Creekside Equestrian

08/29/2024

Looking forward to taking this pair to their first dressage show together! Ari has done a fabulous job taking the reins with Jessi and I look forward to seeing them in the ring together.

08/28/2024

I currently have room in my fall schedule for training horses! if you would like to get your horse started under saddle, get a tune up or are looking for a program to join- lets chat!

Training focuses on dressage and incorporating basics for all disciplines, suppleness and engagement as well as relaxation both physically and mentally.

Horses coming for under saddle starting are required to be booked in for 3 months.

References available!

08/27/2024

Welcome to 🇨🇦 Zoya! But also welcome to the barn! Congrats to Drew on the purchase on her new Danish WB mare. Thank you for entrusting us with the care and development of your goals and guidance through the process of your search!

12/28/2023

“Since horses can’t tell you they’re in pain, a viable option is to just assume that they are and make bodywork a part of their normal routine, just like the farrier or dentist would be” Gabriel Gandzjuk

The MagnaWave has been a huge game changer for my personal dressage and breeding horses as well as others I have in training and their riders but also my self and dog that has recently under gone surgery.

From everything to relieving muscle soreness, joint stiffness, oxygenating cells and promoting healing, the MagnaWave continues to add comfort and relaxation to those who invest in the benefits.

If you, your dog or horse are living with
-muscle soreness
-arthritis
-injuries
-any other aches and pains (especially from chronic illness)
I would be happy to chat about this great device that runs on the same technology as the bemer set everyone is raving about give me a shout- I’d be happy to pay a visit!

10/04/2023

There’s a difference between a rider and a trainer. I’m not talking about the difference between an AA and a Pro. A “rider” is someone who rides the horse, doing what the horse already knows. Certainly you can be a good rider or not so good. And you can even be a Grand Prix “rider.” And that’s nothing to sneeze at! Learning to be a really good rider is a huge accomplishment. You keep the horse where they are in their training. Hopefully through good riding you keep them fit, happy, confident, keep their minds and bodies sound. All wonderful things.

A “trainer” is different, though. A trainer is able to assess a horse, and come up with a path to improve the way the horse goes and then hopefully teach the horse new things. A trainer needs a very inquisitive mind, needs to be bold enough to push the envelope sometimes, and needs enough grit to work through the inevitable mistakes that will arise. Mistakes are no fun, especially when you’re on a 1200 lb animal, who might tell you that you made a big one 😳 But there’s no learning without mistakes. And as a trainer - that’s your job. Your horse is going to have to learn new things from you. New movements, yes, but also new concepts (that we often call “the basics”) that really change the way they use their body.

Are people just naturally “riders” or “trainers?” Sometimes. I’ve met some young kids who just intuitively wanted to train their horse, and not just ride him. But I’ve also met plenty of people who were “riders” and over time became very effective “trainers.”

Want to be more of a trainer? Learn to assess a horse’s strengths and weaknesses. Learn when to push and when to just cruise for a while. What do you do when you run into a problem that’s tricky or one you didn’t expect? All of these can be learned, mostly from horses who will teach you but hopefully from an educated and patient trainer who has run into whatever problem you’re having many times before. That’s why great trainers still work with another trainer themselves. Always more to learn. Always a new problem to solve, and no single person has all the answers. I’m so grateful to all the trainers who helped and are still helping me learn!!

01/02/2023

Things your riding instructor wants you to know: Pt1

1. This sport is hard. You don't get to bypass the hard…..every good rider has gone through it. You make progress, then you don't, and then you make progress again. Your riding instructor can coach you through it, but they cannot make it easy.
2. You're going to ride horses you don't want to ride. If you're teachable, you will learn from every horse you ride. Each horse in the barn can teach you if you let them. IF YOU LET THEM. Which leads me to…
3. You MUST be teachable to succeed in this sport. You must be teachable to succeed at anything, but that is another conversation. Being teachable often means going back to basics time and time and time again. If you find basics boring, then your not looking at them as an opportunity to learn. Which brings me to…..
4. This sport is a COMMITMENT. Read that, then read it again. Every sport is a commitment, but in this sport your teammate weighs 1200 lbs and speaks a different language. Good riders don't get good by riding every once in awhile….they improve because they make riding a priority and give themsevles opportunity to practice.l

12/08/2022

We are so fortunes to have clients that appreciate our efforts and level of horse care.

Remember- your horses care givers are cold!! A nice message goes a long way and winter has just begun! If you have been staying cozy at home then count yourself blessed that you feel confident your horse is doing well in their care givers hands.

Between extra feed and ensuring enough water intake, electrolytes, proteins and forage balance is important in the cold temps!

Luckily we notice everything and soon enough that they just need a small shot of something extra to perk them back up again and avoiding an emergency. How quickly dullness is notices can hugely impact the time it takes for your horse to peek back up.

Sending a message to thank your care team for their efforts for genuinely caring about your horse costs $0.00!

When your horses care givers go the extra mile- it shows!!

11/09/2022

We’re hiring for morning barn help!

We are looking for someone who is honest, reliable and has good horse sense to help out with morning care for our training, school and breeding horses.

Tasks include feeding horses hay and grain, watering and cleaning a small amount of stalls.

Shifts would be 2-3 hours in the morning during the week and or weekends. Scheduling can be flexible.

Prior horse experience is a must. Confidence around higher energy show horses and frisky playful foals is required.

We are 5 minutes west of Winnipeg.

11/08/2022

Just a gentle reminder 🫶

I get it,
We are all busy. Self absorbed, distracted. All the things.
What is important to you? Do those in your life who are important to you, know that they are?
They should… and that is your job.

Your people. Well..take care of them, best you can.

Your horses? Well them too.
What does that mean?

It means noticing.
It means time.
It means caring.
It means effort.
It means try.
So do it.
Try.
Care.
Work.
Be honest, work hard, care, then try some more.
That is what life is.
It takes guts and heart, caring and effort.
But….
In the long run…if you do your part, what you can with what you have.
Well, then you can sleep easy.
Cheers folks,
Yvonne

10/10/2022

I love the vibes of a holiday morning lesson! 🍂🍁 Ava, Lauren and Blakely stay so dedicated! Happy Thanksgiving all! We are so grateful for our barn family and horses!

09/19/2022

Congratulations to another horse and rider who have found their perfect match. Sara and Smiley will have all the adventures together!

09/19/2022

NEW horse alert 🚨

Welcome to Creekside, Zippo!

Zippo is settling in great and will be in training to join our school program. He will be a great mount for some of our students to level up with!

08/29/2022

You asked and we’re planning! A fall fun show is in the works 🍂🍁

Save the date for the Creekside Fall Classic October 30th. Dressage tests, costume class and grass root fun classes will be offered!

I will be emailing a prizelist and entry form to all Creekside riders in the next week or so. If you are not a current Creekside rider, let me know if you would like the info send to you!

08/17/2022

Available for a FREE LEASE is Mr Tall,Dark & Handsome- Risk!

Risk is a client owned OTTB who has been lightly started a couple times and then given time off due to no fault of his own.

He has your “typical bay gelding” personality. Disposition for an advanced beginner but athletic enough for intermediate to advanced rider.

Weekly lessons with one of our coaches is required. Free PEMF sessions available.

DM for more info or to book a meeting! EDIT- free lease does not mean $0. Board and expenses are to be paid, cost of lease is waived.

08/10/2022

What is "flooding", and why can this concept be harmful?

In recent years the term "flooding" became a buzzword among many horse people. It started out with a distinct meaning; it was a helpful term to define overloading a horse's stimulus to the point he or she would end up mentally shutting down and going into flight mode, or introverting his emotions, instead of successfully working through pressure.
However, now it's tossed around so flippantly as an easy criticism by everyone and their brother that it's almost become harmful to the industry and good trainers who are doing a good job.

Just because someone is progressing with a horse faster than you know how to, doesn't mean they're flooding it.

Just because a horse is pushed beyond its comfort zone, doesn't mean it's being "flooded".

Just because a horse is naturally expressing nervousness or confusion during training, doesn't mean it's being "flooded."

Just because someone roped a mustang, instead of spending a month trying to get it to let them touch its nose, doesn't mean it was "flooded".

Just because you don't understand another trainer's process, doesn't mean that trainer is "flooding" horses.

Let me tell you how you can tell if a horse is being flooded or not.
Simply put, a horse who's being negatively flooded will progressively become more anxious and shut down about a particular obstacle or exercise over time.
Whereas a horse who's safely being pushed beyond his comfort zone, with the right feel and timing, will continually make progress toward confidence and relaxation.

You'll never truly know how to feel the distinction if you never make the mistakes that will teach you. On a weekly basis, I see people who have such little experience, ridiculing trainers who are making a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of horses.

You cannot become a great horseman, without first being a poor one. There's no way around it. As long as you're truly putting the horse's future and wellbeing ahead of your ego, you're on the right path. So let's stop constantly criticizing those who really have put the time in. I know it makes us feel better, and you may look holier on paper, but when the rubber meets the road, or the tarp meets the horse, you begin to find out that things aren't as simple as the buzzwords make them seem.

From the very first step of the very first exercise, our goal is to build confidence and relaxation in the horses we work with. The faster we can do that, the better.

Just because one person spends a year trying to instill trust and confidence with their horse, and another trainer does it in a matter of weeks, doesn't mean the slow training process was better. It was just slower. You don't get bonus points for slow.

Now that's not to say that there aren't some horses that require much more time to reach the same level as other horses. We regularly have horses in that, because of how they're wired, require a much slower foundational training process than the average horse. And that's okay, each horse let's us know how much it can handle. But I'm not really addressing that issue, so much as I'm talking about different training approaches as a whole.

My point is that fast isn't always bad, and slow isn't always good.
Slow and correct is better than fast and wrong, but fast and correct beats both.

The horse will always tell you if he's been flooded or not. Reassess and readjust as needed.

Let's keep our egos out of the way and the horse will always win. 👍

-Jacqueline Zacharias

08/09/2022

Another perfect home for another horse! Made it safely to Saskatchewan and all settled in. B will have the best care where her potential is recognized. ❤️

07/09/2022

Charlie and having amazing rides!

06/19/2022

Bacardi

12 yo Paint pony. 14.1 hands.

Very sweet, loves bathing, easy to handle. Used is a couple beginner lessons and she was great.

She would make a great pony club pony or something fun to continue training for an adult. She is good on trails, more energy some days than others but still very manageable.

06/10/2022

We are hiring!

Creekside is looking to fill a part time position. We are home to a lesson program, broodmares & foals, show horses & stallions as well as client horses in Headingley, MB.

Jobs consistent of:
-feeding hay and grain
-watering
-assisting with broodmare and foal care
-cleaning a few stalls

Dependant on experience and skill set other tasks could range from grooming, assisting with stallions, show prep, using a small tractor or exercising show horses.

Candidate must be reliable, have horse experience and work well with others as our barn is very barn family oriented.

Please email [email protected] with:
-barns you have worked at (if any)
-experience with horses
-references

Competitive pay with the option to free lease/take lessons.

06/09/2022

True Words:

Let’s talk about the lack of quality coaching and lack of standards in the equine industry. For example, kids learning with someone who claims to be an "coach" and all they learned is how to see-saw a horse's head down and chuck their body over a fence like a champion. All coaching is not equal.

But what happens when you have a good coach? One that opens their program to you, takes you under his/her wing? Becomes invested in your success? When you essentially become part of the "family"...

Eventually, something will happen...

Coach tells you that you are not Karen O'Connor 2.0, and not ready to make the move up to the next level.
Coach says you need to go back and fix some holes in your training.
Coach says you have developed a bad habit, and it needs to be fixed before you can accomplish your goals.
Coach says you need to make sure that your horse is being ridden (not just hanging out at the barn).
Coach says you need to dedicate more time to studying the sport, not just riding.
Coach says it isn't a "horse" problem, it is a "you" problem.

People have become increasingly more reactionary. More easily offended. In lieu of everyone getting a trophy, it is so hard to hear these words from people you admire. Some of the best coaches will be the toughest. Not ones that tear you apart constantly, but coaches that aren't afraid to have the tough conversations with you. Or conversations that you may not have wanted to have.

But remember, a good coach is in YOUR corner. They want YOU to achieve success. They dedicate so much more than an hour of time to your growth not only as a rider but as a horseman. Maybe you are burning the candle at both ends (and in the middle), and you need a reality check that this sport requires more of your time and focus.

These conversations can hurt, but while it may sting at first.... take a second. Think about why your coach is against you moving up right now, why your coach is saying to wait until the summer to be a working student, why your coach is saying that you should not enter the show until the homework and flat work is done.

Surround yourself with coaches that aren't afraid to have these tough conversations with you. You don't want or need a "cheerleader" coach. You are paying you for your coach’s expertise... the positives and the criticism. Let them help make the best decisions for your horse, and for your program. The lessons on the horse and the lessons off of the horse. Are you ready? Are you doing what is best by your horse? You owe it to yourself and your horse....

*** Copied and modified from Courtney Sendak

06/08/2022

Sara’s first evening of lessons was a success! Our super school horses Sprint and Stadic make our jobs easy! Good Arabians!

06/07/2022

and her baby horse Jinxy super stars tonight ⭐️

06/02/2022

Current sales list

14 yo Arabian Mare mid 4’s
19 yo Arabian Mare low 4’s
12 yo Paint pony Mare mid 4’s
8 yo OTTB gelding mid 4’s

05/26/2022

Exciting news! We would like to introduce the newest additions to the Creekside lesson program- Our new coach, Sara and her horse, Stadic!

Sara Vienna is the newest coach at Creekside Equestrian. With a background in both English and Western disciplines, Sara is a well rounded horse person.

Sara has been riding since the age of 7 and has been a horse owner since the age of 12. With 4 years of equestrian coaching experience, you and your family will be in great hands to learn the basics up to mid level dressage. She also has some background with NLP training to communicate effectively for optimal learning and understanding.

Sara has experience with Arabians, Warmbloods, and more with an experience specialty in the dressage ring.

Sara has had TW Stadacona (aka Stadic) the Arabian gelding for over half her life and has competed successfully in both English and Western style Dressage. They have done everything together from gymkhana to jumping to trail and even cows.

Keep up to date with Sara and Stadic on Instagram to see what exciting things they are up to with their students!

02/19/2022

‼️ Available ‼️

Charlie is an 8yo RM gelding available for a half lease/part board at CE.

Charlie is a young horse with a great mind, sense of humour and possesses the quality to challenge his riders to find feel and timing of the aids. He is currently a strong 1st level dressage horse (with talent to go higher) who likes to jump on the side.

Opportunity to show and for the right candidate, a working student position.

Charlie is best suited for an intermediate/advanced rider.

PM for prices and more info

02/18/2022

🌟RARE OPPORTUNITY🌟

Due to some recent sales there are some exciting opportunities available for new clients in the Spring.

If your interested in joining our team to enlighten your riding and your horses training, have a supportive dressage rider community that is breed inclusive (we have horses all breeds, from Standardbred, TB, WB, Arabian and QH) and offers quality care then taking a peek at what Creekside Equestrian has to offer is worth your while.

Our facility offers:
Indoor arena
Outdoor dressage ring
Open trails
Large pens with shelters
Easy access to water/hay/mineral
Quality nutrition (hay and grain)
A great group of riders who are kind, fun and helpful
Roomy tack up/grooming area
Generous tack storage spots
Positive and professional relationships with our vets and farrier
5 minute drive to Elders Equine
Appointment management
Heated equestrian lounge with appliances, TV and fire place
Easy 5 minutes drive from Winnipeg
On-site trainer/coach (international rider)
Assistant jr. trainer
In barn Equine Massage Therapist
On-site PEMF MagnaWave & Light Therapy
Training and lesson packages for all budgets

We also have lease and half lease opportunities available!

Please DM for more info such as pricing and package details.

We look forward to hearing from you!

01/17/2022

‘s baby horse growing into herself so nicely! After a big growth spurt these two are getting back on track!

01/16/2022

Percy, the special 5 yo Standardbred has been in training for a few months getting a good start under saddle and his mom got to take him for a spin yesterday! It very evidently went well and they were able to connect!

12/24/2021

Wishing you a safe and Merry Christmas! 🎄

12/17/2021

Easy going horses oftentimes get the worst start under saddle and the horse is the one that pays the price later.

Sure those easy going horses may be simple to get on, walk around on and build up from there, but that’s the problem.

When an owner, or even sometimes a professional with not enough experience, starts working with a really easy going horse they inevitably get to thinking about all the things they’ll be able to do really soon and start skipping steps.

They skip the very steps, the very building blocks that build a solid foundation in a horse’s education and sets them up for success the rest of their lives.

How do I know???

Because for years now our training barn has been filled with sexy, beautiful, good minded, quick learning horses who now have quirks, ‘bad habits’ and started doing dangerous behaviors no one saw coming because the horse was ‘such an easy start and so good minded’.

Your horse only gets one start.

Whether you’re investing your own time to start your own horse or you are investing your hard earned money to have a qualified professional start your horse- I have one thing to say to you: commit.

Commit to seeing that your horse gets the very best start to their education as one day life circumstances may radically shift and the horse’s life and well being could depend on that very education.

[And for the type A horse people reading this, committing does not mean micromanaging, that never serves a relationship positively.]

The key to keeping horse’s out of rescues and life threatening situations is a solid foundation in their education. And you may think- ‘my horse would never end up there’ but todays circumstances don’t matter. It is about tomorrow for your horse. It doesn’t matter how good looking, well bred or who owns a horse. With just a few series of events a horse could find themselves in a life threatening situation and it can be their education that bails them out.

They get one start. Commit to it. It is your responsibility. See it through. Don’t skip steps. Take the time it takes. It’s the beginning of the rest of their life.

-Colton Woods