According to Bedouin legend, God took a handful of southerly wind, blew His breath over it and created the horse. To Dennis Joly, this could very well be true. Dennis has a passion for horses that began when he was barely a teenager.

Dennis and his family moved to Chilliwack when he was 13 years old. He was born in Timmons, Ontario, but the family moved when his father, who was a mining engineer, took on a job with Island Valley Copper in Ashcroft. “Dad lived in the bunk houses there and commuted to Chilliwack each weekend. My parents wanted their children to grow up in a larger centre and decided on Chilliwack as opposed to Ashcroft,” he explained. His father was a quiet, hard working man who never complained. Dennis obviously inherited this demeanour and spends a lot of time in thought.

He enjoyed a happy childhood and admits that he was a good boy. “I was your average kid and I must say that I was good. My parents didn’t really have any problems with me. I was an average kid in school and just did my thing.”

Shortly after arriving in Chilliwack, the youngster fell in love with horses and resolved that he had to own one of these magnificent creatures. “I don’t know why I wanted a horse because it wasn’t in my background. It wasn’t like anyone else in my family was into it. I didn’t know much about them but I just knew that I wanted one,” he smiled. All that he needed was money. “It was my responsibility to buy the horse and I had to earn some money. So, I got a paper route and worked at the old Fairgrounds in the mornings and evenings feeding horses and cleaning out stalls,” he said.

Eventually, Dennis saved enough money and bought his first horse. Four years later, the now 17 year old decided that it was time to trade in his Pinto for a ’65 Nova. “Yes, I sold my horse to buy a car,” he chuckled.

Dennis had resolved that after graduation he would attend BCIT and take their drafting course. Instead, he landed a job as an installer with BC Tel and decided to give up on a drafting career.

“I did enjoy the job but above all it paid so well and the benefits were great,” he admitted.

He quickly bought a second horse, a registered Appaloosa named ‘Puds’ which he had for 21 years.

After 24 years with BC Tel, the company decided to transfer him to Victoria but Dennis decided to take a buy out instead and start his own business. “My wife and I had acreage here and we just didn’t want to leave the area,” he said.

Dennis started S&D Enterprises and has never looked back. “My company wires homes and businesses for data including telephone, sound, security, TV etc. I enjoy being self-employed because I only have to answer to myself and service is the key,” he admitted.

Today, Dennis is busy at work and busy on the farm. “It’s hard to get away because we have a lot of animals and a lot of responsibility. At the same time, we enjoy total satisfaction. We’re truly blessed to live this kind of lifestyle. It’s a lifestyle that we love,” he said with obvious gratitude.

Dennis and Sue have eight horses including a 32-year-old Arab/quarter horse cross named Bristol. They are also proud owners of a stallion named Cody who is in Pritchard, B.C. being trained my Amanda Self.

“Amanda is an amazing trainer who is one of four people who’ll be representing Canada in Italy for the World Reining Championships. Since she’s been training him, Cody has been consistently placing Top 4 in his classes,” he said proudly.

He admits that his whole world is centered on his wife, Sue and their horses. Dennis is currently the President of the Chilliwack Riding Club and enjoys trail riding along Chilliwack Lake Road.

When Dennis eventually retires, he will continue his firm dedication to his animals and his treasured lifestyle.

“I do love horses and what I know I have either learned on my own or taken lessons. My wife has a natural connection with these wonderful animals and I’ve learned so much from her,” he beamed.