Riding instructor, business owner, cattle farmer, mother, and volunteer; it's all in a day's work for Niki Elash.
The Wonder Woman of the equine and agriculture world, Elash trades in the cape for riding boots.
Born and raised in the area, the mother of three owns and operates FairWind Farms – a full board training stable located near Cold Lake. As a certified Equine Canada competition coach, Elash also offers a lesson program for both English and Western riders of all ages.
Having been a horseback rider since she was a young girl, it was no-brainer for her to turn a passion into a career.
Prior to constructing her barn and arena three years ago, Elash travelled around the area to give lessons. A competitor herself, she understood the importance of upholding industry standards and having an instructor who could help youth grow from their first day on a horse to becoming advanced riders.
“With the coaching, a lot of people like to know that the person teaching their kids has that certification, so I went through and did that,” said Elash. “I'm able to coach kids through competition, as well as just teaching them how to ride at the beginner level.”
But, she doesn't stop there.
Committed to the development of young riders, Elash runs the Beaver River Pony Club out of her barn. Currently, the club is comprised of about 16 kids, four of which are actively competing.
Through the program, Elash passes on the knowledge and opportunities that were given to her as a child.
“I've been riding for my whole life, so I just figured it was time to give back… The Beaver River Pony Club has been around since I was a kid. My mom and my coach as a kid started it, so I'm just keeping it going for the kids that want to learn about horses.”
She added, “We run pony club on a 100 per cent volunteer basis; it was given to me as an opportunity, so I thought it's time to give it back.”
Elash also runs a beef operation, which is a joint venture with her parents. What little time she has left she dedicates to volunteering with the Cold Lake Ag Society.
“My parents have always been involved in the ag society, so I started helping out. Then I took over organizing the horse shows that are put on and the equine events for the indoor area.”
While dedicating her time to teaching others, Elash doesn't let her own skills fall by the wayside. She continues to compete in horse shows as much as possible.
This week alone, she's heading to Grande Prairie with her daughter and two students for a three-day eventing clinic and two-day horse show.
Though horses may be her world, the appeal of starting her own boarding and training business has allowed Elash the flexibility to do an even more important job: raising her three kids, ages seven, nine, and 13.
“Doing what I do gives me the freedom to be able to still raise my kids. It's something that I'm good at and that I enjoy, plus it teaches them responsibility – they're not sitting in the house in front of a TV,” expressed Elash. “I do it for myself because I enjoy it, but it's also definitely for my kids as well. They enjoy it too.”
When asked how she balances everything she has on the go, Elash was quick to credit her friends and family.
“I have a really good support system, which helps. I can't thank them enough. I wouldn't be able to do it without them.”
Being a woman has never held Elash back from doing what she loves to do. Regardless of what route women choose in life, she said it all comes down to staying true to yourself.
“I'm not saying there's not going to be hurdles, but I think you need to have your research done and know what you're getting into. You have to believe and have faith in what you're doing and what you're getting involved in, no matter what job you do.”
For Elash, she has no plans of slowing down and continues to live day-by-day as she works to grow her business, help her students advance, and educate others about the equine industry.
