About Gillian

 

My journey began when I was 8 years old with my little black Shetland pony named Shelley. From there I spent my life living and breathing horses. 

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I have been an Equestrian Canada certified English Competition coach since 2005 and have most certainly been privileged to have mentored under the best of the best. From these wonderful women I was able to develop my teaching skills in such a way that made my teaching safe, knowledgeable, and fun. 

 

In 2012 I began my Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness (Pro-EFW) training under the guidance of Deborah Marshall and Susan Cressy. It was these women who helped me make the connection between the coach I had wanted to be and the coach I could become. Breaking away from ‘traditional’ coaching techniques and using the tools and skills learned through my Pro-EFW training has been an extremely important step towards teaching with a connection. I have been able to intertwine my skills developed as a riding coach and give them a ‘flare’. In the Fall of 2020 I officially became a certified Pro-EFW Equine Professional. My current Scope of Practice can be found here.

 

In 2015 I became an Equestrian Canada certified Western Instructor with the help from Nonie Smart at Skyline Farm in Dunrobin, Ontario.

 

In 2016 I became a YT200 Yoga Teacher which allows me to intertwine my love of yoga with my love of horses.  My goal is to offer yoga classes and workshops that are specifically designed for riders who want to improve their strength, flexibility, and balance as well as bring more mindfulness into their relationship with their horse.

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In 2023 I began my Life and Wellness Coaching training through Coach Academy Canada.  I am looking forward to integrating my new skill set into a nature-based and equestrian supported approach.

 

Through the years, my teaching and coaching philosophy has shifted towards a more holistic approach to understanding the role of the horse, in recognizing how our thoughts and actions are perceived by and influence their behaviours, and how this knowledge may inform our practices and ultimately affects performance. Likewise, I like to think that I help to facilitate-along with the horse, my students’ awareness of the horse-human connection in working together to forge a lasting partnership.