Calgary Horse Trainer
Dutch dressage rider offering horse training & dressage training in Calgary, Cochrane, Priddis, Bragg Creek and surrounding areas.
About
Looking for a Calgary Horse Trainer?
I am a Dutch dressage rider and dressage coach with years of experience in training horses in different countries, including The Netherlands, Germany, England, Australia, and now Canada.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to have multiple international dressage trainers as my mentors, and I’m excited to share with you what I’ve learned over the years of competing horses on an international level.
As a Calgary horse trainer, I specialize in training young horses, and I have a deep passion for dressage. Dressage, often referred to as flatwork or English riding, provides the foundation for all riding disciplines by developing balance, communication, responsiveness, and partnership between horse and rider. It’s important to teach dressage correctly from an early age, both for the horse and the rider.
My training approach is to start with a solid foundation of classical dressage principles. I believe that building a strong foundation is essential to developing a successful partnership between horse and rider. I work with both the horse and the rider to help them develop a deep understanding of the aids and how to use them correctly.
I also believe in keeping the training fun and engaging for both the horse and the rider. I customize my approach to each horse and rider pair, taking into consideration their individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses. My goal is to help each horse and rider reach their full potential, whatever their goals may be.
If you’re looking for a horse trainer in Calgary who can help you develop a strong foundation of classical dressage principles, look no further. Contact me today to schedule a training session and take the first step towards achieving your goals.
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Horse Trainer Calgary
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Horse Training Calgary
Horse Training
I offer comprehensive horse training services for horses at all levels of experience, from young horses to those at advanced levels. My training programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of each horse, and I work with them to improve their strength, flexibility, and overall performance. Sessions are 60 minutes in length, and I require that horses be ready for training on arrival.
Dressage Training
Dressage training services are designed for riders at all levels of experience. I understand that every rider-horse combination is unique, and my bespoke training sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each combination. Sessions are 60 minutes in length, and I focus on helping riders develop their skills and confidence while improving their horse’s strength, balance, and suppleness.
Competition Training
I offer a range of competition services to help riders prepare for and excel in dressage competitions. I work closely with riders to understand their competition goals and develop a customized training program that addresses their specific needs. I will guide riders through every aspect of competition preparation, from refining riding skills to polishing the horse’s performance.
Groundwork & Horsemanship
Develop better communication, respect, and responsiveness through practical groundwork exercises. Groundwork provides the foundation for a successful partnership and helps horses become more attentive, confident, and willing both on the ground and under saddle. Lessons focus on improving handling skills, communication, and creating a solid foundation that supports future ridden work and long-term success.
Rider Confidence & Development
Whether you are returning to riding after time away, rebuilding confidence following a fall, or simply looking to feel more secure in the saddle, lessons are tailored to your individual needs and goals. Training focuses on developing confidence through clear communication, achievable exercises, and a supportive learning environment that allows both horse and rider to progress at a comfortable pace.
Behaviour & Problem Solving
Support for common behavioural challenges both on the ground and under saddle. Training may address issues such as lack of responsiveness, handling difficulties, trailer loading concerns, confidence-related behaviours, and communication problems between horse and rider. The goal is to develop practical solutions that improve safety, understanding, and overall partnership.
Calgary Horse Trainer Reviews
What People are Saying
“Kiki trained my horses in both dressage and show jumping disciplines and competed them in The Netherlands.
She has a natural patience and in particular with young horses she takes her time to let them mature at their own pace. She is a talented trainer for both horses and riders.”
Henk V.
“Kiki worked with my horses at my dressage yard in the UK for 3 years. She trained my own bred Hanoverian horses and competed them all over the UK at weekly competitions. She accompanied me in my capacity as a list 2 judge to many competitions.
She is a well prepared, gentle and patient rider who understands the importance of a solid foundation. I recommend her to anybody who is looking for a well rounded horse trainer.”
Janet T.
“Kiki has completed the apprenticeship “Pferdewirt / Reiten” at my dressage yard in Germany. She also passed the “Deutsche Reitabzeichen” with great results.
Kiki has always been devoted, hard working, conscientious and honest. She trained between 8-10 horses per day from young to advanced. She proved to have a special gift for working with troubled horses and make them rideable again for anybody. She is very talented for this profession.”
Theo M.
Beyond the Arena
More Than Dressage Training
While many riders initially contact me for dressage instruction, my training philosophy extends far beyond the arena.
A strong partnership begins long before you step into the saddle. Throughout my career, I have worked with horses and riders facing a wide variety of challenges, from developing young horses and improving ridden performance to rebuilding rider confidence and addressing behavioural concerns.
I believe that good training starts with clear communication and a solid foundation of horsemanship. By helping horses and riders better understand one another, it becomes possible to build a willing, responsive, and confident partnership.
Areas of focus may include:
- Groundwork and horsemanship
- Rider confidence building
- Behavioural problem solving
- Young horse development
- Trailer loading and handling skills
- Improving responsiveness and respect on the ground
- Building confidence on trails and in new environments
- Dressage and ridden development
Every horse and rider combination is unique. My goal is to provide practical, effective training that helps both horse and rider enjoy the process while progressing toward their individual goals.
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Calgary Horse Trainer
Contact me for all your questions about horse training, dressage training or competition training in the Calgary area.