SINGING TREE FARM

SINGING TREE FARM - equestrian ​

Helping Horse and Rider
Since 1993
  • Singing Tree Farm
    • Farm-Stay Bed & Breakfast
    • Farm Stand
    • Equestrian Centre
For the Love of Horses
Our focus is on teaching riding and horsemanship skills in a safe and fun environment. Lessons are available for complete Beginners through to Intermediate and Advanced levels.  Whether you want to focus on Rider Body Awareness & Connection, Equine Bodywork, Equine Groundwork or Riding Skills our equestrian lessons and clinics can help you reach your goals.
​

equestrian services

Equestrian Canada Licensed Coach logo
​Offering:
  • Private, Semi-Private and Group Lessons at your facility or mine.
  • One and Two Day Clinics. 
  • Video Lessons and Ride Reviews.
  • Equestrian Canada national Western Learn to Ride Program.
  • Lessons and mentoring for Western Instructor and Coach candidates. 
  • Clinics, lessons and mentoring for Therapeutic Assistant Instructor and Instructor candidates.
​Please Note: Students must be current members of Horse Council BC. HCBC Membership automatically includes comprehensive insurance coverage.

 clinics & LESSONS

young Equestrians

QH gelding Piper with Child rider leading him in a lesson
QH gelding Piper standing in his paddock beside the Rookie Rider practise barrel
Carol adjusting stirrups for a Child rider during a lead-line lesson
Children and youth learn to ride ​using body awareness, ​balance, rhythm & dynamic movement.​ Our Rookie Rider program and Western Riding Lessons for children ages 6 - 12 offer a safe and fun introductions to horses, stable management and riding. Discover the kind, partner-focussed philosophy that is at the core of our lessons.
One of our small western lesson saddles on a saw horse
K'ai tacked up with a western saddle and tied outside the arena waiting to go to work
Child student QH gelding Piper hand grazing beside the drive
Youth ages 13 - 18 can further their skills with clinics, custom lesson plans and the Equestrian Canada Western Rider Program. Students in grade 10, 11 and 12 have the opportunity to earn graduation credits for sport learning by completing the Western Rider Levels.
Children & Youth
​~ 1 Hour
​​ School Horse Lesson​ ~ 
Private - $55 +GST
Semi-Private  - $45 +GST

​
Children & Youth
​~ School Horse Lesson Package
​ ~
​
6 - 1 Hour Lessons
Private - $275 +GST
Semi-Private - $225 +GST
​
Children & Youth​
~ 1 Hour Own Horse Lesson
​ ~
​Private - $45 
+GST
Semi-Private  - $35 +GST
Group (maximum 4) - $25  +GST

Children & Youth​
~ 1 Hour Own Horse Lesson Package
​ ~
​
6 - 1 Hour Lessons
Private - $225 +GST
Semi-Private - $175 +GST
Group (maximum 4) - $125  +GST​

adult Equestrians

QH gelding Piper with Adult rider mounted
Paint gelding K'ai with Adult grooming in cross-ties
QH gelding Piper and Carol  trail riding amongst Arbutus trees near the Englishman River
Choose one of our comprehensive lesson series or work with us to design a custom program incorporating Rider skills and body awareness with Equine groundwork and bodywork techniques. Add progressive and effective tools to your riding routine to help you and your horse find more harmony.
Carol helping an Adult practise Bodywork techniques on her horse
Geldings Piper and K'ai grazing in the Singing Tree Farm back pasture
QH gelding Piper standing ground tied with Groundwork training halter, lead and stick
Learn Equine Groundwork techniques to develop your skill and finesse when communicating with horses. Help horses be more confident and soft ​and responsive ​in all gaits with tools that promote healthy posture without force. Learn how work in-hand translates into calmer, more resilient riding partners.
Adult riding an Icelandic horse
Carol working with an Adult practising riding and body awareness techniques
Carol working with a Client's horse teaching Groundwork techniques
Learn Equine Bodywork techniques to support the horse’s movements and encourage him to work from the ​hindquarters ​and through his whole body​. These exercises help relieve tension, improve posture, increase awareness and enhance trust. Discover good things about your horse and about yourself!
Adult 
​~ 1 Hour
​​ School Horse Lesson​ ~ 
Private - $55 +GST
Semi-Private  - $45 +GST

​
Adult
​~ School Horse Lesson Package
​ ~
​
6 - 1 Hour Lessons
Private - $275 +GST
Semi-Private - $225 +GST
​​
Adult
​~ 1 Hour Own Horse Lesson
​ ~
​Private - $45 
+GST
Semi-Private  - $35 +GST
Group (maximum 4) - $25  +GST

Adult 
​~ Own Horse Lesson Package
​ ~
​
6 - 1 Hour Lessons
Private - $225 +GST
Semi-Private - $175 +GST
Group (maximum 4) - $125  +GST
Child student in a mounted lesson on a western saddle and using a neck rope to steer Piper

    information & Booking

send

meet the team

our staff

Coach and Program Director, Carol Stewart standing beside Piper in the snow

owner & Licensed coach 

Carol Stewart was raised in the Okanagan Valley and she has lived on Vancouver Island since the late 1980's. She rode ranch horses as a child and a working cowgirl then moved on to working with any horse she could for the sheer joy of it!
​

As a licensed coach and program director Carol strives to combine positive, effective training methods with the timeless wisdom of the horse to help each rider and horse discover their balance, confidence and potential. She works to give her students the tools to be knowledgeable, mindful and connected handlers and riders. Carol is committed to the promotion of equestrian sport and training and riding that is evidence based and ethical.



​Qualifications:
  • Equestrian Canada (EC) Licensed Western Competition Coach since 1993
  • Canadian Therapeutic Riding (CanTRA) certified Instructor since 1996
  • Tellington Method (TTouch) certified  Equine Practitioner  since 1999
  • Gymnastics BC - Trained Artistic Coach since 2018
  • EC Western Rider Program Evaluator since 1993
  • EC Rookie Rider Program Facilitator since 2018
  • Standard First Aid and CPR C - current
  • ​Fully Insured
Picture
Training:
  • Connected Riding with Peggy Cummings.
  • Horsemanship skills with Stacy Westfall.
  • Equitation Science with Andrew McLean.
  • Tellington Method & TTouch with Linda Tellington-Jones & Robyn Hood. 
  • Working ranch hand and Farrier's assistant.
  • Equestrian Sport Program Development & Management.
  • Instructor, Clinician and Mentor for various Therapeutic Riding programs, providing extensive knowledge of physical and non-physical disabilities and how they influence teaching equestrian skills.
  • ​Fundamental Movement Skills for children. 
  • Coaching Athletes with a Disability. 
  • Long-Term Equestrian Development - utilizing an optimal training, competition and recovery schedule for each stage of athletic development.
  • Concussion Awareness.
  • Horse Behaviour and Safety.
  • Equine Welfare.

Picture

 Instructor

Wenda Breitkreutz is another horse-crazy girl who has pursued a life-long connection with horses. She has cared for and touched the lives of many horses and companion animals throughout her life and she brings a deep knowledge and love of people and animals to her work.

Originally from the prairies, Wenda has lived on the Island for many years. Here she has been involved with competitive trail riding and numerous Therapeutic Riding programs as a volunteer and Instructor and mentor.
​

Qualifications:​
  • Animal Sciences Diploma - 1994
  • Canadian Therapeutic Riding (CanTRA) certified Assistant Instructor - 1999.
  • Organic Master Gardener certified - 2014.
  • Animal Energy® Practitioner certified Level 1 communicator and healer - 2021.

Training:
  • ​Volunteer & Assistant Instructor - Errington Therapeutic Riding Association.
  • Assistant Instructor - Mid Island Therapeutic Equestrian Academy.
  • Assistant Instructor & Instructor - Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Association.
  • ​Mentor for CanTRA Assistant Instructor candidates at CVTRA.
  • Manager, Master Gardener and pet consultant - Lighthouse Feed & Garden.
  • ​Equestrian Canada Western Rider 1-4 - in progress.
​
Picture
"I am a gifted animal communicator on a lifelong journey gaining knowledge and practise healing animals and helping them and their human companions to live in harmony and thrive.

Animals have much to share about how we can enhance their everyday lives as well as insight into the oneness of all life. Whether you are interested in understanding your animal companions on a deeper level or wish to explore the spiritual connections you share, I am available to help you on your journey together."  - Wenda
contact me to find out more

Picture

owner & operations manager

​Roy Stewart has “retired” to the farm after a career here on the coast on tugboats and as a marine pilot. He manages the day to day operations of the farm where his tractor skills and straight fences, mechanical aptitude and care and patience with the animals has proven to be a huge contribution to harmony and progress on a farm.

Roy began his journey with horses as a volunteer and board member at local therapeutic riding programs. There he gained the skill and knowledge to ride and care for horses and he has been a keen member of the horse community ever since.
Picture

our Herd

K'ai and Piper grazing in the front yard where they are not supposed to be!
QH gelding and Roy getting tacked up to go on a trail ride
Our horses work with us as partners. ​They are selected based on their health, confirmation, and ability to willingly support our riders. We provide ongoing schooling as well as groundwork and bodywork to optimize their personal well-being. They are responsive, well-trained and gentle. Everyone in the Singing Tree Equestrian community assists in the well-being of the herd.
Piper grazing beside the Pasture pond
Piper and the kitten Honeybee watching the deer and K'ai rests in the background
"Piper" - Whim's Sensual Too
1998 Quarter Horse Gelding
Piper is a smooth gaited, handsome Quarter horse gelding. As an older gentleman, he is enjoying a slower paced lifestyle after a stellar career reining, hazing, roping and barrel racing. Piper is very talented and athletic.
Paint gelding K'ai standing tied and waiting for a lesson
K'ai and bird friend grazing in the back pasture
"K'ai" - Heza Highbrow Cat
​2016 Paint Horse Gelding
K'ai was as green as grass when we brought him home in 2020 and he had lots of growing up to do. He is still in training but he is settling in so well. He is proving to be a real character and we are pleased to see how he is progressing as a curious, kind and sensitive mount and partner.
K'ai getting his back hoof trimmed by the Farrier
Picture
  • Singing Tree Farm
    • Farm-Stay Bed & Breakfast
    • Farm Stand
    • Equestrian Centre