Meet Our Coaches

 

Tammie Blewett

Tammie is a CHA Level 4 and BHS Level 3 coach and the proud owner of Unicorn Stables. Tammie started working at Unicorn in 1999 before taking ownership in 2011. She has guided the facility’s growth into a welcoming, horse-centred environment where both horses and riders can thrive.

While Tammie continues to coach, her primary focus has shifted toward mentoring her team of instructors and shaping the overall training philosophy at Unicorn. She is passionate about equitation science, an evidence-based approach that integrates learning theory and equine behavior to promote ethical, effective training. This philosophy emphasizes clear communication, reduces stress, and builds mutual trust between horse and rider.

Tammie enjoys supporting her students at competitions and clinics, helping them grow as thoughtful, confident riders who prioritize their horse’s well-being. Her coaching approach encourages riders to communicate clearly with their horse, understand how horses learn, and make choices that support a willing partnership.

Unicorn Stables is also home to several of Tammie’s former competitive mounts, who now help teach and inspire the next generation of riders.

Emma Wallin

Emma has been part of the Unicorn Stables community since she was five years old. Emma is a certified instructor and the barn’s primary horse trainer. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of equine behaviour, Emma plays a key role in developing young and green horses, helping them build confidence and progress through thoughtful, consistent training.

Her coaching style reflects Unicorn’s commitment to equitation science and horse welfare. She focuses on clear aids between horse and rider, and encourages students to approach training with patience, empathy, and a desire to truly understand their horse.

Emma coaches riders of all ages and skill levels, and is known for her calm, supportive demeanour and ability to meet each rider where they’re at. She also works closely with Tammie at competitions and clinics, helping students prepare, stay grounded, and build strong partnerships with their horses both at home and in the show ring.

Emma

Cassidy Kerfoot

Cassidy began riding at the age of five and moved to Unicorn Stables when she was nine, where she discovered her passion for Eventing. She also joined Pony Club during this time, achieving her B-level certification.

Cassidy has furthered her knowledge by completing courses in Equine Management and Equine Behaviour at the University of Guelph. She has competed up to the Preliminary level on her first horse, Sugar, who now enjoys a second career as a beloved lesson horse at Unicorn Stables.

Cassidy’s coaching approach reflects her commitment to equitation science, incorporating clear communication of the aids and an understanding of equine behaviour. She is passionate about fostering a positive and effective learning environment for her students, where both horse and rider can thrive.

Cassidy enjoys coaching riders of all ages and helping them build their confidence and skill. She works closely with each student to help them achieve their goals while ensuring a supportive, enjoyable training experience.

unicorn-stables-coach-cassidy-kerfoot-spud

Laurel Wilson

Laurel joined Unicorn Stables two years ago, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching. After retiring from her first career, Laurel is now living her childhood dream of being an instructor at Unicorn. She also runs our beginner camps and young child lesson program, where she helps foster a love for horses in our younger riders.

Laurel creates a supportive, patient, and composed learning environment where both children and adults feel encouraged to develop their skills. Her teaching style ensures that every rider, regardless of age or experience level, is empowered to progress at their own pace and work toward their individual goals while focusing on the foundations of Equitation Science.

Her love for horses and teaching shines through in every lesson, and she finds great joy in seeing her students grow from their first time in the saddle into confident, capable riders.