Coaching To Fit The Needs Of Every Rider
Owned by internationally certified coach, judge, and trainer Linda English, and led by her son Stav Adler, we proudly offer an exceptional team of competition coaches and instructors. As a multi-generational equestrian landmark, we have been serving the equestrian community in Vancouver and Richmond since 1979.
LINDA ENGLISH
Owner
As the daughter of diplomats, I discovered my passion for horses at the age of four when I saw two people riding horses down the road in Washington DC. I started riding at six and was inspired to focus on showjumping at the age of nine when I saw a young woman win a jumping competition in Vienna, Austria. I have had the privilege to receive riding experience in the United States, Austria, Italy, Israel, Canada, and England.
In 1979 I founded Riverside as a center for equestrian sport that included, coaching, horse training and breeding, and as a competition venue that also hosted an Equine Canada Symposium and the Paralympic Games.
Having acquired British and Canadian certification throughout my career I have had the pleasure to coach dozens of students who have earned provincial and national awards in hunter, jumper, and equitation competitions.
As a nationally certified Equine Canada judge, I continue to learn and share my knowledge of horses and equestrian sport.
STAV ADLER
Head Coach
As a second generation equestrian, horses and riding are in my blood. Dedicating myself to the art and science of equestrian sport, I taught and competed in hunter competitions and in jumper competitions to the Grand Prix level. Many of my students have won provincial and national championships/awards, including a former member of the Hong Kong National Team.
I am delighted to share my knowledge with a select group of ambitious equestrians and contribute to their growth and success.
Equestrian Canada Licensed Competition Coach
NATALIE NAHIRNEY
Coach / Manager
In my youth, I was an international-level show groom and competitive equitation rider.
Riding for UBC on the intercollegiate (IHSA) circuit, I competed at three IHSA Nationals in the Open Equitation Division and won two back-to-back Zone Championships. Intercollegiate training enhanced my team building and teaching skills.
In 2018 I was invited to join the leadership team at Riverside. It was a great honor and an opportunity to take my riding and coaching to a whole new level.
As the general manager I ensure that our horses receive top care and that we provide consistent quality service to all our students.
Equestrian Canada Beginner Jump Instructor
HAILEY HANCOCK
Assistant Coach
Riding from a young age, I knew from the first time I rode a horse that this was going to be a life-long passion. I spent my childhood at the barn almost everyday and in my teen years I took every opportunity to work and ride. Over the last decade, I have competed in numerous horse shows to the 1.15m level winning several championship and reserve championship titles.
As an instructor and coach, I have lead my students to achieve many 1st place ribbons, championships and reserve championships in both hunters and jumpers.
I have devoted myself to horsemanship and equestrian sport for most of my life, and I am committed to passing along my knowledge so that another generation of aspiring equestrians can share and continue the rich tradition of equestrian riding.
Kat Nolan
Manager / Instructor
Woven into the fabric of the equestrian world, my career has been a journey from the showjumping arena to the nuanced world of hunters and equitation. Pursuing opportunities across British Columbia and Alberta has afforded me the privilege of working with elite barns and acclaimed coaches, enriching my expertise in various facets of equestrian sport, including grooming, coaching, and young horse development.
With over a decade of experience, I've cultivated a coaching style that balances encouragement with a commitment to the highest standards of horsemanship and equitation. At Riverside, I divide my time among coaching, riding, and managing our operation's heart—administration and lesson planning. My role in the management team allows me to exercise my diverse skills, ensuring our community thrives and continues to grow in the spirit of equestrian excellence.
DANIELLE PORRITT
Instructor
I always had a love of horses and had the good fortune to be surrounded by an inspiring set of coaches to introduce me to the equestrian world. These coaches have been great role models and have inspired me to model my own coaching style after them. I have had the privilege of riding a wide variety of horses, ranging from cheeky ponies to ex racehorses as well as drafts. Each horse has taught me a different lesson about what it means to be an equestrian.
I now study Psychology at the University of British Columbia and as a member of the UBC equestrian team have expanded my riding education further, in the study of equitation.
With my lifelong passion for horses, I am thrilled to be able to share my love with my students and I am excited to be part of the Riverside coaching team.
MARY RONCARELLI
Instructor
I have spent many years working with horses and for the last 13 years teaching students how to ride with ease and confidence. I believe the foundation of becoming a strong rider comes from taking a ‘team approach’. Understanding what the horse needs from you as a rider can help build a strong partnership.
With patience, consistency and a commitment to continued learning, I believe all riders are able to develop the skills they need to ride with confidence, ease and proficiency.