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About Us
Two
Willows Equine is a partnership between Willow Butte Cattle Company and
Willow Grove Stables.
Willow Butte Cattle
Company operates as a 6000 head Custom Cattle Feedlot /Cow-calf
operation. Situated on 5000 acres of rolling farm/ grassland Willow
Butte provides the breeding portion of the Two Willows Equine
Development Centres.
Broodmares have the opportunity to winter on open hayland. Young stock
begin their education being exposed to all a working cattle operation
has to offer. Exposure to heavy-duty farm equipment, cattle and the
general workings of a feedlot, along with the opportunity to be part of
a large group of horses lead to sound minds and quiet dispositions.
Trish Mrakawa
Trish is the owner of Willow Grove Stables that was established in 1982
and has been at its present location since 1984. Trish attained her Pony
Club “A” Certificate and is one of a select group to have a National
Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Level 3 Certificate in Hunters,
Jumpers and Equitation.
After successfully competing in both hunters and jumpers as a junior
rider on the North American circuit, Trish then switched to Three Day
Eventing representing Alberta many times in the Continental Young Riders
Championships. Returning to her first love of show jumping, she began
riding and teaching professionally in 1982.
Trish's students compete at shows from Novice level to Spruce Meadows
throughout Alberta, across Western Canada, and often in the USA. Her
students have reached many milestones in their riding careers including
CET Regional winners, CEF Zone Awards, and representatives on team
competitions such as the North American Young Riders Championships. Over
forty students have moved on to professional careers with many attaining
their own NCCP Coaching certificates.
In 2002, Trish became the Master Course Conductor for English Coaching
in Alberta. She was then appointed Chairman of the Equine Canada English
Coaching Committee which helps develop coaching programs for
evaluating and training coaches in Canada, along with the Equine Canada
Learn To Ride Program. Trish is an Evaluator for the NCCP/Equine Canada
Coaching Programs and a Learning Facilitator for the NCCP/Equine Canada
Equestrian Theory course. She has been appointed Chairman of Coaching
for Jump Canada in 2008.
She has also been an active senior judge on the Canadian show circuit
for hunters, jumpers and equitation.
In 1999, Trish expanded her vision of helping people to the wellness
industry where she provides consulting for people who are interested in
preventative and alternative methods of health and reducing the stress
in their lives.
Janine Olson
Janine Olson lives with her husband Kent and children
Alyssa and Tyler on their farm southeast of Red Deer. She is a life long
member of the agricultural community and has been a partner in Willow
Butte Cattle Company Ltd. since 1988. This multi-dimensional farming
operation has included a 6000 head capacity feedlot, a 900 head cow-calf
operation as well as farming 5000-acres in crop and intensive grass
management program.
She is an Alumna of Olds College Equine Management
Diploma program with a history of successful breeding, foaling,
development and marketing of sport horses in the hunter & jumper
disciplines. In 2001, Janine partnered with long-time friend and
equestrian Trish Mrakawa, to form Two Willows Equine Development
Centres. She is responsible for breeding, foaling and schooling young
stock in preparation for advanced training.
Janine holds a NCCP Level 1 English Coaching Certificate
and has been a volunteer Instructor and parent supporter of Red Deer
Pony Club, 1992 to 1999. Janine has provided safe, enjoyable instruction
to young riders in horsemanship theory, stable management, dressage,
show jumping and cross country jumping disciplines.
In 2005, Janine was selected to become a Junior Inspector
for the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders’ Association.
Janine rides competitively in the hunter & jumper
disciplines with a background in Pony Club and Three-Day Eventing.
Janine’s interest and expertise in
equine photography is
demonstrated throughout the Two Willows and Willow Grove Stable
websites.
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