About

[ ABOUT ACE ]

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.

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

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[ ABOUT NIKA FRIED ]

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.

[ ACE TEAM ]

[ AMANDA GLENN ]

Trainer

Born in Nova Scotia, Amanda has always had a love for horses and began riding at the age of 12, when she quickly decided that horses were her calling. She grew up riding at Reaching Strides Equestrian Center under the instruction of Nadine Bollig. At the age of 14, Amanda began showing in the hunters and by 16 completed her instructor certification as well as her English Equine Canada Level 7. In 2012, Amanda travelled to Alberta and branched out to ranch riding, developing her western riding skills and casually showing with the Alberta Paint Horse Club, as well as attending several clinics under different horsemanship trainers.

Amanda continues with her passion for hunters and jumpers while also developing and training horses. She is currently working with her prospects Doll and Maverick, to develop them into strong performance animals. Along with her own horses, Amanda works with client horses, training them in multiple disciplines. As she continues her equine education, she becomes a stronger believer in training horses to be confident in themselves, creating trusting, safe and willing partners.

From colts to seasoned jumpers Amanda's knowledge and expertise will have you and your horse performing at their optimum.

“I have known Amanda for a number of years. Amanda has been my fall back person when I've had too many horses and not enough time, or when I have needed a horse started over fences.

She has done an excellent and professional job for me, along with taking very good care of my animals.

I would not hesitate to send another horse to her and highly recommend her services.”

-Julie Moorcroft

World Western Dressage Champion

North American Western Dressage Champion

Canadian National Dressage Champion

“Over the last four weeks I have had the privilege to be able to attend Amandas Horsemanship/ Groundwork workshop.

My horse and I were having some behavioural issues due to a disconnection in what I was communicating to her. She began being very forward with me when leading her places, spooking on the Cowboy Challenge Equipment, areas in the barn and out riding. She also refused to load into the trailer and nipping at me when saddling her.

After just attending 1 session I saw a total difference in her demeanor and pushiness. She seemed much less anxious and became calm. By the end of week 2 she began going over the Challenge Equipment. Week 3 I realized that she had stopped nipping at me when saddling. We even went for a 2 hour ditch ride out in the country and not once did she spook or refuse direction. My trailer issues are also resolved.

Amanda does not believe in just one method and is always upgrading her skills and education. She has the ability to understand each horses needs and provide solutions. She also understands why each horse will act differently when presented with a task. Her ability to read horses body language is uncanny and she provided us all with the knowledge of what and what not to do.

I look forward to future workshop or courses that Amanda hosts and hands down I would recommend her Workshops to anyone, or even just one on one sessions with her to sort out any behavioural issues.”

-Rhonda Labas

[ HAILEY WOLSKE ]

Beginner Instructor & Support Staff

Hailey's love of horses began at a young age, participating in gymkhanas in the summer months. While Hailey loved horses, other activities began to take priority while she was growing up and she stopped riding. After graduating high school, she moved to Lethbridge, Alberta where she attended university and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree majoring in Kinesiology and Psychology. While there, she spent countless hours volunteering at the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association, helping individuals with disabilities improve their quality of life through the interactions with horses. In May of 2019, Hailey started riding again for the first time in years at Snow Ridge Stables (Lethbridge) with Maureen Snow. Not long afterwards, in July of 2019, she moved back to Calgary, where she found ScotianBay, leased a horse and started taking lessons regularly with Amanda.

Hailey's passion for learning has improved her knowledge and skills regarding horses. In a few short months, She purchased her first horse, Venus, achieved her Western Rider level 1 and 2, started riding English, and participated in her first hunter show. Hailey plans to continue her Western Rider levels with the goal of obtaining her Western Competition Coach Certification as well as achieving her English Rider levels 1-6 to obtain her Instructor of Beginners English Coaching Certification.

If you're ever at the barn, Hailey will probably be nearby or on her way out to us! She can be found doing chores, exercising horses, or working on barn projects to improve the facility for all our clients. If you ever need a hand, Hailey is always willing to help out!