Let me introduce myself ... did I mention that I like dressage?

Joan's bio

Joan's passion for horses started while riding backyard ponies and through Pony Club. As a young adult she became a working student
with Canadian Eventing coach Michael Herbert, FBHS.  Discovering dressage led her to train with German instructor Dr. Renate Peiper, who encouraged Joan to go to Germany to achieve her Bronze Reiterabzeichen (Rider Performance Medal). 

Joan  became a certified Canadian Equestrian Coach and began riding with Jane Rincker, whose eye for detail proved very influential. The Canadian dressage scene was strong and provided clinic auditing  opportunities from such Masters as Shultheis, Peilicke, Michaelis, Nigli, deKunffy, Schumacher, Balkenhol and Zettl. 

joanwluca Moving to a farm in Prince Edward County gave Joan the opportunity to offer lessons and training, while continuing to ride and train her own horses. 

While raising a family and assisting in her husband’s business, Joan began her next phase of riding with the help of Eddo Hoekstra. His enthusiasm and dedication for Classical riding principles advanced both her competitive and training aspirations.

In 2005, Joan discovered  Balimo.  With Jill Hassler-Scoop's support, Joan 'signed on' for her Balimo 'journey'.  Over the next two years, she attended several Seat Symposiums and Instructor Training Workshops.  Working with Eckart Meyners and Hannes Müller proved beneficial to both Joan’s riding and teaching.  The idea that ‘striving for excellence’ can be an amazing learning journey, especially when partnered with a four legged friend, has made this program particularly meaningful.

Joan graduated as a Balimo  Instructor graduate in  2007 and was  invited by Hannes Müller to attend the German Riding School - for an intensive week of training in October 2007.   It was a truly unique opportunity.

 Integrating Balimo  exercises and it’s methodology into her teaching is rewarding - helping both horses and riders improve their way of going.  With this in mind, Joan looks forward to meeting you and your horse and the potential for a shared experience!

 September 2010, Joan spent a month in Germany, studying under Martin Plewa. She was successful in passing  her Trainer B license in BOTH dressage AND jumping! (equivalent to EC Coach 2). 
Silver class
       June 2011,  Joan returned for two weeks to Germany to take exams for her Silver Performance Medal.  

And in September 2011, she spent the month studying to take her  International Trainer A license
(equivalent to EC Coach 3).

  Joan  looks forward to sharing her  knowledge and expertise with the riding community.


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