“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 | Becky Barber
Beginner Instructor
Becky grew up in Edmonton, and spent all her free time with her dogs and horses. She started riding in a school horse program for 5 years. She branched out and participated in an additional 5 years in 4H where she was the president of a 35 member club. She competed across Alberta winning many championships in gymkhana, western/English equitation and pleasure events. She did however fall in love with jumping. She acquired her first hunter/jumper, Cavo, who taught her lots of skills and took her through the hunter ring in A circuit shows in Alberta.
Becky’s next horse was a 3yo mare, Innka, who she trained and took her up to the 1.15m jumpers. Becky competed and won ribbons consistently across Alberta and BC. Throughout her jumping career, Becky also exercised horses on the Alberta cutting horse circuit and worked in various hunter jumper facilities. Becky now is training a 3 yo Quarter horse, Rosie and Coaching beginners at Advanced Connection Equestrian.
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!