Horse Simulator Will-oh!

Willow and Withers Horse Simulator

Meet Will-oh!

Will-oh! isn’t just any horse — she’s a world-class simulator that mirrors the movement of a live horse while delivering instant feedback on your seat, posture, and control.

The first of her kind in Nova Scotia and among only a few in Canada, she’s here to transform the way riders learn.

Horse simulator with training screen

Why You’re Going to Love Training with Will-oh!

Training with Will-oh! is safe, smart, and surprisingly fun.

She never tires, never spooks, and always gives you her full attention. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your biomechanics, boost your confidence, or simply try something new, Will-oh! makes learning both effective and enjoyable.

As Nova Scotia’s first simulator — and one of only a handful in Canada — she’s a rare opportunity to experience cutting-edge equestrian training in your own backyard.

Will-oh! Horse Simulator, side view of head, bridle and saddle
Will-oh! Horse Simulator, view of riding screen
Closeup of horse simulator, head, bridle and training screen

Benefits of Training with Will-oh!

  • Train with confidence — practice safely without the risk of falls spooking, so you can push your skills further.

  • Progress faster — improve posture, balance, and aids with precision and real-time feedback you’ll feel back in the saddle.

  • Be kinder to your horse — refine your technique on the simulator first, reducing stress and confusion for your partner.

  • Get hands-on coaching — coaches can adjust your position at every gait, helping you make breakthroughs quicker.

  • Ride anytime, in comfort — year-round, weather-proof access to a rare training tool (the only one in Nova Scotia!)

“A SIM assessment doesn't sugarcoat things, and working without my horse has shown me exactly where I need to improve. Body alignment and strengthening – no more excuses!”

Niki Petrie

Will-oh! ETA

We are expecting Will-oh! will arrive at Willow & Withers Mid to Late November. Signup to hear the news!

Get Notified when Will-oh! arrives
English, Western, or Therapeutic

Who’s Going to Love Will-oh!

From first-time riders to seasoned competitors, Will-oh! offers something for everyone. Whether you ride English, Western, or Therapeutic, she’s here to help you build confidence, refine technique, and enjoy the ride. And let’s be honest — she’s also a bit of a show-off, happily giving you her undivided attention every single session.

willow-and-withers-logo-tan

Riders

Sharpen your skills, build confidence, and get instant biomechanics feedback in a safe, controlled environment.

willow-and-withers-logo-tan

Coaches

Add a powerful new tool to your toolkit — a safe way to correct technique, demonstrate concepts, and help students progress faster.

willow-and-withers-logo-tan

Groups and Barns

Host a barn night, bring your team, or plan a fun learning event around Will-oh! for a memorable experience.

willow-and-withers-logo-tan

Beginners

Meet riding in the safest, most approachable way possible before getting on a live horse.

willow-and-withers-logo-tan

Dedicated Riders in Training

Want to take it further? Travel in for intensive daily sessions with Will-oh! and experience a true deep dive into your riding

willow-and-withers-logo-tan

Therapeutic Riding Programs

Start new riders in a controlled, comfortable environment where confidence can grow.

willow-and-withers-logo-tan

Equine Wellness Professionals

Massage therapists, chiropractors, and physiotherapists can use Will-oh! to better understand rider movement and support their clients.

Will-oh! Training Plans

Session Options & Pricing

Every rider’s journey starts with an Initial Assessment — your chance to meet Will-oh!, experience what she can do, and receive a personalized biomechanics report. From there, you can choose guided coaching sessions. Whether you’re brand new to riding, looking to refine your seat, or diving deep into advanced work, Will-oh! makes every minute in the saddle count.

Introductory Offer

Initial Assessment

$125 + HST

55 minutes

  • willow-and-withers-logo-tan includes full assessment and feedback
  • willow-and-withers-logo-tan Willow & Withers boarders save 15%

Coaching Sessions

$115 + HST

45 minutes

  • willow-and-withers-logo-tan work with your own approved coach or one of our coaches
  • willow-and-withers-logo-tan focused guidance while riding Will-oh! at all gaits

How It Works

  1. Start with an Assessment
    Your first ride is a 55-minute assessment session. We’ll introduce you to Will-oh!, take you through walk, trot, and canter, and provide a biomechanics report so you can see where you shine and where you can improve.
  2. Choose Your Path
    After your assessment, you can book coaching sessions (guided by your own approved coach or one of ours) or training sessions for independent practice.
  3. Ride in Comfort
    All sessions take place in the Willow Barn at Willow & Withers Stables — indoors, year-round, rain or shine.
  4. Get Real-Time Feedback
    As you ride, sensors track your position, balance, and use of aids. You’ll receive immediate feedback on the screen, and coaches can walk alongside to fine-tune your posture at any gait.
  5. Take It Back to Your Horse
    Every insight you gain with Will-oh! transfers directly to your time in the saddle, making your training more effective, humane, and confidence-building.

Coaching with Will-oh!

Ready to take your coaching to the next level?

We’re now building a network of Approved Will-oh! Coaches who want to integrate simulator sessions into their own programs.

Learn more about becoming a Coach

Interested in Training on Will-oh!

Join the Rider Launch List and get early access to rider sessions and barn nights

Join the Rider Launch List
Melanie Taljaard with Racewood Horse Simulator

Our Coaches

Right now, Will-oh! is guided by Melanie Taljaard, a Racewood Certified Coach — the only one in Nova Scotia. Melanie brings her deep equestrian background, along with Racewood training, to help riders get the very best out of their simulator experience.

But this is just the beginning. We’re building a network of Approved Coaches who are trained to use Will-oh! as a powerful teaching tool. Becoming an approved coach means you’ll be able to integrate simulator sessions into your own programs, offering your riders new ways to develop balance, posture, and confidence with real-time feedback.

Why Coaches Love Working with Will-oh!

  • A safe, controlled environment for correcting rider technique.
  • The ability to stay in constant contact with a rider at any gait.
  • A unique tool that sets your coaching apart and adds value to your clients.
  • Access to the first simulator in Nova Scotia — and one of only a handful in Canada.

Interested in Becoming an Approved Coach?

If you’re a certified coach and want to explore how Will-oh! can complement your training, we’d love to connect. We’ll provide the training you need to become an Approved Will-oh! Coach, so you can bring the benefits of simulator learning to your riders.

Learn more about Will-oh! Coaching Program

Location & Facilities

Nestled in Nova Scotia’s stunning Annapolis Valley, Willow & Withers Stables is just an easy one-hour drive from Halifax International Airport — making Will-oh! accessible for riders both near and far.

At Willow & Withers, you’ll find a welcoming equestrian facility with full amenities, including an indoor riding arena and boarding options. Within the Withers Barn, Will-oh! has her very own dedicated, climate-controlled room, designed to provide year-round comfort and focus for every rider.

For those bringing their own horses, riders are welcome to ship in and ride in our indoor arena immediately following a simulator session. This powerful combination allows you to apply what you’ve learned on Will-oh! directly to your own horse — blending cutting-edge technology with traditional horsemanship in one visit.

Willow and Withers Stables, aerial view, Annapolis County