Testimonials
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I worked with Dr. Thompson when I was trying to qualify for the BC Young Riders Dressage Team. I made the Team twice and I competed at the North American Young Riders Championships in 1992 in Bromont Quebec, and again in 1993 in Chicago. My coach had Susan assist us with goal setting, motivational strategies for our training sessions, mental rehearsal for competition settings, and focus during our rides. These strategies helped me make the Team twice and have a personal best at the NAYR Championships.
Carly C.
Susan was a valued resource member of the team at Mirrabook Farms in Langley. She proved incredible support to students on goal setting towards their Equestrian Canada Rider Levels, and privately mentored several students in their life goals as they progressed toward tertiary education, and professional riding endeavours.
Marilyn Powell
Owner/Coach Mirrabook Farms
When I started working with Susan, you could say I was a little lost. I felt I had not identified a purpose to my life. She taught me valuable skills and helped me understand what I really wanted to do with my life. She made me work on my patience, determination, and the ability
to never give up, even when things got tough. She taught me to overlook my frustrations. And because of all that, I can say today that I probably wouldn’t have accomplished what I have if I hadn’t had her guidance.
T. V.
Working with Susan has truly changed my life. She guided me through some of the most formative years of my life, helping me achieve more than I ever thought possible. Her deep understanding of the mental and technical aspects of horseback riding, combined with her passion and support, helped shape not only my performance as a rider but also who I am as a person. I wouldn’t be where I am today - on or off the horse - without her.
A. M.
Previous competitive experiences had me riddled with anxiety both before and during my events, but working with Susan on my goal-setting, pre-competition rituals, and progressive relaxation, I saw immediate results; not just in my test scores but in my own mental health. I was able to reach levels of competition that I didn't ever believe were personally attainable. Higher-stakes events were less daunting, and I became a more grounded athlete overall.
C. L.
FEI Rider
I started working with Dr. Thompson when I was a teenager. I had just experienced two serious and traumatic accidents horseback riding that had absolutely rattled my confidence. At the point I came to Susan, I was so controlled by my anxiety it was difficult for me to even step into the barn. Susan helped me learn the tools to overcome my mental blocks to free me to develop my physical riding skills. One of Sue’s greatest strengths when working with me was knowing exactly when to push me and when to pull back and let me work through my anxiety using the tools she helped me develop.
With Sue’s guidance, I learned to become more aware of the triggers of my anxiety and to assess how it was impacting me both physically and mentally. One of the most powerful areas we worked through was helping me reframe my self-value when it came to my anxiety. While my accidents intensified my anxiety around riding, the reality is I am by nature quite anxious in general and have been since a child. Working with Sue helped me realize that many of the traits that cause me to be anxious are also ones that can be harnessed to work me through my anxiety. This is one of the most valuable skills I have learned from Sue and one that has served me throughout my entire life.
By being aware of my anxieties, having a tool kit to work through them, and most importantly no longer beating myself up about my anxious nature, I have been more confident in my work life, personal life, and as a parent. The skills that Susan will help with will serve you well in sport but will also build a foundation that extends into all aspects of your life.
- P. M.
I first met Dr. Thompson when I was 12 years old, and she has been an incredibly positive influence through the last 21 years of my life. Though first introduced as a riding coach, her guidance and coaching has far transcended the realm of horseback riding. She has supported and guided me through many formative years of my life with clear messages of dedication, hard work, and a focus on ongoing self-improvement. On a personal level, she has supported me through challenging moments in my life with empathy and kindness. All the lessons and support that I have learned from Dr. Thompson have been instrumental in my life beyond horseback riding, as I completed medical training, and now, as an early career infectious disease physician. I would highly recommend Dr. Thompson for all those looking for meaningful and impactful counselling that will have long lasting positive impact.
-Clara Van Ommen, MD, FRCPC