Meet the Team
Leila Templin
Resident Trainer
Leila grew up in Edmonton, Alberta and started riding when she got her first pony, Cede, at 7 years old. She was very successful riding and showing pony hunters throughout Alberta and BC. After she graduated, Leila attended NAIT, where she studied Animal Health Technology while managing a sixty stall show barn. Leila moved to Kelowna in 2009, where she rode as an amateur with Bill Ulmer of Foxwood Equine Services.
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Some of Leila’s highlights as an amateur rider were placing in hunter derbies throughout the Pacific Northwest, California and Alberta, attending the Ariat Medal Equitation Finals in Maryland, numerous hunter championships and provincial awards and some thrilling successes in the 1.2 meter jumper ring with her horse, 'On The Dark Side'.
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In 2018, Leila became Bill Ulmer’s assistant and started to take on students of her own. This led to the natural progression of Leila becoming a professional and starting her own business, Templin Equestrian.
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In 2021, Leila earned her Equestrian Canada Rider Level 8 Certificate, as well as completing the requirements to become an Equestrian Canada Registered Coach. Leila loves working with both children and adult riders, and is thrilled to be Sweet Cherry Stables’ resident trainer.
Lesson Horses
Our sweet Arrow is a 13 year-old Quarter Horse/Warmblood cross who stands 15.3 hands tall.
Arrow loves attention, and loves to jump! She is very affectionate and willing to please, and she is always ready to give you a nuzzle while she searches your pockets for treats.
Arrow is available for half lease to an experienced equestrian.
Arrow
Bella is a sweet 12 year-old thoroughbred mare who stands 15.1 hands tall. She loves belly scratches, treats and her equine companions.
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Bella came to Sweet Cherry after deciding she didn't want to be a professional polo player, and constantly surprises us with her sweet temperament and talent.
She is available to beginners and intermediate riders for lessons
Bella
Bres (“To Be Sure”) is a 23 year-old Irish Sport Horse. Bres is known for his exceptional temperament and is a safe horse who is perfect both for beginners and the more advanced.
Bres successfully showed in both Canada and California for many years, and continued to show in the 1.15 meter with his owner until spring 2020.
Bres now teaches novices to ride and has a fan following at Templin Equestrian!
Bres
Lily (“Amaretto”) is a 9 year-old Warmblood mare who stands 16.2 hands tall.
Lily is a very talented jumper who won reserve champion at the 2021 Thunderbird Fall Finale. She was also the winner of the short/long stirrup classic with her 13 year-old rider.
Lily is currently half leased in the Templin Equestrian program.
Lily
Opus is a handsome 16 year-old Holsteiner gelding who stands 15.3 hands tall.
He is full of character and is a very experienced and talented jumper. Opus is a special boy who has been with Templin Equestrian for the past two years.
He is available for half lease to an experienced equestrian, and we are excited to see where he can go with the right partner.
Opus
Romeo is a 20 year-old Pinto Welsh pony cross.
Romeo is a Templin Equestrian favourite who is loved by all who meet him. He is a kind, happy pony who keeps all of his young riders safe and happy.
Romeo is a very special boy and is one of the barn favourites due to his gentle nature.
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Romeo
Skye is the baby of the Sweet Cherry family. Skye is a paint mare who is just 5 years old, and stands 15.2 hands tall.
Skye is an amazing young horse with tremendous talent. Skye loves attention, and would follow you around all day if she could.
She is a very athletic, versatile horse who will be a great lesson horse when she is a bit older.
Skye
VIP (very important pets)
Julius is the honorary Mayor of Sweet Cherry Stables.
Upon arriving at the barn, Julius will be there to welcome you and ask for some attention. He is also an excellent mouser when he is not busy inspecting newcomers, sunbathing, or watching the equestrian activities.
The Mayor
Jackson is a shepherd mix and is 9 years old.
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He understudies as part of the 'Resident Security' team and hopes to be part of this elite group one day.
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In his spare time he likes to eat mice, do agility training and nap in the sun.
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Security Trainee
The Gang consists of: Frosty, Sambuca and Stella - pygmy goats, notorious for sneaking out of their pen, Panda and Ramalamb - sheep.
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Their hobbies include head butting (mostly the goats), snacking, watching the equestrian activities, and sleeping.
The Gang
Buddy and Ellie are both Great Pyrenees, a breed that is known to protect livestock from various predators; because of this extensive background they have been given the title of 'Resident Security'.
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When they get a moment of free time, you can catch Buddy and Ellie practicing their barks and showing the trainee how to properly guard.
Resident Security