My Story

I grew up in a small town in Ontario with two jockeys for parents. After my mom had me, she started training and owning her own racehorses. From a young age, I learned about horse behaviour and how to spatially orient yourself around not only a sensitive species, but a highly sensitive breed. My mom’s #1 rule was that I don’t become a jockey as she knew it wasn’t a safe career. So, I surrounded myself with everything else “horsey” instead, from hunters, jumpers, barrel racing and trail riding.

Now, I find myself in Vancouver, BC, enamoured with training horses and figuring out what makes them tick. Whether that’s reading books on horse behaviour and equine brain science, listening to podcasts from various trainers around the world, or simply observing others work with their horse. For me, learning about a new horse is immensely captivating. I always joke saying, “the horses I work with are my therapists”, but in all honesty they are — They absorb all and any energy you are feeling that day and mirror it back towards you. That is why they will always teach me as much as I teach them, and it is why I do the same thing every time I work with a horse — I take a good, hard look at myself first.

I believe that today’s society is hungry for connection - honest, genuine connection. I also believe there is no more honest species on this planet than a horse. Learning how to build a connection with a horse teaches you emotional awareness, how to be a good listener, and how to empathize with someone you may not “get”. Learning to connect with a horse will teach you ways of relating with loved ones in your life, coworkers you may struggle to understand, or your seemingly unaffectionate cat.

Whether it’s with horses, or something else, I hope you find the connection you are searching for.

SZR

My Experience

Equine Canada Competition Coach

The Competition Coach focuses on teaching basic to intermediate riding and horsemanship skills, and introduces the principles of competitive riding at entry-level competitions. The Competition Coach has well established teaching skills and stresses safety, both on the ground and while mounted.

Southlands Riding Club Rescue & Rehabilitation Program

Program horses benefit from the training provided by certified SRC instructors. Each Program horse has a primary trainer responsible for establishing and meeting both short- and long-term goals tailored to the individual needs of the animal. Once fully rehabilitated and deemed ready to graduate from the Program, these horses are offered for sale to approved homes.

Working Student for Rick Maynard

For two years I had the pleasure of helping Olympic jumping and pentathlon coach Rick Maynard break, train, and exercise some of his horses including Manchego Soto Gil, Chill Gran Z., and Jus De Balou. On top of that, I’ve had opportunities to learn from his son Tik Maynard, the 2024 and 2025 Road to the Horse Champion, Modern Pentathlon Pan-Am Athlete, and Thoroughbred Makeover champion.

Coaching (multiple facilities)

I have been coaching for a total of 10 years both in Ontario and British Columbia. This includes working with special needs youth at New Leaf Farm (Milton, ON), beginner lessons at Rocky River Stables (Niagara Falls, ON), and beginner-intermediate coaching at Southlands Heritage Farm (Vancouver, BC) and Southlands Riding Club (Vancouver, BC).

Private Horse Training

I have 10+ years of horse training experience both in Ontario and British Columbia. Training experience includes breaking horses and ponies, behavioural issues training, de-sensitization, and foundational riding skills.

Trauma Psychological Support Training (in progress)

I am currently on a journey to certify myself in various trauma and psychological support courses. I know that horses have the ability to heal the mind and soul in ways that western medicine can’t, and because of this, I strive to eventually merge my love for horses and human mental well-being into one.