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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ian MacRae, a lifelong rancher, respected breeder, and pioneer in the Canadian Quarter Horse and cutting horse industries. Ian passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, at the age of 89, surrounded by family and friends who cherished him.
Born and raised in Hardisty, Alberta, Ian spent his life immersed in the world of ranching, where his love for the land and animals shaped everything he did. Since 1965, Ian bred and registered over 300 American Quarter Horses, and his dedication to the breed earned him the esteemed recognition of a 50-Year Cumulative Breeder by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) in 2021. Through his breeding program, notable horses like King Leo Bar, Roosters Joe, Diamond Dan Dee, and Quixote Doc helped define his operation’s success and contributed significantly to the growth of the Quarter Horse community in Canada.
Ian’s work wasn’t just confined to the ranch. As a passionate advocate for the cutting horse, he proudly represented Canada at the 1964 Royal Windsor Horse Show in the United Kingdom, where he and fellow Canadian horsemen demonstrated the precision and skill of the cutting horse before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This historic moment highlighted the global appreciation for Canadian horsemanship and left a lasting impression on the equestrian world. Ian’s contributions to the cutting horse community were also felt internationally, with his demonstrations further promoting the discipline abroad.
Throughout his life, Ian’s work was built on a foundation of hard work, integrity, and a profound respect for the traditions handed down through generations. His legacy extends far beyond the horses he bred; it is embedded in the values he instilled in those who had the privilege to learn from him. From teaching his family how to break a colt to guiding fellow ranchers in the art of ranching, Ian was a steadfast mentor who showed us all the meaning of dedication and perseverance.
Ian is survived by his beloved family, including his children Stevie MacRae (Brock, Phoenix), Mackenzie MacRae (Evan, Odin, Lily), James MacRae (Zana, Weston), Josh MacRae (Haylee, Havanna), Bill Dyer (Yvonne, Christopher, Kimberly), and Allan Dyer (Lourdes, Jackie, Thomas), all of whom continue to carry his values and love for the land. His legacy lives on in the pastures he worked, the animals he cared for, and the countless lives he touched along the way.
Predeceased by his parents John and Mary MacRae, his sister Morag Morris, and his daughter Mary MacRae, Ian’s memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who loved him.
A memorial service to celebrate Ian’s life and legacy was held on May 23, 2025, at the Hardisty Community Hall. Donations to honour his life may be made to the local 4H club, the Hardisty cemetery, or a charity of your choice, honoring Ian’s lifelong commitment to rural life and the stewardship of the land.
Ian MacRae’s boots may now be empty, but his footprint remains deeply imprinted in the ranching and equine communities. His contributions to the Quarter Horse industry and his dedication to the preservation of Canadian horsemanship will be remembered for generations to come.
Ride on, Ian. Your trail remains open, wide, and full of memories.
