Kassia Westbrook

Born and raised in the heart of horse country in Cochrane, Alberta, Kassia grew up with horses running around in her backyard. She likes to point out that her riding career began before she was even born, since her mother rode throughout her pregnancy until she could no longer fit in the saddle!

Kassia learned all about horses alongside her mother, who operated a riding and therapeutic horse program. From a young age, Kassia developed a particular passion for horses that needed extra patience, understanding, and a second chance. Kassia specialized in working with troubled and abused horses, often taking on the “impossible” horses and helping them build trust and confidence in themselves. Some of Kassia’s earliest riding memories involve training her first horse, Frosty, when she was only six years old—along with learning the important lesson that yelling in excitement while sitting on a horse’s back may not always be appreciated by the horse!

In her teenage years, Kassia experienced firsthand the healing nature of horses, which eventually led her to become a certified EASI© Instructor (Equine Assisted Self-Improvement), working with experienced riders as well as students in the therapeutic riding program. Kassia has ridden and trained in both Western and English disciplines, with a particular passion for jumping and eventing.

After taking a few years away from horses while building her career, raising her family, and settling in Grande Prairie, Kassia is excited to return to the equestrian community as part of the PARDS team. She brings a kind, compassionate, creative approach to teaching, and enjoys meeting riders where they are at, to build their confidence while helping them work towards their individual goals.

Kassia is passionate about the connection between horses and people and believes that every horse has something special to teach us. She looks forward to sharing her love of horses and knowledge in helping PARDS riders discover confidence, connection, and joy in the saddle alongside their equine partner.