A little about Alexandra…

 
Alexandra with her horse, Lawrence V, and beloved dog, Rambo.

Alexandra with her horse, Lawrence V, and beloved dog, Rambo.

 

Hi, I’m Alexandra

I began my riding journey as a kid, riding at equestrian camps and in lesson programs. As a youth, I was introduced to eventing. This sparked my interest in competition and my passion for training horses. By the time I was 16, I was riding at an International level and working for CCI***** and Team Canada rider, Penny Rowland. I was fortunate enough to participate in the Young Rider program, representing Canada with my mount, Romancing, in 2007. After spending many years in eventing, competing at all levels up to FEI, I decided to switch my focus primarily to dressage. This was a hard decision but I wanted to follow my passion for dressage and training horses, especially in such a challenging and demanding discipline. I quickly rose up the FEI levels with Romancing and acquired a new mount, Lawrence V. I had the opportunity to work with multiple FEI horse, trainers, and riders, including a year working and riding for FEI rider and trainer, Tom Dvorak. With Lawrence V, I was once again able to participate in the Young Rider program in 2010 & 2011.

During these formidable years and following my Young Rider team experiences, I had the opportunity to show and train multiple horses throughout the levels in dressage. I also had the privilege of learning from exceptional riders and coaches, from across North America and Europe, who have contributed to my understanding of coaching, training, and competing. More recently, I have brought more focus and attention back to eventing and currently have multiple clients competing in both eventing and dressage.

Throughout my riding career, I have gained extensive knowledge of how to effectively bring out the best in each horse and rider I work with. I am passionate about continuing my own learning and love being able to share my knowledge with others. I am truly motivated to help my clients feel successful as horse owners, trainers, and competitors, in their own right.

My passion is to improve my clients’ capabilities, help them achieve their goals, and work together towards new aspirations and dreams.

My mission is for you to become more capable managing your horse(s), running your farm, being in the saddle, and achieving all your equestrian goals. I love helping my clients make the best decisions for their unique equine partners, equine business, or in helping clients of their own. I am proud to offer unique equine consulting services, coaching, and training. I would love to work with you and share my knowledge, experience, and passion for this sport.  

What People Are Saying…

I have had the pleasure of working with Alexandra for six months and I can say that my experience has been like finding a “diamond in the rough”.

After moving barns, and being pregnant, I had not been in regular work with my horse and had experienced some negative experiences during that time that had even changed my view on getting back to riding, and Alexandra has completely changed this for me.

“I have to be the right fit for you” was one of the first things that she stressed to me and that sealed the deal for me right then and there. Not only did I know I had found the right coach for me but during our time together I have also found a good friend.

What she has done for Louis and I over the last few months has been exceptional and the trust and bond that she has created with not only myself but with Louis is second to none. I have never seen him move so beautifully and trust the process.

Her professionalism, passion, and care for rider and horse is truly amazing and I would recommend her services to anyone!

— CLAIRE F.

When I first met Alexandra, I was impressed by her personable approach and riding ability.  When I was ready to return to active riding after a several year hiatus, I was looking for a classical dressage coach who was able to give me the time and dedication to improve both my riding ability and my mount's stamina and ability.  I was thrilled with her knowledge of both human and equine kinetics and classical approach.  Her lessons are positive, rewarding, fun and informative.  Each lesson shows progress in both my mount and my ability.  I'm excited to work with her each week.

— Sherry W. J.

When I first met Alexandra in the beginning of 2019, I was struggling with my Thoroughbred gelding Sonny. Sonny was not moving correctly after a life of being a hunter school horse. The many years of not moving correctly had caused him some issues that were challenging to work through. He was very much a “behind your leg, stay on the track, I will do what you ask but may not like it” kind of horse. But with each lesson and training ride, we figured out what Sonny needed and I could not be more proud of how far we’ve come!

In the summer of 2019, we went to our very first 3-day dressage show at Angelstone (first dressage show for me!). Although Sonny and I didn't place, Alexandra encouraged me to feel so proud and keep trying! Her calm, positive attitude helped greatly with our nerves!!

In November 2019, Sonny had become extremely back sore. With ongoing dedication and a team of experts, we came to understand that Sonny had Kissing Spine. With this diagnosis Alexandra worked with me, with the instructions and advice of my vet, to establish a rehab plan so we can treat without surgery. This treatment plan was easy, simple to follow, and extremely effective! I have come back to training and riding a whole new understanding about how Sonny should work and move, as well as how I can help him in the future! I am extremely excited in our future and so glad Sonny and I found Alexandra when we did!

If you are looking for a coach/trainer who is very calm, courteous, forgiving, trusting and knowledgeable you have come to the right place! With each ride she puts on Sonny, I can see how much he loves and trusts her. Anyone who knows my horse knows he is very unsure and reacts before he thinks. Since working with Alexandra, he has become more confident and it's amazing to see him excel and see that he has incredible potential! I am so proud to be one of Alexandra's students, and now friends!!

— LAURA M. K.

I have known Alexandra in a variety of capacities over the last several years. She has been a tremendous supporter, a wealth of knowledge, and absolutely one of the best people in the industry that I have encountered. Alexandra has not only coached me as a rider, but she helped to develop my string of horses and deal with several major injuries that my horses have had. She has been my strength and voice of reason when I wasn’t sure if I could go on.

In 2017, I purchased a young horse with the intention of developing him into something for me to ride at the upper levels one day. Within days of bringing him home, he broke his coffin bone. I was completely gutted! Alexandra was there for me through it all, despite recovering from severe injury herself. She helped me come up with a rehab plan, even though neither of us were sure that he would come out of this sound let alone with the ability to be ridden. There were a lot of moments that I was at the end of my rope, including him kicking me in the head. Regardless, Alexandra was there through it all with support, knowledge, and encouragement. I am proud to say that my horse recovered, completely sound and healed. Now Alexandra has helped me make plans for the future.

Additionally, she has been an exceptional coach who has helped me develop as a rider to the point where I am now more confident teaching my own students at the lower levels. She has been in my corner, brainstormed with me on horses and students, as well as been my behinds the scenes guru. Coming back from my own head injury was very difficult. Honestly, without having Alexandra in my corner I am not sure if I could have done it. People don’t realize how a concussion can affect your balance and ability to use your body correctly for riding; Alexandra however, totally got it and was able to help me through it.

Anyone who is lucky enough to work with Alexandra will see how incredibly special and talented she is, personally it’s an honour to have her on my team and as a friend.

— Paige M.
Owner, All in Stride Equine

Alexandra is an extremely supportive coach, who is amazing at tailoring her coaching programs to what her riders and their horses need. She is able to understand the goals of the rider, as well as their personalities to push when needed, but also support when you are outside your comfort level. I have learned and progressed more with Alexandra in the last 2 years than in the 12 years I’ve been riding. She doesn’t just throw you at exercises, she guides you through them with thorough explanations that bring concepts into a new and more understandable light. You’re not just progressing through the levels but she’s making sure you’re doing it right.

— Emily D.

I met Alexandra when she started boarding her beautiful retired horse at the barn I was boarding at. I had just turned 50 yrs old and bought my first ever horse, Delta. I had had limited riding experience and even though I was at a very beginner stage, Alexandra willingly took me on as a student.

Every lesson, no matter how basic, she intently watched and taught. She saw each motion Delta and I made. Alexandra's lessons turned out to be a very small part of her help. She helped me with everything from saddle fitting, to vet decisions, to goal setting, and much more. We quickly became good friends and she is more like my family than my coach.

This past year Delta had some age-related flare ups, and as a result I decided to retire her from riding. Alexandra continues to help and support me with ground work lessons and suggestions for Delta's overall health and well-being.

I love to watch Alexandra train, ride, and give lessons. She is so positive and encouraging. I would tell anyone who is looking to learn, no matter what your level, to contact Alexandra and get started.

— Kathy B.

Achievements…

2007 - Ontario Young Rider of the Year
2007 - NAJYRC Team Eventing
2011 - NAJYRC Team Dressage
2014 - Honours Bachelor of Knowledge Integration, University of Waterloo
2015 - Master of Arts, University of Waterloo
2020 - Leadership Waterloo Region, Core Program