"There has never been a day where I haven't been involved
with horses - somehow. If I'm not working with them, I am at
least thinking about them!......P. Ann Turner"
My riding career was well on its way by the time I was 10 years
old, competing in flat classes and low jumpers. By the time
I had moved from Jamaica to Ontario in 1978, I had acquired
a solid background in a more European style dressage seat, by
training with equestrians such as Jack LeGoffe, Peggoty Henriques,
Captain Mark Phillips, Jan Royce Conant and Eventing with Robin
Hahn just to name a few. When I wasn't riding, to further my
knowledge of horsemanship, I would seek out work as a vet's
assistant at various equine hospitals. My experience comes from
all angles but my passion is rehabilitating the injured equine
athlete and the recovery of "lost prospects".
I have put my passion to work at Wit's End Farms.
1978 - 1982 Minesing, Ontario, Canada
Worked as a cowgirl, riding and breaking
horses off the meat trucks. This opportunity availed me of
several different breeds and many abuse cases. One of my first
prospects was an Arab/Percheron mare that became National
Champion Endurance Ride Horse for Canada in 1988.
1982 - 1992 Knockpatrick, Jamaica
Rode and retrained thoroughbred racehorses
off the track. One of which, "Iron Bird", (a grandson
of Secretariat), I took to Intermediare II.
Obtained corporate sponsorship and with
the help of Robin Hahn, found the horse that would see me
long-listed for the Pan Am games as an individual for my country
(Jamaica).
Coached one year with Jan Royce Conant
- FEI judge and USET dressage coach.
Coached one year with Livia Mann, member
of the Belgian Dressage Team.
Continued work rehabilitating race horses,
and injuries specific to polo ponies. Bowed tendons, suspensory
strains, hock strains and rear-end pulls became my constant
student workload.
1987 founded, owned and operated Dalkeith
Riding School in Knockpatrick, Jamaica with a 30-horse lesson
string as well as operated largest tourist trail riding operation
in Jamaica.
Consultant to equestrian operations for
Sandals, and Hedonism resort hotels in Negril, Jamaica where
I was dispatched to the United States to purchase lesson horses
for a start-up equestrian operation.
Trained horses, taught all levels of riders,
adults and children (two of which competed for Jamaica in
the (Annette Lyn and Muna Heaven) Caribbean games in Puerto
Rico and Columbia.
Became certified Special Olympics Coach
and as such brought two of my students to the Special Olympics
in Minneapolis/St. Paul in 1990.
With donated sand from a local gravel
company, built a community riding arena together with Alpart
Alumina partners where the average was 4 students per class,
3 times a day and 4 shows a year managing 9 horses and up
to 20 kids.
1992 – 2006 Victoria, Langley, Abbotsford, B. C. Canada
Taught for 3 years at Bear Hill Riding
School in Saanich near Victoria.
Ran summer camps for students of all ages
and abilities including mentally challenged teenagers.
1994 became certified as an equine massage
therapist, graduating from the Equissage Equine Sports Massage
Therapy course in the State of Virginia.
Started building movement towards equine
rehabilitation as tool for recovery by administering to clientele
such as Leslie Reid and Mark, A-Circuit coach Bobbie Reber,
and Marion O'Conner from Cocolalla Farms in Idaho. (see A
Radical Recovery one of our archived online articles).
Conceptualized, designed, and implemented
first-ever, equine sports massage therapy and spa at Sumas
Mountain, B.C.
1994 – present Taught
Lectures and gave many hands - on Workshops
Basic Introduction to Equine Massage
Therapy
The Young Horse Age 0 - 5 years, The
Older Horse - Age 15 and over
The Problem Horse, Basic Introduction
to Chinese Medicine
Taught classes at Kwantlen college and UCFV
Travelled to Powell River and Port McNeill to give seminars
In 1997 became a contributor to Horse Action Magazine, and
have continued to have my articles pubolished in magazines
like the Chronicle of the Horse, Holistic Horse, and the B.C
Horseman’s Guide.
2001 Wits End Farms is Born
In May of 2001 my husband and I purchased a
6 acre farm in Abbotsford, B.C. where we designed and built
the barn, paddocks, ring etc., to accommodate our therapeutic
rehabilitation centre. Together we operate doing Structural
Alignment, Massage Therapy, herbs, homeopathy and a variety
of treatments in our holistic practice.
EDUCATION & ASSOCIATIONS
Completed Grade 13
Alpha Commercial College - Basic Secretarial
and Business course (one year)
Blue Ribbon One and Two - Sales and Marketing
- Braemar Ladies Fashions
