History of the Kornerstone Program

There is a rich and varied history of the cornerstone concept. A "google search" of cornerstones will reveal background information and help understand the basis for this program/website name.

Monique believes in the cornerstone concept – building riders and horses from the ground up. That means taking the time to develop the rider, ensuring that the basics of rider position (in each discipline) are continually reinforced. In addition, horsemanship, teamwork and the training of the horse are all essential building blocks in the overall program. This concept may also mean that at some point a rider is ready to move on to another coach and program. Monique believes this is a positive testament to her training – to send a rider on to a higher level of coaching and riding! Monique has become certified in both disciplines of hunter/jumper and dressage, as she firmly believes that flatwork is the cornerstone of all disciplines and dressage training enhances a jumpers' performance.

Monique firmly believes in a riding program that is tailored to meet the individual needs of all riders and horses. She considers the abilities of both the horse and rider, the family time commitments with respect to education, careers and other pursuits, rider goals and financial constraints. To this end, riders enjoy flexible schedules and very competitive rates. While Monique understands that not all riders can commit to 6 days a week, she also reminds all clients that what they put into their training and that of their horses is reflected in their performances in the show ring and their ongoing development.

The overall success of Monique's program and rider results is due in part to the lease program she has developed. Owners who are not able to commit to 6/7 days a week in training lease their horses out to other clients in the program. This is a win-win situation; the owner and lessee share costs, their family schedules are easier to manage and the horse is in training with Monique on a full time basis. Even very novice riders have an opportunity to learn and train on a show horse suited to their ability. Monique makes every effort to match horse and rider, ensuring the horse is shown in the appropriate classes.

Lastly, an essential ingredient in Monique's program is humour and fun! Riders and horses alike are both athletes and our sport can be costly at times. There should be an element of fun, regardless of the level of riding and intensity of the competition. In addition, riders should be able to poke a little fun at themselves when things do not go according to plan, as well as appreciating the sense of humour that some of our equine partners display – usually at our expense!

"Riding and competing are life experiences – horses teach us humility, teamwork, how to put in our best effort, a healthy lifestyle and how to win and lose gracefully; skills that enable all of us to be successful in all aspects of our lives!"