Equi-Products

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 10 horses ranging in age from 5 to 25, 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"

	ELYSIA TATLOW - Store Manager 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 I grew up shopping in and, in fact, bought my first halter from!		TINA THOMPSON - Finance / Purchasing Manager has been fortunate to have horses a part of her entire life, as well as patient parents and husband to support her dreams. She showed Quarter Horses in her teens, accumulating many championship awards; and still enjoys tranquil trail rides with family, friends or out on her own. The purchase of her warmblood gelding five years ago was the beginning of new experiences in the English world as she learned how to ride in 1/3 the saddle. She spent two winters in Florida training and competing to the 1 st level and so far; the highlight of her riding career is a 6 th place finish at the infamous Red Hills Three Day Event in Tallahassee, FL. Currently a member of the Alberta High Performance Team for three day eventing and pursuing her Level 1 CEF Coaching designation, she is content to ensure horses remain a very big part of her life.
	JANIS COOK - Qualified Saddle Fitter started as our Alberta saddle fitter in September of 2003. Not only does she have her saddle fitting certification from the Society of British Saddlers School in England but Janis is an accomplished rider and equine therapist. She has 12 years of experience in the industry and brings to Equi-Products a wealth of knowledge in horse anatomy, horse development and horse comfort. 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.		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.
	ROBYN BROWN, EST - Therapy Product Specialist joined Equi-Products in August 2009. Robyn started riding when she was 4, getting her first horse at 9 yrs. Since then, she has competed in western pleasure, working cow horse, cattle penning, three day eventing, and show jumping before deciding to pursue her passion of dressage. Experiencing the precision of movement drove Robyn to begin a career as an Equine Sports Therapist. Bringing 8 years of therapy experience & knowledge to the Equi-Products team ensures that she can help you enable your horse to perform at its full ability.		KAREN FITZGERALD - Purchasing & Dressage Consultant Bio and picture coming soon
	BRENDA COTE - Marketing and Advertising Coordinator, Special Projects joined Equi-Products in September 2003. Considering one the first words out of her mouth as a child was horse, it is not surprising that most of her life has revolved around horses. She is a CEF Certified Level I Western Coach and an interest in working toward her English CEF certification led her to her current passion - dressage. If you have questions relating to dressage, she's your girl.		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.
	DYLLAN LOUGH - Receiving Picture and bio coming soon.		CARLA DUNNING - Bookkeeper Bio and picture coming soon.
	LESLIE SIM - Part-time Sales Associate Bio and picture coming soon.		STEPHANIE LAFLAMME - Part-time Sales Associate Bio and picture coming soon.
	AINSLEY WALSH - Part-time Sales Associate Bio and picture coming soon.		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.