Glenhaven Stables - Cochrane

In my family there have been generations full of competent horse men and women. As such I have been involved with horses since a very young age . . . first as a pest in a barn that used horses on a daily basis to complete farm chores, then as a child that used to tear up the neighbourhood exploring every wooded trail, hillside or highway ditch on my pony (usually bareback), and then when I was 12 I entered the world of formal riding lessons and competition.

I have been an active participant in nearly all aspects of the competitive sport horse world for 40 years. My competitive background includes high-level three-day eventing, hunters to 3’6”, jumpers to 4’0”, and dressage through Prix. St. George and Intermediare I. I have had a lifetime of coaching from certified coaches around Canada, Olympians, and in some cases, specialists from around the world. And then to further my experience and give back to the industry, I completed my certification as a ‘Competition Coach’ through Equine Canada and carry full insurance.

One of my most influential riding coaches was the late Elaine Partington (EC High Performance I certified) and she used to say, “I don’t just teach riding lessons, I teach life lessons.” It is a phrase that has shaped me. The phrase sticks in my mind when I handle my own horses, when I coach other riding athletes, and as I help my two young daughters learn to be responsible horse women. I believe that riding has so much to offer, not just in the area of actual riding skills, but in areas like responsibility, perseverance, humility, discipline, lifelong learning, and ongoing fitness. And I have not even began to touch on the community and friendships that are developed through our ‘horse families.’ To say that having been involved with horses has helped to shape the person I am today is a complete understatement; and one that I wish for every person that enters through the doors of Glenhaven Stables.