Andrea Bresee

Recipient -- Toni Thompson "Spirit of Dressage" Award 2008 

Nominated by Tone Reid and several other fans
 
It has come to my attention that the "spirit" award has from the Toni Thompson Award. I would like to submit Andrea Bresee as a candidate. I first met her a number of years ago when she was working for Les Wagschall (in the Arab industry) for "sub slave" wages. A mutual friend mentioned that Andrea had expressed interest in pursuing a career in dressage, and did I have any suggestions. Her superior riding skills were blatantly evident and I suggested she forward resumes to top Canadian riders. Gina Smith took her on and many diligent years later … off to the Pam Ams she went. Now that she has relocated to this area, I've observed first hand her commitment to the sport, care of her equine charges, consideration to her clients, love of the show ringprofessional manner in which she conducts her business that set a benchmark that few follow. Noooo ... she hasn't grown wings or sprouted a halo … just a mere mortal with an enormous work ethic.

Thanks,
Tone Reid

Biography

Andrea started riding at age 11 in a small town in Saskatchewan. Her mother, Barb Howe, had Arabians, and was her first coach. After high school, she moved to the Toronto area to be a working student for the late Les Wagschal. While here she did a wide variety of disciplines, including dressage, jumping, western, driving, and starting youngsters every year.
She stayed there for five years, then moved to Brockville to work for Olympian Gina Smith for 11 years.

It was here that Andrea really developed her feel by riding, and successfully showed many different horses of all ages and abilities. She also accomplished her level 3 coaching certification in 2005.

In 1998, Gina and Franklands Farm owner Faith Berghuis purchased four-year-old Raffles as a working student project for Andrea. The partnership between them grew each year, and they achieved numerous championships at all levels, including top placings at CDI's, culminating in their Team Silver performance at the 2007 Pan Am Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Andrea and Raffles had been on the Dressage Canada short list since 2005.

It was also in Brockville that Andrea met husband Duane, who is very supportive, and can be seen at almost every show.
In the fall of 2007, Andrea and Duane moved back to the Toronto area to start DunRaven Dressage at DunRaven Farm in Uxbridge, which officially opened in January 2008.

The plan for their business at Dunvaven is to have horses and riders in for long- and short-term training depending on the need, as well as hold clinics on and off the property. The barn can hold 12 horses at any one time, all of whom Andrea trains with the able assistance of working student, Amanda Kalvoda. Andrea also welcomes riders to trailer in for lessons.

(Photo courtesy of Andrea and Duane Bresee)