Will-oh! Coaches
Will-oh! Coaches
Our coaches have been well-trained on how the Will-oh! Horse Simulator works, from its different training modes, interpreting report results, and how to use that feedback to build your riding skills. During your one-on-one training session they can provide feedback and advice to help improve balance, and maintain good posture. With their hands-on expertise, you will gain riding confidence, and have fun, in a safe, supportive environment.
Melanie Taljaard, Racewood Certified Coach
Melanie Taljaard is the founder of Willow & Withers and the driving force behind bringing Will-oh! to Nova Scotia. With a lifelong passion for horses, learning, and innovation, Melanie is deeply invested in helping riders better understand their bodies, their riding, and their partnership with the horse.
She travelled to the UK to train directly with Racewood and is currently the only Racewood-certified coach in Atlantic Canada. Since the simulator’s early arrival, Melanie has logged more than 25 personal rides on Will-oh! and has coached or assessed over 25 riders, gaining hands-on insight into how riders learn, adapt, and progress through the SIM experience.
Melanie believes thoughtful use of technology, strong fundamentals, and a supportive learning environment can unlock powerful insights for riders at every stage.
Amy Ward, Level 4 (English & Western) CHA-certified coach
Amy Ward is a Level 4 (English & Western) CHA-certified coach with over 30 years in the saddle and more than 20 years of teaching experience. She works with riders of all ages and abilities—from young riders just getting started to adults returning to the sport—always with a focus on strong foundations, safety, and thoughtful horsemanship.
Amy specializes in teaching beginner and intermediate riders how to become mindful, balanced partners for their horses. She is particularly passionate about working with riders who own their own horses, and finds it deeply rewarding to help horse-and-rider partnerships grow together through better understanding, communication, and trust.
A lifelong learner, Amy continually updates her knowledge through books, clinics, and online education. Her main interests include horse and rider biomechanics, dressage (both English and Western), groundwork, and trail riding. She is also certified in equine massage therapy, which further informs her holistic approach to horse care and performance.
For Amy, horsemanship is just as important—if not more important—than riding itself. She believes riders benefit greatly from understanding horse behaviour, instincts, and communication, and she brings this philosophy into every lesson. Amy travels to barns throughout the area, including backyard farms, and is known for creating a supportive, safe, and encouraging learning environment for both horse and rider.
Anna Kernan-Fourie, Equine Coach & Specialist
Anna Kernan-Fourie is a passionate equine coach with over 15 years of international and hands-on experience in the arena. Her formal education began at the Racing and Equestrian Academy in South Africa, where she dedicated two years to studying Equine Science and Stable Yard Management. During this time, she also earned her certification as a Preliminary Riding Instructor and Horsemaster through the South African Equestrian Federation. With a strong technical foundation in Classical Dressage, Show Jumping, and Equitation, Anna specialises in coaching both individuals and groups at Preliminary and Novice levels, helping riders of all ages grow in skill, confidence, and connection with their horses.
Armed with a postgraduate degree in Psychology and experience as a child and family counsellor, Anna also brings extra depth and heart to her work—particularly in equine-assisted therapy. She is deeply passionate about emotional growth, life skills development, and augmenting the well-being of both horse and rider. Anna also has several years’ experience working with individuals with diversabilities. Combining these skills, Anna is able to provide an inclusive and transformative experience both on and off the horse.
Enter Will-oh!
Over the years, Anna’s coaching style has evolved to incorporate a more holistic approach, drawing from various methodologies, the latest being her use of the simulated horse, Will-oh!. This dynamic training tool allows riders to repeatedly practice complex movements, refine their seat, and perfect subtle aids without placing stress on a live horse. For nervous riders, Will-oh! provides a safe space to master foundational techniques and build muscle memory, ensuring they are confident and prepared before transferring their skills to the stable. For riders managing physical limitations or rehabilitating injuries, Will-oh! also offers a safe, low-impact environment, allowing them to build strength and mobility at their own pace. Whether guiding a nervous rider toward confidence, strengthening mobility, or helping a seasoned equestrian perfect complex movements, Anna uses Will-oh! to ensure every student is physically and mentally prepared for success in the saddle.
Off the SIM and on the Horse
Ready for some real-world confidence? Anna specializes in making the transition to your live horse exciting and seamless. She doesn't just teach riding; she teaches partnership. Blending your newfound skills on Will-oh! with knowledge on positive horse behavior and a shared understanding, Anna will ensure that you build a foundation of reciprocated trust and mutual happiness.
Get ready to see yourself and your horse thrive, moving from success on Will-oh! to ultimate success in the arena!
Julia Foote Young, Equestrian Canada certified coach
Julia is a lifelong rider who has been coaching since her teens. She enjoys teaching the fundamentals of dressage and jumping to riders of all ages. She competes on her horse Teddy at Third Level dressage and she enjoys helping other riders prepare for competition.
Julia describes her coaching style as detailed and biomechanics-focused. She enjoys helping riders develop correct position and balance and gain confidence in their ability to move with the horse.
Access to Will-oh! is exciting because it allows the rider to focus entirely on position, balance and quiet effective aids. By taking the horse out of the equation, riders can become more self aware and make meaningful, lasting improvements.
Julia is an Equestrian Canada certified coach, a Pony Club senior B examiner and was named NSEF Coach of the Year in 2020.She holds a BEd from Acadia and has been coaching riding for over 40 years.
Her favorite part of teaching is seeing students experience those "lightbulb moments" when something that seemed difficult suddenly becomes clear and achievable. She believes in being a lifelong learner and hopes to help riders to find the path to continuous self improvement.
