Staff

	Denise Rathnam I am the owner of Matsqui Stables. I got my first pony Dutchess when I was 7. All we had was a bridle, and all she knew to do was to run an extremely sharp cornered "L" shape in the corral. I must say, I was dumped many a time, but eventually I learned to stay on. I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to ride as a child but more than that, I was able to become a horseman. Now I am passionate to teach people how to ride and develop their horsemanship skills, and am excited to dedicate my life to it!

	Ashley I started riding at Matsqui Stables four years ago. After Level 2 I began volunteering. I helped with horse camps, riding lessons, and soon after with Saturday trail rides. After graduating from the MTS riding program, I leased Nash (one of the mustangs at the ranch). At first I hated riding him, but Denise promised me that it would make a better rider and made me stick it out. Now he is one of my favorite horses! Then on February 15, 2004 I bought my own horse Duster, who is a beautiful chestnut quarterhorse gelding. Now that I am on staff at MTS doing riding camps, lessons and trail rides, I spend a lot of time with horses, but I still love them and probably always will!

	Trish I am the newest member of the Matsqui Stables team. I just recently moved to Abbotsford from Edmonton, Alberta. I have always had a love for horses and when I was 5 my parents decided to put my sister and I in riding lessons. My father owned a few horses through my childhood and was involved in the rodeo! When I was about 14 years old my mom put me into english riding lessons. My instructor was definitely a tough one but I learned a lot about horses and horsemanship through working with her. My goal now is to take everything I know about training, riding, horsemanship and patience to help and encourage others to reach their own goals in the horse world. There is no place I'd rather be!