Horses and hockey: Former NHLer gets go-ahead to operate horse-drawn carriage business

The wagon Pilon uses for his rides.

On one of the coldest days of December, Rich Pilon is outside hauling hay bales for his horses. He says they eat more when the temperature drops. As he spreads out the hay, he talks to his animals.

“I communicate with them with their ears, their eyes, just how they move and their intentions,” he explained. “If somebody saw me working with them, they’d probably think I was crazy.”

For Pilon, this is his therapy – feeding, grooming and training the horses.

He says it brings him peace while teaching him patience. On his bad days, the horses give him a purpose.

“There’s an accountability and a commitment from me to them,” he said. “If I’m not there to feed them, then they don’t eat.”

Pilon played for 15 years in the NHL, mostly with the New York Islanders. He retired in 2001.

He’s Metis and grew up in St. Louis, Sask., where his family was involved in the pony chuckwagon circuit.

“Our hobby and pastime was horses. I’ve grown up around horses pretty much since I’ve been a little guy,” he said.

He now runs his own horse-drawn carriage business.

For the last two years, he’s cut through red tape to get a business license that would allow him to operate in Saskatoon.

This week, the city approved a temporary permit that will last the rest of the winter season.

“When I have people on the wagon, especially at Christmas time, they’re caroling. They’re laughing. It’s an amazing thing that I get to do and be a part of,” Pilon said.

‘Horses and Hockey Let’s Talk’

Pilon, 57, has been vocal about his struggles with mental health, addictions, and his attempted suicide.

Four years ago, he started his own mental health initiative - Horses and Hockey Let’s Talk. He travels to northern communities to support youth mental wellness. He brings his horses and puts on hockey sessions.

“My goal is to basically give them a break from their real life and hopefully, fill their cup with joy,” he said. “Hopefully there is some healing internally because they are taking a break.”

The programs combine both of Pilon’s passions. But he says there is more in common with playing hockey and training horses than people may think.

“It’s teamwork,” he said. “You call it a team for a reason, because they got to work together.”

On his team of horses, he has what he calls his veterans and his prospects. Right now, he’s teaching the young horses good worth ethic and how “to pull their own weight.”

Although, he admits his definition of winning has changed since hanging up his skates.

“It’s a different mindset here. The winning for me is being able to be around (the horses),” he said.

After all he’s been through, he says helping others by sharing his story and passion is just like winning his own Stanley Cup.