Flying Changes is a full service Hunter/Jumper facility located in Coombs, BC. Read below to learn more about our team.
Gina Kararrigas – Owner/Coach
Since I was a young child I have been obsessed with horses. I started riding at the age of 8 with an English fellow in Qualicum Beach who taught in a big open field and on the open trail. From there I took lessons at Hobby Horse Stables in Coombs and my first competition over fences was in 1987. Since then I have never stopped, literally riding any horse I could get my hands on and knocking on everyone’s door in Qualicum Beach that had a horse in the field with hopes that one would take me on as their barn rat. Shortly after, I convinced my parents that I would work hard enough to have my own horse. I went from Bar 6 R where I rode all over the country side, to Holly Groves Stables. From there on in I knew this was what I was going to do. I took regular lessons, started working at a dressage barn for Libby Naylor and competed regularly to work my way up to a professional. I started young horses and taught many kids the ropes. After graduating from high school I applied for a job in the USA, where I got a feel for the international side of the sport. In 1994 I decided to go hard at it, I opened my own business with the help of the Crossley family who always guided me in the right direction as they were very knowledgeable horsemen. I never stopped competing myself, I took every clinic that came available as well as dabbled into breeding after I got my insemination ticket at Olds College. In 1997 I purchased my lovely farm, Flying Changes Riding School and it is here that I continue promoting the equestrian sport, bringing little ones up to the show ring from cross poles to the 1.2m jumpers and producing fabulous horses either bought or bred from top stock all the way down to the odd rescue that I can help out. My family and I reside here and to this day our summer camps carry on and our little farm brings along top riders and horsemen in the sport.
Beginner Instructors
Embark on your equine journey with our friendly and skilled team of beginner instructors at Flying Changes Riding School. Bringing both expertise to the saddle and a warm, enthusiastic spirit, our experienced instructors are ready to share their passion for riding with all levels of riders. Get ready to embark on an exciting equine adventure with instructors who are committed to making your equestrian experience both educational and enjoyable. We can’t wait to see you in the saddle!
Teresa Duerden – Trainer
Teresa Duerden has been riding in my program since 2006. She came to Flying Changes as a young girl, and now has several great accomplishments in the industry. She has shown all over Vancouver Island and BC up to the 1.30m jumpers. Teresa has ridden everything from unstarted horses and ponies to top bred prospects and has had loads of show experience on green horses in the hunter and jumper rings. She has a strong passion for the show ring, and brings out the best performance in the horse, instilling great confidence. Teresa specializes in horses under saddle that have temperament difficulties, thoroughbreds that need re starting or young stock that need to start their career over fences. She has also had the privilege of riding with top trainers such as George Morris, Brent Balisky, Bill Ulmer just to name a few.