Our Staff

	KATIE TRAFFORD - Owner Katie grew up in Springbank with a variety of horses, many "rescued". Her dream of riding a show horse did not transpire until 30 years later at which point she purchased an acreage in Okotoks, Alberta and has since accumulated several horses. Katie owns 7 horses ranging in age from 8 to 30, some imported, some rescued and all very much loved. She and her daughter Alice along with family and friends draw immense enjoyment from the horses and feel blessed to have met so many people along the way who have taught them, guided them, and generally shared a great knowledge of wealth about horses and life in general. Come talk to Katie, - she has truly "been there - done that" - jumping, dressage, herding cattle in the Porcupine Hills, driving with the High Country Driving Club, Natural Horsemanship; AND best of all she has a tremendous network of people which surround her and support her in her love of horses. Her network begins at Equi-Products where she and her colleagues are truly devoted to "Riders Helping Riders".
	DEB LADEROUTE (nee Arnold) - General Manager - is a native Calgarian, was the first women to represent Canada, driving a four in hand of warmbloods in Combined Driving at WEG 2010. She took up driving later in life after a twenty year absence from horse sports. Earlier in her equestrian career she was an avid "A" Pony Clubber, three-day eventer, and show jumper. She is a certified driving coach, and actively conducts driving clinics. Deb has a BSc. in Nutrition, owned and operated restaurant and catering businesses, owned and franchised an advertising sign business for 6 years,and managed a competitive driving and training barn with upto 24 horses for 12 years for Chinook Valley		ELYSIA TATLOW - Purchasing - started 3 day eventing at the age of 10. At 12, she was introduced to her first dressage lesson (which her mom practically forced her to go to) and was hooked instantly. Elysia has shown FEI JR's and YR's and is currently showing PSG as well as bringing along a youngster for the future. After high school, she was inspired and intrigued by a local Equine Therapist that led her to pursue a career as an Equine Sports Massage Therapist. She ran her own business as an active therapist until 2008 when she had to retire due to shoulder issues. Although Elysia can no longer massage she is still very active in learning about therapy for horses. Elysia joined the Equi-Products team in May 2010 and is thrilled to be working in the store that she grew up shopping in and, in fact, bought her first halter from!
			KELSEY LEWIS - Shipping and Receiving - Bio and pic coming soon.
	BILL PERRATT - Master Saddle Fitter and Maker joined Equi-Products in August 2009. Bill has 40 years experience of making, fitting, repairing and servicing english saddles. His past clients have included olympians in dressage, and three day eventing as well as pony club and general pleasure riders. His primary focus is on professional service and making sure both horse and rider are completely satisfied with his services.		JAN SCHIFFKE - Senior Sales Associate. As our longest term employee, Jan knows everything there is to know about our products. She started working part-time in 1993 and has never looked back. She began riding at a young age and showed hunters and jumpers. She spent a year working in the Thoroughbred racing industry in Ontario at Winfield Farms. Jan now rides only for pleasure and is the proud mother of 3 grown boys.
			ANDREA SHAW - Blanket and Custom Horse Clothing Specialist joined Equi-Products in September 2010. Andrea has always loved horses, and at the age of 8 she started riding lesson horses at Teesdale Riding School. Although she has competitive experience in jumping, trail and eventing, it's her 15 years as a groom and barn manager for several high level competition riders that makes her so knowlegeable and valuable. She not only knows what type of blankets fit which horse type, she also knows about grooming, horse health, bandaging and boots, bridles, bits and almost everything else. Feel free to contact Andrea at the store at 403 256 3056 or on her cell at 403 816 1964.
	HOLLY MARSHALL - Saddle Fitter/Mobile Sales joined Equi-Products Calgary in June 2003 as a Sales Associate. She started riding at 9 when she got her first pony. Since then Holly has never looked back and has competed at "A" level hunter / jumper shows. She now lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where she has a horse therapy practice and shares her expertise with Saskatchewan riders as Equi-Products' resident saddle fitter. If you want to be sure that the saddle you buy, or already have, fits you and your horse as well as possible, please check out our saddle fitting service.