Meet the Whinny Hill Team
Jodi Farrell, Farm Manager
Jodi has been around horses for as long as she can remember. Growing up with them sparked a lifelong love of horses. She began riding at a very young age and had horses of her own. She has worked at several stables in her youth, building experience and a deep appreciation for horse care. After stepping away from horses for many years, Jodi is delighted to be back working with horses and is excited to continue learning at Whinny Hill.
Kayla Wile, Supervisor, Horsewoman
Kayla joined us at Whinny Hill about five years ago and has been looking after and riding our wonderful animals ever since. She just graduated in the sciences at St. Mary's University, and was part of the Dalhousie University Equestrian Team.
Vanessa Sarty, Director of Programming
Vanessa Sarty is the head coach at Whinny Hill Equestrian Centre. With more than 20 years of experience with horses, Vanessa brings a lifelong passion for horsemanship, teaching and helping riders develop genuine confidence.
Vanessa began taking riding lessons in her early teenage years and soon became involved in showing, training and caring for horses. Her knowledge has continued to grow through years of working with a wide variety of horses and riders. She is currently an NCCP Instructor Candidate completing her certification through Equestrian Nova Scotia and Equestrian Canada.
Vanessa believes that becoming a well-rounded horseperson involves much more than learning how to ride. Students at Whinny Hill are taught from the ground up through a combination of theory, hands-on learning, groundwork and mounted lessons.
Theory lessons help students understand horse behaviour, anatomy, safety, tack and equipment, nutrition, stable management and responsible horse care. During hands-on and groundwork sessions, students learn grooming, leading, tying, handling, recognizing equine body language and communicating with horses through patience, empathy and clear leadership.
Mounted lessons focus on developing a balanced position, effective communication, confidence and correct western riding skills. Students are encouraged to understand why they are using each cue and how their riding affects the horse—not simply to follow instructions.
Whinny Hill’s structured learning-level program allows students to work toward clear goals while progressing at their own pace. Each student receives a binder for tracking their progress, completing worksheets and keeping the knowledge they gain throughout the program.
Vanessa welcomes both children and adults and works with each rider at their individual level. She strives to provide a friendly, supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, overcoming challenges and celebrating their progress.
Whether a student wants to gain confidence, improve their riding, deepen their knowledge of horse care or work toward future goals, Vanessa is committed to helping them become safe, capable and compassionate horse people.
Alicia Crooks, Owner, Dreamer
Approximately seven years ago, Alicia and her husband, Robert, serendipitously discovered an equine facility whose owners had departed, taking their horses and had a desire to sell. Seizing the opportunity, Alicia and Robert decided to acquire the property, transforming it into a sanctuary not only for horses in distress but also for individuals facing challenges.
Over the years, Whinny Hill has blossomed into a heartwarming haven, now home to 30 horses, 1 mule, 5 donkeys, 9 goats, 3 sheep, and a myriad of cats and dogs. Some residents were rescued, others carefully chosen, and some even born into the nurturing embrace of Whinny Hill—each one cherished and tended to with love.
The Whinny Hill Equine School stands as a testament to their commitment, offering riding lessons catering to all ages and skill levels, delivered with unwavering passion and care.
In an exciting development now in process, the Whinny Hill Therapy Facility will focus on the profound communication between horses and humans, aiming to instigate transformative changes in individuals. Recognizing the remarkable ability of horses to delve deep into human emotions, the program seeks to facilitate connections that unveil aspects of life needing attention. Merely engaging with a horse can catalyze self-realization, identify areas for healing, and prompt resolutions in one's life. Alicia harbours a heartfelt aspiration to witness these profound transformations take root at Whinny Hill, envisioning a future where the sanctuary becomes a catalyst for positive change and healing in the lives of those it touches.
