Equestrian Boarding School in Canada

Equestrian Staff

Jodine Buydens

Equestrian Program Director

Pro-EFW Dual Certified: Equine Facilitated Learning & Equine Professional

Jodine is a lifelong horsewoman who began as an avid member of the Pony Club before shifting her focus to competing in the Hunter and Jumper disciplines as a junior. Her extensive equestrian experience includes a notable career as an Equine Behaviour Specialist, Hunter/Jumper coach, and a clinician. Jodine is the author of If Your Horse Could Talk, as well as being a leadership coach. Jodine is thrilled to be combining her passion for horses and leadership, as she develops the QMS Equine Facilitated Leadership Development Program.

Julia Spreen Balcom

Head Coach, Competition Program

After a successful junior career in Canada competing in hunters, jumpers and equitation, Julia followed her passion for horses and moved to Southern California. There she continued to compete in both the hunter and jumper rings, including at the Grand Prix level at World Cup qualifier events. Julia is a seasoned coach who has been an integral part of the success of many riders who compete at the regional and national level in the United States and Canada—from the short stirrup ring, to the equitation ring, to the 1.40m jumpers. After over 30 years of competing, training and coaching in California, Julia is delighted to be back on Vancouver Island.

Indiana Fedoriuk

Head Coach, Equestrian Program

Equestrian Canada Competition Coach Specialist – Dressage, RYT

Indiana started lessons at the age of 5 and enjoyed showing in hunters on Vancouver Island through her teenage years. She then started her professional career in Horse Trails (eventing) and competed to Intermediate level in the UK. After returning to Canada in 2008, Indiana shifted her focus to the dressage ring, where she continues to compete at the regional level. As well as introducing a strong foundation of flatwork to our QMS riders, Indiana’s background as a Registered Yoga Teacher offers her a unique insight in developing the positions of riders in all disciplines. A dedicated horsewoman, Indiana is currently pursuing her Pro-EFW certification as an Equine Professional.

Leora Gibson

Equestrian Coach/Faculty

Equestrian Canada Competition Coach Specialist – Jumping, B.Ed., B.A.

In addition to her coaching certification, Leora holds a Bachelor's of Education and is our Equestrian Teacher at Queen Margaret's School. With a fondness for developing young horses, she has competed in the jumper ring throughout the Pacific Northwest up to 1.20m. As well as teaching our Equine Science classes and overseeing our Equestrian PHE curriculum, Leora is regarded for her positivity and education based approach to coaching. Leora works with a wide variety of riders, from beginners through 1.10 jumpers and mini medal finalists.

Brittany Turner

Senior Equestrian Coach

Brittany bring a wide breadth of experience to QMS, as both a coach and competitor. Under her confident guidance, Brittany’s students have successfully competed in the Junior Hunters, Equitation’s and the Jumpers (up to 1.25m). In addition to her love for developing young hunters and competing in the international hunter derbies, Brittany has competed up to 1.35m in venues throughout North America. Brittany is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and is excited to support our riders in optimizing their performance through proper nutrition.

Carlie Reynolds

Junior Equestrian Coach

Carlie’s passion for horses started in a western saddle, but quickly shifted when she moved to the west coast and joined Pony Club. At age 16 Carlie passed her Pony Club “B” and started working at QMS as a member of barn staff the following year. Carlie was the QMS Barn Manager from 2013-2020, until she decided to focus full time on the fulfilment she experiences developing riders in our Learn to Ride program.

Coaches-on-Call and Stables Staff

An invaluable part of the day to day operations of the Equestrian Program is the service provided by our talented coaches-on-call and barn staff. This dedicated group of individuals works daily to provide the highest level of training for our students and care for our horses.