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 Joan's story Joan's 
  passion for horses started while riding backyard ponies and through Pony
  Club. Joan  became a
  certified Canadian Equestrian Coach 
 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.  Integrating Balimo exercises and it’s methodology 
  into her teaching  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). June 2011, Joan returned for two weeks to Germany to take exams for her Silver Performance Medal. 
            September 2011,  she 
spent the month studying to take her International Trainer A license
  (equivalent to EC Coach 3).  
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