Jessica Sparrow

Bachelors of Commerce, University of Calgary (2008)
Equine Science Certificate (with Distinction), University of Guelph (2015)
Alberta Equine Federation Certified Coach (2014) Instructor of Beginner with Jump
Teacher’s Course Trainee, School of Légèreté (3 year program, to finish in 2020)
Technical Large Animal Rescue Awareness Course (TLAR), Olds College
Equine First Aid & Basic Health Care, Olds College
First Aid/CPR C

Dressage: My main passion and pursuit in riding! I have never had skills on the dance-floor but riding a dressage test feels like you are dancing with the horse. I strongly feel that dressage basics are the foundation for any horse training and ALL styles of riding.
Jumping: Nothing can compare to the rush of flying over a jump with your horse! One of my favorite all-time memories of riding was at a hunt with some friends.
Groundwork: I genuinely enjoy lunging and in-hand work with the horse. It can improve your communication with them and their understanding of what you want. I don’t mean the traditional stand-in-a-circle and move your horse around lunging - that doesn’t accomplish anything. Circles, squares, change of directions, poles, transitions, etc. should all be done with consistency.
Driving: It started as a surprise for my mother for her birthday - I taught my Arabian to pull a cart so that she could go for a ‘ride’. It was challenging for me to learn a new skill/set of equipment but as always I was up for the adventure! A few year’s later I taught my TWH Solo to drive as well.

Western Riding/Extreme Cowboy: It can be hard for my friends to believe but I actually started riding western and even competed my first year in the show ring strictly western! After we purchased my first horse we had to switch to English riding but I still enjoy riding my TWH western at the Stampede. Solo and I have also tried our hand at a few Extreme Cowboy events - the ultimate test of horse trust and willingness.