DRESSAGE COACHING
Gillian Sutherland has had 30 years of coaching experience, assisting countless amateur athletes and professional riders and has coached competitive FEI junior/young riders to many medals. She makes equal efforts for all her students, from beginner to Grand Prix. Currently, Gillian teaches at Tollwood Stables, a beautiful barn west of Edmonton, Alberta.
Gillian will always make space for new clients. Please make an appointment to visit us at our private facility and to learn more about the services that she offers!
Photo by SJSmith Photography
Gillian also has availability for teaching clinics and workshops.
Contact Gillian today to inquire about lessons or hosting Gillian at your barn for a clinic.
During a summer clinic, our 9 year old daughter enjoyed her first dressage lesson with Gillian on her pony, who in large had only participated in hunter/humper discipline related activities. Over the course of a year, our daughter and her pony developed from a very inexperienced duo, to competing in their first Dressage shows in Calgary and Edmonton, placing first in many events and even winning Junior Walk Trot Champion. However, even more special than the competitive opportunities that Gillian led our daughter to, was her experiences during lessons and as a student under Gillian's tutelage. Gillian developed our daughter's confidence as a rider, as a young lady, and worked diligently with us to keep our precious pony healthy, strong, and set up for success. Gillian assisted us with proper bits, saddles, tack, etc for our pony. Gillian is, and will always be, an impeccable role model to our daughter and a wealth of knowledge as a coach, to both the rider and the horse.
- Carmen Martens
Gillian has been a huge help to me as my horse Sovereign Hit and I make the step up into FEI. We started working with her a few years ago and her attention to details for the Prix St. George and upwards has really helped us get into the ring. In the spring of 2015 we attended our first CDI and it was thanks to Gillian's coaching that I felt ready to do that. She is an expert at test riding and providing exercises to improve the test movements. And she makes it all fun!
- Sheri Cameron, FEI Competitor
It is rare that a coach so intuitively understands both horse and rider. Although I have only worked with Gillian for four short months, this time has been transformational for both my horse and I. Gillian understands just how much she can push to keep us steadily moving forward in our training without ever overwhelming either of us. She is flexible, patient, and somehow ensures that every ride is a positive experience no matter what the circumstance. Gillian is the type of coach that can move any horse and rider from where they are currently, to where they aspire to be.
- Sarah Clouthier
