Erin Thomas
Level 1 Instructor (Canada)
Erin grew up on a horse farm outside of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, located right beside the international show jumping facility, Spruce Meadows. Her parents had her riding horses before she could barely even walk. She has owned horses since she was 10 years old and was breeding them from the age of 15.
Erin has predominantly worked with warmbloods, quarter horses and some thoroughbreds. The warmbloods she bred and rode from birth, breaking them in and training them along the way. She owns one quarter horse that was bought as a barrel racer and trained him for jumping and dressage. She has also bought thoroughbreds off the track and trained them to be hunter/jumpers and lesson horses.
She has studied under international riders Albert Kley (Headmaster at Spruce Meadows-German) and Mandy Porter (International Show Jump Compeitior from the United States). She has successfully competed up to 1.30m in the showjumping ring and has basic levels in dressage but has schooled up to 1.50m at home. Her riding style is a combination of European and North American influences.l shortly.
Jessica Filmer
Jessica grew up on the Northern Beaches surrounded by sand and surf and her only piece of horse riding was the pony rides at the local carnivals. When the time came for Jessica to learn how to ride properly she she chose to learn right here at Samarai Park!
Instead of spending time on the beach Jessica preferred to spend her time helping out in the stables where she learnt how to care for and handle horses of all sizes and temperants.During these times Jessica competed in as many competitions as she could covering a wide range of events such as dressage, hacking, showjumping and Hunter trials, winning many ribbons for her efforts and was also a member of the local pony club.
Jessica was comfortable jumping up to 1.10m but has now decided to specialise in Dressage in which she is training novice with her Cleveland Bay gelding. Any opportunity she gets she will attend shows riding to win but still enjoys the occansional jump.
Jessica has been training with her coach who has been helping her achieve her goal of becoming a top dressage rider and numerous other goals. She is now getting to enjoy the experience of teaching new and upcoming riders here at Samarai Park.
