Monica in the Spotlight!
Monica joined the MCEQ team in 2019 and has quickly established herself as a knowledgeable, experienced senior coach with an avid following.
What led you to start your job at MC Equestrian?
Monica recalls “Funnily enough I had had 2 friends mention I should get in touch with Dee. Then quite by chance, I was at a function and got introduced to Dee by a former student. We got talking and quickly established we had the same vision and professionalism in this industry….and the rest is history!”
What does your typical day at MC Equestrian involve?
My day is spent coaching horse riding lessons and schooling our MCEQ horses and our agisters privately owned horses.
Tell us about your experience prior to joining the MC Equestrian Riding School?
I have been a full time riding coach since 1995. Prior to this I was a ski instructor in Canada however, I was still into horses. I have never had an office job in my life - to me it would feel like doing homework every day! I love my job and I do consider myself quite lucky!
Tell us about a funny horse at MCEQ?
I just love Nimbus as he has so much personality. If he was human I would classify him as the class clown. One day I was coaching a lesson and Nimbus was walking sideways and kinking his neck at funny angles. My student asked why he was behaving so peculiar, and I eventually realised her Mother, who was sitting at the side of the arena, was eating a packet of chips. Nimbus was just trying to get himself closer to the chips! He is obsessed with food and even other people eating food! He’s definitely a real character.
Tell us about your horses?
I am fortunate enough to own 2 Irish Sport Horse mares called Frosty and Envy. I had always said I would NEVER own a grey or definitely a mare, and now I have two!! They are both gentle giants, who are 17hh and 17.1hh siblings. My daughter (who also works at MCEQ) and I love competing with both horses and we argue who gets to ride who. Although they look like twins, they have their own unique personalities. Frosty knows our car, and neighs on approach. Envy loves cuddles and lots of attention. We are busy most weekends either competing or attending clinics in dressage, showjumping and cross country.
Tell us about a favourite horse adventure you have been on?
In 2020 I took the kids back to Canada and we did a trail ride in the snow, which was amazing. Whilst we were in Whistler Mountain, we did a beautiful night time sleigh ride with 2 giant Clydesdales at the helm. The scenery was stunning and being surrounded by snow in the evening with the twinkling lights is something we will never forget.
What do you like best about working at MC Equestrian?
I am truly passionate about teaching people to ride and really love my clients. I enjoy seeing the improvement in my riders over time and it really makes my day! I am passionate about horses and working outdoors, so MC Equestrian is the perfect place for me. It’s even more enjoyable that I get to work with such a great team of people that really care about horse welfare. Horses are the best colleagues!