Photo credit: Ian Woodley
I have always loved horses. You can read more about my passion in an article by Equestrian Canada and in Heels Down Mag.
I took a 20+ year break from riding to become an academic and a mother. I returned to riding in 2013, and now my spouse and children all ride. We are animal lovers and strongly committed to providing the best health and wellbeing for our “herd”: a rescue horse, a retired racehorse, and a former equine-assisted therapy horse.
I am an amateur rider who completes in lower-level eventing shows at the provincial level. I have the privilege of owning two talented mares: an Appaloosa and an off-the-track throughbred (OTTB). I am a life-long learner, and have taken lessons from an EC high-performance coach trained at the famous Cadre Noir de Saumur, and currently work with a licensed EC coach who specializes in eventing. Over time, I am transitioning to being more of a barn/horse show mom supporting junior riders’ development, although I hope to show in rated dressage shows this season.
When I can, I take courses towards obtaining my Equestrian Canada Licensed Coach status. I have obtained my EC Rider Level 6, which is equivalent to C2 in the Pony Club, and a pre-requisite for becoming a licensed riding instructor in Canada.
I volunteer and serve as the Assistant District Commissioner and Education rep for the local chapter of the Canadian Pony Club.
Writing is something that I love to do, so I sometimes write for the press, including news releases for equestrian athletes and friends, like Santiago 2023 Pan American Canadian Eventing Team Gold and Individual Bronze Games Medalist, Lindsay Traisnel.