About the coaches
Our head coach, Crystal Lee Ross has been riding since she was 2 years old and has 29 years
of riding experience. In that time she has successfully competed on the Trillium and A circuits in both
Hunter and Jumper and has trained several horses including retraining of problem mounts. Crystal's true passion with horses is breeding, raising and training her own horses. We find that the lifetime bond developed from raising a young horse results in a spectacular horse that is committed to its owner and rider. As a result most of the horses used in our lesson program have been raised and trained at Springland Riding Stable making for dependable and lovable riding companions
Crystal has been coaching for the last 10 years and provides a positive environment that encourages
learning and respect. She promotes a natural form of horsemanship that is very subtle
focusing on creating a loving bond between horse and rider that leads to success which is based on the way horses naturally interact with one another.
Crystal has completed a Equine Riding Coach program, Standard First Aid and NCCP Introduction to Competition Course. Crystal belongs to several horse clubs including membership in: OEF (Ontario Equestrian Federation), CE (Equine Canada), AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association), NFQHA (National Foundation Quarter Horse Association), ONTRA (Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association)
Crystal has a University BSc Degree in Biology with a concentration in Molecular Genetics and Physiology
from Bishops University in Quebec and is currently working on her second BSc in Psychology at the University of Guelph. Crystal combines her education and her love of horses by using them in a therapy program for individuals coping with emotional, cognitive or physical disabilities.
Crystal has one child a beautiful baby girl, Isabella (Bella for short) born on June 21st of 2007. Bella recently started riding lesson and is thoroughly enjoying herself. Bella successfully completed her first show season in 2010 enjoying herself greatly and wowed the crowd with her bubbling personality. Crystal is currently expecting her second child early in January 2011.
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Valerie Shaw has recently joined the Springland Riding Stable coaching team in October of 2010. Valerie enhances our lesson program through her inexhaustible enthusiasm and positive attitude. Valerie owns 2 horse and focuses primarily on dressage riding. She will bring our riders a great foundation in basic positioning and skill with her dressage based background. Valerie has years of experience working with horses and can't wait to share those experiences with her riders and further their knowledge and love of horses.
Valerie will be focusing primarily on our beginner riders providing them with a solid foundation in position and following our strong skill based learning method to ensure that all riders develop into strong and confident individuals and horse people.
Christina Vahey has recently joined the Springland Riding Stable coaching team in October of 2010. Christina will be helping to cover Crystal's maternity leave from December to March of 2011. Christina has many years experience working, showing and coaching in the hunter/jumper field. She shares the same basic opinions regarding the foundation and classical styles of riding coached and supported by Springland Riding Stables. Christina brings with her a fountain of knowledge and a new perspective that she looks forward to sharing with all of her students and riders. Christina owns and cares for several of her own horses and brings this knowledge to her students. She looks forward to being able to share her unique experiences, knowledge and skills with our riders.
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