Karis Van Essen

Karis Van Essen was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1986.  She moved with her family to the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia in 1994.  At the age of 12 Karis began taking riding lessons.  It was several years later when Karis discovered Talus Ridge Farm, that her passion for Dressage blossomed.  In 2003 Karis purchased her first horse, Devine Gift (aka Mia).  Under the excptional instruction of Mary Ellen Laidlaw, Karis was able to take Mia from unbroke through to second level. 

While at Talus Ridge Farm, Karis was able to ride in a clinic with Liz McConnell.  When a position for a working student was available at Tantara Farm, Karis was quick to apply.  Liz was equally quick to accept her application.  Originally Karis was planning to stay for the summer and return to university in the fall, she has now decided to take a year off school and stay until the fall of 2007.

Karis has completed two years of a BSc, majoring in Biology.  She plans to apply to Veterinary school in the fall of 2008.

As well as riding some of the young horses in training, Karis has had the opportunity to take lessons on Elymas, Liz's World Equestrian Games partner. 

While receiving daily lessons in dressage, Karis is also learning the details of caring for and maintainence of International calibre horses.

Karis riding Elymas