Horsemanship
Equine Experiences at Cheekye Ranch
At Cheekye Ranch, we believe that horses have a profound ability to bring humans into a present state, fostering deep connections through energy, respect, and trust. Our approach to horsemanship is centered on mindful interaction, allowing participants to develop confidence, awareness, and harmony with these incredible animals.
Our programs
We offer horsemanship lessons and a range of therapeutic experiences, led by certified coaches who are dedicated to helping individuals build meaningful relationships with horses. Whether you're seeking personal growth, emotional healing, new to horses or an experienced rider, our programs provide a safe and supportive environment to explore the transformative power of horse-human connection.
Horsemanship Lessons
Learn the fundamentals of groundwork, riding, and horse communication with guidance from our experienced instructors.
Stephanie Golder
Stephanie owns Squamish Therapeutic Horse Riding and primarily teaches neuro-diverse students on Pipps, a 10 year old American Paint.
She is now available to teach clients who own or lease their own horse at Cheekye Ranch.
Stephanie has been riding horses for 35 years. She started riding as a child in the UK and grew up doing Pony Club, and competing in the sports of Tetrathlon and Eventing. Since moving to Canada, she has worked at one of the largest certified Therapeutic Riding Facilities in the country, developed her own thoroughbred from off the track, up to Preliminary Eventing and Second Level Dressage, and coached a number of students looking to start their equestrian journey.
Her focus is on developing young equestrians, from beginner to intermediate.
A foundation of classical dressage, stable management, and horsemanship make up the main content of lessons.
Contact Stephanie at in_the_saddle@hotmail.com or 780-832-5012 for further information
Dakota Van Hullebush
My introduction to horses came at an early age, my first memories are filled with them. I started formal riding lessons at age six and joined Pony Club, where I developed a strong foundation in equine care and management over my years of involvement with horses as I grew older.
After taking some time off, I refocused my approach to training. I began developing a training program that prioritizes therapeutic movement, correct posture, and natural self-carriage. I emphasize the importance of body language, intent, and fostering a quiet, receptive state of mind in horses.
My training approach is centered around building athleticism and longevity, while cultivating honest connection between horse and human.
While my main focus lies in colt starting, I am also fully insured to offer lessons in groundwork and riding, in both English and Western disciplines.
Please reach out if you are interested in Lessons: dakotacoltandequine@gmail.com
Annie McKenzie
CEST
Annie is a lifelong horsewoman and a dedicated equestrian. Starting her riding career at age 5, her background includes eventing and reined cowhorse. Annie is a certified equine sports therapist, graduating class of 2016 from BCCET. She believes in a whole-horse approach to training, integrating both positive (R+) and negative reinforcement (R-).
She has apprenticed under Olympic equestrian Robin Hahn, champion reined cow horse trainer Doug Mills, and Hall of Fame rider Travis Rempel. With experience ranging from starting colts to finishing bridle horses, her goal is to cultivate a soft, willing partnership between horse and rider.
Annie combines posture-correct training with horsemanship, using everything from round pen exercises to in-the-saddle work. Above all, she strives to make the learning process fun, educational, and productive.
She is not currently taking clients.
Therapeutic Programs
Engage in equine-assisted therapies designed to promote emotional well-being, mindfulness, and self-discovery.
Develop a deeper understanding of non-verbal communication and energy exchange between humans and horses. Incorporating the stories and personalities of our rescue horses, these sessions help to foster healing and create a deeper bond with the animals.
Desirée Sher
Certified Equine-Supported Life Coach, EASLC, Reg. CA (BC)
Desirée is a certified equine-supported life coach, meditation and mindfulness teacher, and breath practitioner with a lifelong love of horses. Her obsession with these majestic animals began at the age of 7 when she got her first horse, sparking a journey that would shape her life and career. Her coaching journey started in 2008 as a fitness coach, evolving into health coaching before stepping into equine-supported coaching in 2024 with her mares, Skye and Jewel. Desirée’s programs at SCCR offer a safe and sacred space for those seeking refuge from the busyness of life. Through mindfulness practices, meditation, and the healing presence of horses, she gently guides participants toward inner peace, clarity, comfort, and a deeper connection with themselves and the natural world.
If you're looking for support, healing, or simply a moment of stillness in the company of horses, come visit us. Learn more about Desirée, her horses, and her offerings at soulspacecoaching.ca.
Taryn Brown
EQUUS REIGNS, Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL®) programs
What is FEEL?
Welcome to a healing modality where you partner with horses at liberty, while experiencing facilitated groundwork activities. This approach of ‘learning through doing’, helps you gain personal discoveries with a horse as your guide. As the facilitator, I create and hold space for you, and provide observations and feedback to further enhance your experience.
The foundation of this approach is emotional agility, self-awareness, self-regulation, safe and healthy boundary setting, intuitive awareness and spiritual connections.
Who is this for?
Are you looking for balance and grounding? Do you feel disconnected from your body?
Do you want to feel more connected to your heart?
Are you interested in horses but are afraid of them?
Are you experiencing anxiety or burnout?
Do you want to expand your intuition?
Do you want to experience empowered leadership?
*Sessions are suitable for ages 13 and up.
Programs
Individual sessions
Partner sessions
Retreats
Contact Taryn at tarynbrowndesigns@gmail.com for further information.
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Start Your Journey
Whether you're looking to build confidence, deepen your connection with horses, or explore the benefits of equine-assisted learning, we’re here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our programs and find the perfect fit for your experience level and goals.