Dark Horse's origins were formed in late 2005 with the band playing cover songs in typical garage band fashion. This lasted a few months before they decided to start working on original material. Before their first song was wrapped up they had invited Adam to join the ranks and take on the role as lead singer and guitarist. With the lineup now complete the band continued to focus on writing original material under the name Cairnlea and performed their first live show in December of 2006.