Sponsorships

Dana Cooke

Coach:  Rebecca Howard: The Fork Stables, Norwood, North Carolina, USA.

Canadian Level 1 Coach, Trainer, High Performance Rider, Farrier.

Objectives for 2010:
2010 will be a busy year of training and competing.

I purchased from Doug Payne, of DPEquestrian, my new horse "World Premiere" (aka Indy) - a lovely and athletic 10 year old Thoroughbred gelding, who has competed up to the Intermediate Level. I plan to complete my first CCI* in Virginia, progressing to Intermediate and CCI** in the Fall.

I am continually building my student clientele and my coaching education is ongoing. I am excited to return to The Fork Stables to take over as their barn manager.

Horses have always been a part of my life!  I guess you could say that I’ve been riding since I could walk, and that I couldn’t imagine a life without horses.  My family has pictures of me riding a Quarter Horse named Shilo when I was only 1½ years old. When I was 13, and Shilo was 19, I took him to my first full phase Training Event held at Chase Creek, B. C.  

I’ve enjoyed many aspects of riding – both in and out of competition.  I have been a member of B.C. Little Britches Rodeo, running poles and barrels; continued to be a member of the Canadian Pony Club; started and trained several horses (with the help of my step-dad and coach); and helped with cattle turn out and range riding. My love and passion, though, is EVENTING.With the guidance of my first coach, Anita Orton, who gave me the basics that I needed to become a good rider and with my former coach, Lynne Larsen, who helped to develop my confidence as a rider and as a person, I have been able to accomplish many of my goals.  Both women have given me their unconditional support and encouragement throughout the years, and becuase of their commitment and belief in me, I feel I will eventually be able to attain my ultimate goal of riding for Canada.

Over the past 8 years, I have had several clinical opportunities to learn from some of the best Canadian riders:  Rebecca Howard, Mike Winters, Bruce Mandeville, Stuart Black, Kyle Carter, Nick Holmes-Smith, Karen Brain, Chelan Kozak, and Joni Lynn Peters.  I was lucky enough in 2004, to be a part of the “High Performance Clinic” offered in the west, and taught by Canada’s then Eventing Coach Jimmy Woffard. In July 2006, I participated in a clinic with England's Leslie Law - what a rewarding experience! In October of 2008 I was very thankful to have a lesson with Captain Mark Phillips and in July 2009 I participated in a clinic with Canada's present Eventing Coach and Technical Adviser David O'Connor.

Accomplishments:

• July 2009: Building my student clientele and becoming barn manager/trainer of Dreamcatcher Equestrian and Eventing Training Facility, Matthews, North Carolina.
• Competing at the Training Level with Santino and Amarillo; 2nd Level Dressage with Santino
• July 2008-June 2009 Working Student for The Fork and Rebecca Howard
  
• August 2008 groomed for the BC Young Rider team at the NAYRC in Colorado.
• March 2007, I received my Canadian Coaching Level I certification.
• June 2007, I achieved my Certificate in Advanced Farrier Training from Kwantlen University College, graduating at the top of my class; apprenticing with some of the best farriers in Canada.
• August 2006, I achieved my Level A in the Canadian Pony Club - in 2006, I was the only one in my region to accomplish this goal, as well as being the first member of my branch (Nicola Valley Pony Club, 1984) to have attained this level. I must thank Taegan Lillies-Brown for allowing me to compete with her horse "CS Cappuccino" - being able to partner with him that year allowed me to accomplish this long-term goal. Thanks, Taegan!
• Received the 2005 Canadian Pony Club Governor General's Scholarship award (a nationally recognizes award). I loved being a part of Pony Club. I value the Canadian Pony Club - the organization, their teachings, lessons and their motto of Loyalty, Character and Sportsmanship. Very fond memories!
  
• Being a member of the BC Horse Trials Young Rider Committee - Interior Youth Representative from 2004 to 2008.