Biography

Kristin Dornan

Stirling Farm’s resident trainer and owner, Kristin Dornan, is a dynamic, involved and perceptive trainer. She maintains the belief that both horse and driver require an enthusiastic, creative teacher to enhance their progression and create a successful, confident, happy horse and driver. Her teaching and training is based on the International coaching and instruction that she has accumulated over many years at home and abroad. Kristin travels to the U.K. every year to upgrade and learn new driving skills.

She customizes her program to each horse's athletic and mental ability, and designs lessons to focus on each driver's personal goals. Kristin is a strong and caring coach who caters to the needs of all her students. An active member of the horse community, Kristin enjoys coaching all levels of drivers from beginners to upper level competitors.

Kristin is actively competitive with her own horses, as well as client horses, along with coaching students at various shows. She competes at Advanced level with her International pair and lower levels with her up-and-coming horses. Kristin was the only Canadian to be asked to compete at the World Pony Championships (Aus.) with her homebred Welsh pony pair.

Kristin is proficient and skilled in driving singles, pairs, tandems and four-in-hands. Kristin’s students have all types and breeds of horses, including miniature horses, ponies, horses and draft breeds.

Kristin is a full time driving coach, instructor and clinician. She considers driving and teaching to be a life-long learning process and attends clinics and workshops throughout the year in Canada, the U.S.A. and Europe. She believes that both horse and driver need a safe, fun environment in which to learn. In order for driving and training to be successful, there must be mutual care and respect between horse and driver.