Introducing Ontario Equestrian's 2023 Coach of the Year, Kathy Fremes!

Kathy is a successful certified NCCP English Competition Coach and the owner/manager of Country Hill Farm near Stouffville. She has been involved in the equestrian industry for over 45 years and wears many hats as a competitor, sport horse breeder, trainer, stable owner and manager, instructor for the University of Guelph - Equine program, NCCP coach developer, and NCCP certified coach.

Kathy mentors many instructor and coach candidates to certification, and promotes the Rookie Riders and Learn to Ride/Drive Programs while introducing children and youth to the sport. She enjoys working with mature athletes entering the sport for the first time or coming back to the sport after a break.

Health and wellness of all horse and human athletes is Kathy’s top priority. She is passionate about the environment and has designed her farm to be a “green” place to ride and raise horses. 

Mentoring, teaching, integrity, objectivity, professionalism, support, and values help her athletes become their best selves, athletes, teammates, friends, mentors, and community members.

“Not only have my riding skills, goals, horsemanship, mental health, and community involvement greatly improved, with Kathy’s encouragement and mentoring, I am working on my rider levels with the goal of becoming an OE Instructor. Look out, my next chapter in this sport has only just begun, stay tuned. Thank you, Kathy!”

- Amanda Field

“She is that rare blend of coach, mentor and friend, and I am so grateful to her dedication in supporting riders and their horses, in sport and on the farm.”

- Melanie Mainville

“I really appreciate Kathy's intuitive coaching style. She always finds a way to get you to do things you don’t think you can (or are afraid to do), often even without you knowing!”

- Carol Journeaux