Testimonials
"Samantha Pritchard was my daughter’s eventing coach from Entry level all the way to 2* level and to qualify and compete at the North American Youth Championships in 2019! My daughter grew up in Sam’s barn where horses came first, lessons were serious and the barn family strong. Samantha knows horses and her respect for their abilities, health and treatment was priority. She has a keen eye to identify any struggles the horse, rider or combination may have and is quick to offer advice or suggest help from various professionals to support her clients. From a personal “mom’ perspective I fully trusted and depended on Samantha to make the best decisions for my daughter to reach her dream of competing at the North American Youth Championships. Samantha put endless hours into preparing Megan not only on her horse but mentally and physically off the horse as well. She took my daughter on a trip to Ontario to seek out the perfect horse for Megan and found what would become Megan’s heart horse, partner and dream maker! Sam’s barn was an hour away on the highway from our home and we never minded the drive 4 times a week because we knew the training that Megan was receiving was exceptional. I highly recommend any opportunity to train with Samantha Pritchard."
Kristin Yakiwchuk
Kristin Yakiwchuk
"Sam has been more than just a fabulous coach and trainer to me for the past nine years. She has also been my mentor and my friend. When I was 15, Sam introduced me and Hudson, my horse, to the sport of eventing. She helped us grow our skills, gain our confidence, step outside our comfort zone and become better partners! Sam challenged me in my athletic abilities but she also helped shape who I am today! She guided me to set my goals and to fulfill my dreams. Together we competed at Spruce Meadows, in Alberta, accomplished the long format event at Rebecca Farms, in Montana, and travelled to southern California to train and compete at Galway Downs on a five week adventure during Grade 12. We trailered our horses and camped together on that trip. It was a memory that I will always cherish. I’ve had other coaches in my life - and I value all of their guidance, however Sam is special. She has not only been a fantastic coach, but a great friend."
Makana Hilton
Makana Hilton
"Sam coached my daughter and I for over 5 years and took us places that we never dreamt of! Sam is continuously learning herself and has been very inspiring watching her move up through the levels. She brought us both up from beginner riders to competitive eventers, up to the Prelim level. Sam always made sure her lessons were fun, relaxed and full of constructive information. She knows just how far to push you, especially when you need a little nudge to build your confidence. Sam has a very firm but fair approach which I found really helped build my relationship with my horse. Sam always went way above what I expected from a coach. She gave us so many amazing opportunities and introduced my daughter to a whole new level of riding and competing. Sam is not only a great coach but has become a mentor to my daughter and friend."
Stacy Miller
Stacy Miller
"Sam Pritchard’s coaching style is unparalleled. She brings a dynamic mix of passion and knowledge to set her students on a trajectory for success. Her understanding of rider nuance and equine mechanics and mind combine to create magical moments Every. Single. Lesson. Sam’s straightforward, no-nonsense instruction demystifies the art of the ride, fostering confidence and a desire to learn. She has an acuity for building winning partnerships between horse and rider. Clients trust her leadership as it is borne out of a depth of experience as an instructor, rider and competitor. As a beginning adult rider I have been gifted by her expertise and I can say with confidence and great gratitude that through her instruction, I have realized a life long dream."
Sue Harvie
Sue Harvie
"We were so fortunate to have had Samantha Pritchard as my daughter’s coach. Sam is professional, knowledgable, caring and creative. She is so attuned to the rider’s needs and abilities, and always puts the welfare of the horse first. Her understanding of horses and the sport of eventing is superb, and she has the passion to match! When under Sam’s guidance, we never worried about the safety of my daughter or her horses. We highly recommend her as a trainer and coach!"
Angie Winkler
Angie Winkler
"Sam is a talented coach and rider. My daughter thrived under her instruction and I appreciated that Sam took a holistic view of the horse and rider. Sam embodies both ambition and dedication to her sport which served as important inspiration for my daughter. Sam is a trusted coach as well as a role model. The professionalism and care that Sam demonstrates meant that my daughter found the right horse and was given the right training to further her own goals. Sam delivers a program of excellence!"
Annette Dobson
Annette Dobson
A few years ago I started training with Samantha, in order to get back into eventing, and have a more holistic coach. After couple of lesson I decided that indeed she would be the perfect fit for me. She builds her lesson to improve the riders skills, and position, and works with the horses strengths, and weaknesses. Sam's goal is to make us a team, with what we have to offer, and make the best out of us.
Her lesson, always have a goal in order to work on our techniques rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, collection,... and each lesson builds on what we learned in the previous lesson. There is no jumping courses, just for the sake of jumping around with Samantha, which is how it should be!
One of her qualities that I really appreciate is her honesty, and devotion she make a point of telling the rider if something is wrong, and how we can make it better. She is always giving us 100%, and never busy on her phone or talking to other clients during the lessons. She's always willing to answer any question we have, and she is an easy person to talk to.
Sam helped me find the perfect horse for me, evaluating my needs, and competition goal for the future. Her motivations are to build the right partnership, and not greed, which is rare in this industry. Many years later, I'm still immensely grateful for how amazing my gelding is. When I'm away, I can sleep soundly, knowing that Sam is training him as if he was her own, and any vet care will be done carefully as needed.
Finally I would say her passion for eventing, is what make her unique, because she is still competing, and taking clinics, and this is what make the best coaches, still doing what they are teaching! There is always a training afternoon to go cross country couple of hours away, or a dressage local show, or a rider's level offered spontaneously. I grew up with level 3 coaches, and this made me a very picky rider when it comes to coaches, Samantha really meet what they offered me in the past.
Chloe Sardin
Her lesson, always have a goal in order to work on our techniques rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, collection,... and each lesson builds on what we learned in the previous lesson. There is no jumping courses, just for the sake of jumping around with Samantha, which is how it should be!
One of her qualities that I really appreciate is her honesty, and devotion she make a point of telling the rider if something is wrong, and how we can make it better. She is always giving us 100%, and never busy on her phone or talking to other clients during the lessons. She's always willing to answer any question we have, and she is an easy person to talk to.
Sam helped me find the perfect horse for me, evaluating my needs, and competition goal for the future. Her motivations are to build the right partnership, and not greed, which is rare in this industry. Many years later, I'm still immensely grateful for how amazing my gelding is. When I'm away, I can sleep soundly, knowing that Sam is training him as if he was her own, and any vet care will be done carefully as needed.
Finally I would say her passion for eventing, is what make her unique, because she is still competing, and taking clinics, and this is what make the best coaches, still doing what they are teaching! There is always a training afternoon to go cross country couple of hours away, or a dressage local show, or a rider's level offered spontaneously. I grew up with level 3 coaches, and this made me a very picky rider when it comes to coaches, Samantha really meet what they offered me in the past.
Chloe Sardin
"From riding, coaching to horse care, Sam is a very accomplished and dedicated equestrian. Sam helped me return to eventing after a long (!10 years) break in riding. She provided an encouraging and supportive environment for me to learn and excel in my goals, I couldn’t have hoped for a better coach."
Shannon Boucousis
Shannon Boucousis
"Sam is a wonderfully passionate coach who supports the horse and rider in their journey every step of the way. She pushes when we need the motivation to move outside of our box and supports when our weakness catches up to us."
Anne-Marie Mizera