Owner/ Head Coach
Meghan (McFarlane) Gordon
Owner Coach Trainer
Licensed Equine Canada Competition Coach
Certified Level ‘B’ Pony Club Assoc.
Certified NCCP Level 1
Veterinary Technician Diploma
Meghan, is the owner and operator of Bridlewood Riding Centre, in Lake Country. She rides and teaches a wide range of english and western riding disciplines. She enjoys coaching all levels of riders from beginners to upper level competitors. Being raised on the Woodsdale horse and cattle ranch, Meghan has always had the opportunity to be involved with horses which encouraged her riding career at a very young age. Her grandfather and grandmother (Allan and Ella Macdonnell) raised, purchased, and marketed hundreds of registered quarter horses. Their competitive show horses won numerous championship titles in many western and halter competitions - including being qualified for the world championships. A selection of their horses were inspected and approved by the Canadian Sport Horse Association. They then began breeding top warmblood crosses which excelled in dressage and jumping, with their foundation bloodlines still being bred by Meghan today for such purposes.
At the age of seven, Meghan started competing in english and western general performance shows with her partner A’Le San Tari, achieving many accomplishments including Hi-Point BC Bred QH. O'Shella, another homebred mare, was trained by Meghan through Prix St. George level in dressage. Together, they won many championships and achievement awards. Through many years of experience in training horses she has learned how to connect and work with horses of different breeds, temperaments and abilities.
An invitation by international dressage judge, olympian, and clinician, Lorraine Stubbs, of Guelph Ontario, gave Meghan the opportunity to work with her top young prospects as well as her Dutch stallion trained through Grand Prix. She has been invited to and participates in clinics with Hub Houben of Holland, while he is in Canada. Meghan trains with Jan Jollymour, a successful dressage competitor, trainer, coach, and judge. As well as Henk Glijn, international dressage trainer and coach, originally from Holland. She also attends many clinic's each year with top coaches and trainers of multiple disciplines.
As a trainer and coach, Meghan has been instrumental in her students achieving their goals and accomplishments. She customizes her lesson to focus on each rider’s personal goals and the needs of all her students. Meghan believes the most important factor in training and riding horses is the rider’s position. It is also one of the hardest things for a rider to achieve and maintain through all the paces. She emphasizes this throughout her lessons, in all disciplines of riding.
ASSistant coaches
Kirsten Blakney
Growing up in Calgary, Kirsten quickly found a love for show jumping at the age of 12. She has successfully competed across top venues in North America and has gained a ton of experience. Kirsten has competed up to the 1.25m with top trainers. Since moving to Bridlewood Riding in 2018 she has also completed her Equine Canada Rider Levels 1-8 and is working towards her coaching certificate. Kirsten started teaching in 2020 and has developed a passion for teaching riders of all levels and disciplines. Kirsten is still actively competing and attending multiple clinics each year to continue her development and knowledge.
Julia Strauch
Julia has been working at Bridlewood Riding Centre since 2017. She started riding at the age of 9, mainly focusing on dressage and show jumping. Julia has experience in basic reining, english and western general performance, hunter/jumper, and eventing. Her focus currently is on eventing which she started back in 2019. She has had the privilege of attending a number of BCEA competitions. She continues to compete and attend numerous multi discipline clinics throughout the year. Julia enjoys seeing her students progress in their riding abilities and is always happy to elaborate on questions asked. She has completed her Equine Canada Rider Levels 1-6.