Connie Manning McNichol, B.Ed, CHA, EC

Connie was introduced to the Morgan world as a child. She had the privilege of growing up and being equine educated by family friends, to Arthur and Hazel Williams who just happened to be Morgan enthusiasts. Arthur and Hazel's Morgans were known as Spruce Lane Morgans. 

Connie has owned and shown Morgan horses for the past eighteen years. Her first Morgan horse was Justamere Amber, who just happened to have Spruce Lane lines although at the time of purchase Connie was unaware of the connection. What a pleasant surprise, when she found those lines on Amber's pedigree! Amber was a lifelong resident at TamRac Ranch, and taught Connie the most about unconditional love and never giving up. Amber had a successful show career, one that was not without its pitfalls, and spent much of her life teaching many young riders how to ride and control a horse. Sadly, Amber passed away quietly in January of 2010, but she remains very much a part of TamRac Ranch through her son and daughter who still reside here. 

Connie and her daughter Carla have enjoyed success in many show divisions. They have earned championships including English Pleasure, Park Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Classic Pleasure, Western Pleasure, and Pleasure Driving. They have introduced many of their horses to the Dressage and Jumping arenas. Connie's horses can be found in many divisions, as well as out on the trails hacking out just for fun. 

Connie is living her dream of owning a Morgan Horse Ranch where she shares her home with numerous equine, canine and feline friends. It seems there is almost always room for one more at Connie's house whether animal or human. The coffee pot is always on, and Connie is happy to stop everything to share a Morgan story or show her beautiful horses off.

Connie holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. After a successful career as a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools, she took an early retirement to pursue her passion within the equine industry. She has continued her philosophy as a life long learner and pursued equine certifications through Equine Canada and the CHA. 

Connie has encouraged and coached many young or amateur riders to Provincial and National Championships. She encourages her riders to accept challenges and seek excellence in their disciplines. She teaches that there are no barriers to achieving goals, although there may be a few bumps on the road. Especially at those times when the equine partner's ideas are not quite the same as the riders. 

Connie continues to learn from both horses and riders and truly enjoys the partnership that develops as skills are mastered and goals are reached. she rides at least five days a week and often answers her phone from horseback. She continues to ride in specific lesson programs and clinics to maintain and improve her own skills. 

The first time Angie rode a horse she was three years old. She still remembers how high her father had to lift her to set her on the bareback of that large Draft horse. She believes that was when her passion started for these majestic animals.

Angie rode as a teenager, but not formally, if she had to describe those experiences, well, she'd say she rode by the seat of her pants and not much else. She knew then that there had to be a safer way, but it wasn't until ten years ago that she got the opportunity to take lessons and learn to ride properly and safely.

For her fortieth birthday, she received a life-altering gift: her first horse. That's when her learning curve as an adult rider really started. Her and her mare, Holly started the journey to becoming partners, and began to cover distance together, learning to trust each other and face obstacles together along the way.

Angie has empathy and insight for all beginner riders who, perhaps, finally, have the opportunity to ride. She has ridden as a beginner and understands what it can feel like to be leary of such a large animal. She says she still hasn't forgotten what it felt like when her mare finally accepted the human on her back as a leader - pretty scary!!

Angie is a Certified CHA Instructor specializing in Western Beginner Riding for all ages. She is also a certified Equine Body Worker and has been part of TamRac Ranch Staff for five years. She is always continuing her education through instruction so that she can better help those who want to learn to ride in a safe an enjoyable atmosphere.