes in training riders to bring along their own horses. A variety of coaches are available for dressage, jumping, and eventing, and Alborak is committed to providing a Safe Community that follows Safe Sport Guidelines as set out by Sport Canada.
Our warmblood breeding program is designed to produce sport horses for jumping and eventing. We offer horses for sale and maintain a consignment sale program, with young sport horses available at all times.
In addition to our equestrian programs, we operate a commercial beef cow/calf operation that is hormone-free with a full beef herd health program. We offer ethically raised, grass-fed and grass-finished beef available for purchase.
Built in the Spirit of Legacy
Alborak Stable is built in the spirit of the Donnelly Legacy Foundation, continuing the vision of John and Mary Donnelly who believed that horses and horse sport were for everyone. Their commitment to creating accessible equestrian facilities and supporting riders of all ages lives on through our programs and community.
We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming community where everyone can experience the joy of horses, ranching, and the sport of eventing. Our mission is to provide exceptional facilities and coaching for equestrian enthusiasts, whether you dream of competing at the highest levels or simply want to enjoy the art of horsemanship.