“There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse.”

Robert Smith Surtees

About |  A C E 

Nika’s inspiration for Advanced Connection Equestrian. A key element to the art of horseback riding is understanding the relationship between horse and rider. ACE believes that to truly become a successful equestrian, you have to know and understand the horse not just in the saddle, but also on the ground. It is this connection, this intuitive bond and committed partnership between human and horse which makes the equestrian sport so unique.

 

With time the horse will mirror aspects of the rider’s emotional, mental and physical state. Besides picking up on a rider’s patterns of muscular tension, the horse also picks up on the rider’s emotions. This is why the same horse can have different responses to various individuals. The stronger the bond between the horse and person, the more likely it is that they will share such a relationship. Understanding this advanced connection is what we are all about.

 

ACE strives to create strong, knowledgeable equestrians who can reach their highest potential. Through the training programs that ACE has to offer, we are able to assist horse and rider in achieving their goals.

About | Nika Fried 

OWNER [Coach, Official, Rider and Competitor]

Nika started riding at the age of four, competing extensively in hunters until the age of twelve. Her passion for horses and riding flourished over the years as she continued to successfully compete in hunters and jumpers, while exploring other disciplines such as cattle penning and barrel racing. Always wanting to continue her equine education, Nika pursued her rider levels and completed her Equine Canada Instructor of Beginners Certification in 2014.

 

With her natural leadership abilities, Nika found a love for teaching and developing equestrians. Nika has refined her abilities through shadowing numerous Coaches and Judges, and has attended clinics for riding, coaching, judging, and course design. In 2017 Nika completed her Equine Canada Competition Coach Certification and became a Provincial Official Hunter/Jumper Judge. Nika established herself by managing lesson programs, organizing horse shows, and preparing students and clients for and how to be successful in competitions. Now running her own facility, Nika loves being able to share her passion with others, she continues to develop herself as a Coach, Official, Rider and Competitor.

About | Haylee Labas

Beginner Instructor

Haylee brings over 12 years of equestrian experience, a journey that began with the arrival of her gelding, Spartan, at just a year old. Under the mentorship of Nika, she successfully trained and broke Spartan at the age of two and a half, cultivating a profound appreciation for the intricacies of horse training.

Her riding journey progressed with a step-up horse named Maui, solidifying her commitment to the discipline. Equestrian pursuits have become an essential aspect of her life, with ACE serving as both a second home and a vibrant community.

Haylee has long aspired to teach within the equestrian field and is grateful for the opportunity to pursue this ambition. When she is not at the barn, she dedicates time to her family business, grooming dogs, or enjoying the outdoors with her three companions, Gordo, Capone, and Hippo, the latter of whom frequently accompanies her to the barn.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Haylee’s journey. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and passion for horses with others in the community.

Contact: haylee@advancedconnectionequestrian.com

 

 

About | Sarah Knight – Coming Soon…

Your Equine at Optimal Health

Stance EQ Canada carries products that address all kinds of concerns in your equine. Whether it is to optimize a major health concern, or improve your equine’s overall performance!

Take a look below at Stance Products, and ask us any questions on which product is right for your equine!