Charne in the Spotlight!
Our talented and creative coach Charne is in the spotlight this week. Charne started working at MCEQ in 2019 after meeting Dee whilst agisting her horse. Dee had encouraged her to begin coach training. Charne comments "I had considered coaching before, however, Dee and the team at MC gave me the opportunity and encouragement I needed to pursue it seriously".
Starting as a stable hand, she quickly began working towards her coaching certification whilst she was at uni. Fast forward six years, and Charne is a coach who also holds an honours degree in Visual Arts & Art History! She has been known to brighten up our stables with not only her coaching skills but her artistic talents - painting our jumps and dressage markers over the years. She is also renowned for her horse portrait commissions!(See some photos of her work below).
Charne started riding when she was four, and has competed in dressage over the years. As a child, she often had to figure things out on her own, which fueled her love for learning and sharing her knowledge with others. "I started helping younger kids in lead rein classes when I was just 12, and I realised how much I enjoyed guiding them".
Charne reflects that "For me, coaching is about supporting both the rider’s growth and the horse’s well-being. Having owned horses since I was nine, I’m excited to keep learning and to share what I’ve gained through my experiences".
What do you like best about working for MC Equestrian?
What I love most is seeing the students’ progress. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grasp new concepts and achieve their goals. I also adore all the horses—getting to know their quirks and unique personalities is such a joy. It’s heartwarming to see clients bond with particular horses and form lasting connections with them.
Tell us about your favourite horse at the MC stables?
Miss Molly is one of my favourites—she has such a patient and kind demeanour. While she can come across as lazy or stubborn at times, she’s really just teaching us to ask in the right way. Once we figure it out, she’s all in! She’s a fantastic teacher for our riders and has a special place in my heart.
Tell us about your horse?
I currently own a two-year-old Warmblood x Clydesdale mare, and I’m looking forward to breaking her in this year—it’s going to be an exciting journey. I’ve always loved mares, and my previous horse, Voila, was particularly special. She was a stunning black dressage diva with plenty of sass. Voila and I had a very close bond over the six years I owned her.
Tell us about a your favourite horse adventure:
One of my favourite adventures was when I was 10 and living in South Africa. I went on a horseback safari and got to canter alongside giraffes—it was absolutely magical!
What does a typical day at MC Equestrian involve for you?
A typical day at MC starts with picking up a horse from the property down the road on my way in. I usually teach around seven lessons throughout the day, a mixture of adults and children and then drop the horse back on my way home.
What is your favourite horse quote?
“A horse doesn’t care how much you know until he knows how much you care.” – Pat Parelli
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