Jill Malanka Horsemanship & Certified EC Coach

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Jill Malanka Horsemanship & Certified EC Coach Certified EC Coach with over 30 years experience in the Equine Industry teaching safe horsemanship

17/05/2026

May Long weekend…wouldn’t be May Long weekend without snow. 😂😂. Mother Nature clearly missed the memo that it’s May in Logan Lake, BC ❄️🌲
Woke up to snow-covered trees, winter views, and big fluffy flakes falling like it’s the middle of January. As beautiful as it is, I think we’re all ready for spring to make a comeback!

There’s something peaceful about fresh snow on the ranch though… quiet mornings, coffee in hand, and nature doing its thing. 🤍

13/05/2026

This young student started his journey last year by sitting quietly and patiently, watching his older sibling during lessons. I still remember the days when I was asked if Mr. E could join in at the end of his sister’s lesson. What stood out most was not only his patience, but how much he absorbed just by watching and listening.

Fast forward to this year — now it’s his turn. And this is only his 5th or 6th lesson. Young minds are incredibly impressionable, and passion shines through when it’s genuine. Every lesson, he arrives eager to learn and proud to show me what he remembers. That kind of enthusiasm is something special. 💕

Watching him reminds me of my own days standing at the rail, soaking in every moment while watching masters like Jill Henselwood and Ian Millar school horse after horse and coach rider after rider. I learned so much simply by observing.

My dad never bought me a horse. Instead, he invested in lessons, clinics, and education. He always said, “Get a good education so you can afford all the horses you want someday — and have the knowledge to care for them, ride them well, and enjoy adventures together.” Those words stayed with me.

I am so happy to be this young rider’s first coach, helping build a strong foundation based on skills, balance, confidence, and feel. Solid riders are built on solid foundations.

Well done, Mr. E 👍💕

04/05/2026

Day 2 at the VFABC Summer Seminar in Logan Lake, BC 🐎

The large animal rescue sessions were a huge success today, with groups of up to 20 participants. It was incredible to watch so many volunteers—some with little to no experience around horses—gain confidence and hands-on skills.

As always, the horses were steady, patient, and absolutely amazing. Even more impressive was seeing my students step up, take the lead, and help guide others through the learning process. Their growth, leadership, and willingness to support others made today something special.

Proud of this team and the horses who make it all possible.

02/05/2026

VFABC spring seminar in Logan Lake BC hosted by our local firefighters 🔥🐴

My horses were part of a large animal rescue training session, helping firefighters learn how to safely approach, halter, and lead horses. For many, this was their very first time being around one — and they stepped up.

So proud of my group for being calm, steady, and reliable. These are the kinds of moments that truly matter.

30/04/2026

Don’t let this picture fool you — this young rider brings the laughs 😄 but also shows up with grit, focus, and a serious work ethic.

Week after week, she commits to the foundations. And yes… that part can feel repetitive (and sometimes a little boring). But here’s the truth:
Correct position builds muscle memory.
Muscle memory builds confidence.
And repetition builds habits that last.

In my program, we don’t rush the process. We practice until the skill is truly there — then we progress. Skipping steps only creates gaps, and solid riders are built on solid foundations.

Once that independent seat is established, that’s when the real conversation begins — refining communication, understanding feel, and developing finesse. Steering with intention, riding leg to hand, inside leg to outside rein… placing each foot with purpose. It becomes a partnership.

Well done, Miss E. This hasn’t been the easiest road, but you’re building a toolbox that will carry you far beyond the arena.

29/04/2026

Some lessons start long before a rider ever sits in the saddle.

This young rider spent months on the sidelines watching his sister learn… absorbing more than we often give credit for. A busy mind, yes—but also a listening one. Because repetition builds habits, and young minds are always taking it in.

Fast forward to this spring—Mr. E finally steps into the arena.

Third lesson in with Saylor Man… and look at him go. Quiet, focused, and already putting theory into practice.

This is why I teach the way I do:
Correct position → builds muscle memory
Muscle memory → builds confident riders

What you see here isn’t luck. It’s proof that consistency, exposure, and intention matter—whether you’re teaching riders or training horses.

And this is just the beginning. ✨

21/04/2026

This is Ruby 🤍

Ruby came to me as a wild little filly, not even a year old. Her world had already been turned upside down—losing her mother in a tragic accident and left to figure things out far too soon. When she arrived in May 2021, she was a bag of bones, beat up, and scared of everything. No protection, no place in the herd… just survival.

Horses are herd animals, and connection is everything to them. So while I’ve worked hard to build her confidence within a herd, I’ve also made it just as important for her to learn she can be okay on her own too. That independence matters.

But let me tell you… Ruby does NOT agree with that lesson today 😂

The moment I take her paddock buddy away, she makes her feelings very clear. Loud and clear. Because growth isn’t always pretty… and it definitely isn’t always quiet.

From survival to sass—this girl has come a long way 💫

20/04/2026

This student has clear intentions—and it shows.

She’s not just here to be around horses… she’s here to become a rider. The best rider she can be.

She shows up to every lesson prepared, focused, and ready to learn. She listens, she tries, she adjusts—and most importantly, she improves. Just a little bit, every single day.

That’s how great riders are made.

Your hard work, dedication, and intention are paying off. Keep going. 👏🐎

19/04/2026

Meet my ponies 🐴💛—they are absolute social butterflies! They spend hours grooming each other, nuzzling and nibbling each other’s coats like true besties. But put a bucket of treats in front of them… suddenly it’s every pony for themselves! 😂

It’s fascinating because horses are naturally herd animals. In the wild, herds rely on social bonds for safety and support, which is why mutual grooming (also called allogrooming) is so important—it builds trust, reduces stress, and helps keep each other clean.

When it comes to food, however, instincts kick in. Horses have a natural pecking order—a hierarchy that determines who eats first and who yields. The dominant horses usually move the lower-ranking ones aside at mealtime, while the submissive members patiently wait their turn. This is all perfectly normal herd behavior!

So yes, my ponies are sweet, snuggly friends… until the hay hits the floor 🐎💨.

18/04/2026

It’s not about chasing your horse… it’s about connecting with him.

Everything starts on the ground.
Two feet planted. Present. Aware.

In the round pen, the horse has freedom.
Freedom to move… and freedom to choose.

This is where the conversation begins.
Because communication isn’t just telling the horse what to do—
it’s listening to what he’s telling you.

I call it the dance. 💃

Before you can teach a horse, you need his focus.
Before you get his focus, you need his respect.
And before respect… you need a relationship.

In this work, I’m not just moving the horse—I’m engaging his mind.
Keeping him thinking, not reacting.

Chasing a horse into exhaustion doesn’t create connection.
It creates a horse that associates humans with pressure and flight.

And here’s the truth…
If your only tool is chasing, it won’t hold up outside the pen.

Connection will. Every time.

EquestrianLife GroundWork HorseWoman HorseTrainingTips MindfulHorsemanship

01/09/2025

Had a Blast riding my little Horse Ellie in Merritt Pro Rodeo Parade. My heart horse for sure 💕

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8615 Tunkwa Lake Road

VOK1WO

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