Zylstra Equine Training & Coaching

10/28/2021

09/13/2021

It is with a heavy heart that I say I lost a one of a kind, rockstar, lesson horse. Bella passed suddenly and unexpectedly, but I will never forget her incredible spirit, and her kindness to all her riders. ❤️ I miss you Baby Bella.

05/25/2021

We're in Manitoba! It's a rainy day, so the boys are keeping me company while I oil some tack. ❤️

04/26/2021

I have some big news! God is calling me to serve in Manitoba, so the dog and pony show is hitting the road in a few weeks! I'm super excited for this new chapter, but I will miss all of my wonderful Alberta community and thank you all so much for your love and support through the years!! A huge thank you to all my wonderful clients who made this dream a reality here, in my first home, Alberta. ❤️

12/13/2020

Reposted ...

December 12, 2020

COVID-19 Equine Community Update

Complaints
If an individual is concerned that a stable or arena is not following these government guidelines, they are encouraged to file a complaint with Alberta Health Services.The Government of Alberta responded to the Alberta Equestrian Federation’s request for clarification the evening of Friday, December 11, 2020. The following information has been provided regarding the latest COVID-19 restrictions as they apply to the equine community.

It is critical that the equine community work together to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. Everyone has the responsibility to help bend the curve over the next 4 weeks. The protocols below do not replace the mandatory, province-wide restrictions that are in place. These have been provided to ensure the health and welfare of the equines and must be followed.

Stables and Barns Horses in stables can be accessed by their owners for feeding, watering, veterinary care and exercise where required and deemed essential to the equine’s health
To limit the number of people in a stable at any given time; stable owners/managers must set schedules/appointments
All required sanitization protocols must be in place and followed
Masks are required within a stable, tack room, etc.
Social gatherings are NOT permitted in the stable, tack room, etc.

Indoor Riding Arenas Arenas are closed for public access (e.g. no walk in’s, no spectators, no parents, no friends, etc.)
To ensure the health and welfare of equines, individual riding is allowed Indoor riding is ONLY allowed to ensure the maintenance and health/welfare of the horse(s)
2-meter distancing is mandatory and must be maintained at all times; it is the responsibility of the business owner to ensure this is followed. To limit the number of people in an indoor arena at any given time; business owners/managers must set schedules/appointments for individuals.

The 15% fire code occupancy does not apply to indoor arenas; the number of people in an arena is determined by the ability to maintain 2-meter distancing at all times; the business owner is responsible to ensure this is followed. Lessons are not allowed. Masks are not required

Outdoor Equine Activities Are permitted under the maximum of 10 persons with social distancing Outdoor lessons are permissible up to a maximum of 10 persons, including the instructor
Masks are not required while riding and 2-meter distancing is required at all times.

Tack If tack is shared between riders, it must be sanitized as required and riders must sanitize before and after use

11/22/2020

Our lesson horse, superstar Bella helping Zoe learn about driving at the last club drive! One of the last beautiful fall days. ❤

08/09/2020

Congratulations Zoe and Bella on a great first show together! Thanks to Finnegan Farms for putting on a fun show, everyone went home with smiles. ❤

07/01/2020

The best way to hang out, with physical distancing! And get our star lesson horse out of the arena for some fun!

06/29/2020

Lessons are starting up again! We are doing our best to keep everything safe and clean. Even though all tack and equipment will be sanatized regularly, we encourage students to wear gloves during lessons, especially when using lesson horses and equipment. We look forward to seeing everyone again soon!

04/19/2020

Olsen and I seem to be getting internet famous!

2 burgers to go please (Brent Pestana)

03/08/2020

Had a great day at the Western Canadian Wagon Train club cutter rally, with good horses and great company. And I got to try out my new cutter!

03/02/2020

Amen.

""When a lot of folks can't get a horse to operate on a feel, in a snaffle, what most are going to tell you "hell, get a little more bridle, get a little more shank on it, get a chain on it" and then when he's really wanting to flip over then "tie his head down". If he really runs into the tie down then "get a bicycle chain over his nose".............I mean it DOESN'T STOP, IT BECOMES MEDIEVAL WHAT THEY DO.
But when you get a horse to where he's operating on a feel; it doesn't make much difference what you have.
Whereas a lot of people leave the snaffle bit because they flunked out, they failed...............and then they go and get another bit.
Of course these tack salesmen love that. They go and get another bit and then they flunk out in it, ruin their horse. Then they ruin them in that, then get another bit and then pretty soon they've got a whole wall full of bits and they still can't operate the damn thing.
All that money they've wasted on bits; they could've probably bought a decent saddle for the horse so he didn't have to put up with the junk they were riding in. Now that would have been something that would have been worthwhile.
So if you don't get it done in the snaffle (the basics that a horse needs, the fundamental movements that all horses need to do for whatever you have in mind for them) before moving on to something else, well............you're not going to get it."" - Buck Brannaman.

Image of Buck is by Heather Kessler - https://www.facebook.com/kesslerphoto

01/28/2020

Mycroft found his new home! Congratulations Jodi on your lovely new horse!

10/11/2019

This year was a busy, busy summer and fall! So Olsen and I went out to enjoy some of the last fall colours, and relax. Thanks to all my clients and students that keep coming back to make it another great year!! :)

04/28/2019

Mycroft did great!! I'm so happy with his progress, and we even got some ribbons! Thank you Rose Bush Equestrain for a great show!

04/27/2019

We've come a long way since this photo was taken. Tomorrow is our first show together, wish us luck!

04/04/2019

After a winter of '2 steps forward, 10 steps back' with Mycroft, it felt great to get our first drama-free ride of 2019! Now to get this fuzzy beast in shape again...

03/04/2019

Very proud of these two, on a very successful first drive! Great job Rebecca and Gem!

02/13/2019

Driving 3 abreast with my wonderful neighbor! Bella's first time in the 3 abreast hook up, and she did a great job! A little trust goes a long way. And special thanks to Bob, for his team, and the invitation! :)

12/15/2018

It was a fun afternoon doing sleigh rides for friends and neighbours! I had Bob's excellent team to drive. :)

11/21/2018

Rider spotlight today is Jill (riding Sal). Jill has been riding with Zylstra Equine for a year, she likes riding western, and loves trail rides!

07/28/2018

Nothing better than a girl and her pony! I love teaching this family!

06/23/2018

Meet Hershey, an Icelandic Horse cross! He's here this month for a tune up, and learning to relax out on the trail. He's making good progress!

05/29/2018

Hit the trails at Chickakoo last weekend with some students and friends. Beautiful place to ride!

05/23/2018

Getting in shape for show season! Beautiful evening for a ride.