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About Marilee
The moment I started coaching, I absolutely loved that I could help others enjoy their horses more. For me, coaching is a passion and I love coming up with solutions so that my students enjoy riding and have tools to communicate better with their horse. I work from where you're at, wherever that may be.
My philosophy has been shaped by many experiences throughout the world. Having lived in New Zealand for 6 years, I had the opportunity to learn about Equine Learning Theory from world renowned Andrew McLean and his protégé Jody Hartstone, NZ Grand Prix Dressage rider. Equine Learning theory is a clear method of training horses that simply trains based on how horses learn. It is a classical, ethical and straight forward approach to training horses. In 2002, I worked in Belgium for Johan Rockx, Dutch National Grand Prix Dressage rider who trains with Anky Van Grunsven. I worked in Langley, BC for Eleonore Elstone, an EC Level 3 Dressage coach in 2001. From 1997 to 2000, I trained with Nadeem Ayoob in Calgary, AB who was an avid student of Neil and Cindy Ishoy. I am grateful for having learned these different training methods which help continually build my own teaching/training ‘tool box’. Whenever possible I attend symposiums and clinics such as the Team Strategies Pathways 2023 Johan Rockx symposium, Equestrian Sport NZ Symposium Featuring Stephan Peters & Trond Asmyr, the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) Symposium 2007 & 2015 and Alberta Coaching forums. Most recently I have completed a course in Trauma Informed Equestrian Coaching (2024). Having ridden and competed in various disciplines including Eventing, Hunter/Jumpers and Pony Club, my true passion is Dressage where I have competed at all levels including FEI level to Intermediare I. Some notable results were Champion at the Alberta Dressage Championship in the Advanced Kur 2000 and Runner up at the Canadian National Championships in the Advanced Kur 2000. In 2009, second place at the Waikato NZ Championships at Medium Level. I have taught a large spectrum of students, from 4yr old children having their first experience around horses, Pony Club A level dressage, to an experienced CCI*** International Three-day Event competitor aiming for the London Olympics. More recently, flat work and dressage coaching for 2018 U25 Reserve Jumping National Champion at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Every experience has helped streamline my focus in coaching and realize that I learn something new from every student I teach. I am grateful for all of my previous, current and future students as my passion is fuelled by teaching and learning. I am a Licensed Equestrian Canada Coach and Equine Body Worker (Advanced Massage), with Equinology. |