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Away: Team QMS at Saanich Show in the Sun (SSITS)
Saanich Fairgrounds Saanich, BC, CanadaGo Royals Go!
MEET OUR TEAM
Angela Dobbie
Prior to joining QMS, Angela spent nearly 20 years working for a multi-provincial Canadian aerospace enterprise in various roles, including international aircraft sales and marketing, business development and corporate communications. During this time, she learned the power of diplomacy, the importance of setting strategic direction, and the art of aligning people with a singular vision to optimize results.
Chandra Hanke
Chandra has recently moved to the Shawnigan Lake area from Kelowna, where she owned and operated a large boarding stable. She is an Equestrian Canada Competition Coach, horsemanship clinician and avid rider with a talent for training young horses.
In addition to managing her own equestrian facility, Chandra’s experience also includes managing a surgical veterinary practice and working as a coach liaison for the Kelowna Riding Club Board of Directors. Chandra has also worked with at-risk youth clients and her kind, compassionate nature will benefit our equestrian students and QMS herd alike. As the Barn Manager, Chandra will care for our QMS herd and oversee the day-to-day operations of our equestrian facility.
Leora Gibson
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.
Julia Spreen Balcom
After a successful junior career in Canada competing in hunters, jumpers and equitation, Julia followed her passion for horses and moved to Southern California. While 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 Wynne-Smith
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 Trials (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.
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.