Anne Finkler

Head Competitive Trainer

Anne Finkler has been passionately pursuing her love for riding for decades. She graduated with an Equestrian Certificate from Germany in 1997 and has since sought out advanced training at the prestigious Landesgestüt Dillenburg.

Founded in 1869, the Dillenburg State Stud combines centuries-old traditions with modern practices to promote sustainable regional development and preserve equestrian heritage. Their motto, "Together, we preserve what is good and create something new," resonates deeply with Anne's dedication to the equestrian community.

Anne holds the International Trainers Passport, confirming her educator qualifications, and she is licensed to teach by Equestrian Canada. Her expertise and commitment have made her a respected figure in the Canadian horse community.

As a founding member of the Algoma Pony Club, Anne played a pivotal role in expanding it into the first CPC Horsemaster branch in Ontario, significantly contributing to the growth and development of equestrian sports in the region.

Anne's extensive experience, qualifications, and dedication to equestrian education make her an invaluable asset to our team and the broader horse community.

Hannah Furbacher

Riding Instructor

Hannah Furbacher has been deeply involved in the equestrian world for over 11 years, with 7 years of competitive showing experience on the Trillium, Silver, and Gold circuits.

From the age of 11, Hannah has been immersed in the horse industry, working in various capacities, including as a stable hand and instructor. Her passion for teaching was evident during her two years as an instructor, where she took great pride in helping her students achieve their goals and develop a deep love for horses.

Additionally, her experience as a groom on the Gold circuit has provided her with invaluable hands-on experience in horse maintenance and conditioning.

Hannah's love for horses began at the young age of 5 and has only grown since. Her early involvement in summer camps led her to lease a pony and pursue regular lessons, eventually leading to ownership of six horses. Currently, she is focused on training her future show horse. To further deepen her knowledge, Hannah attended the University of Guelph, where she took equine-focused classes. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing and spending time with her horses.

Avery Tough

Riding Instructor

Outside of the barn, Avery works as a Medical Radiation Technologist at Sault Area Hospital. She spends her days providing X-rays and CT scans to patients in need, finding fulfillment in helping her community and being part of the amazing team at SAH. When not at work, Avery enjoys spending time with her husband, Brad, and their many pets, as well as being at the barn with the horses. Her love of horses began at age seven when she took her first riding lesson, and she has been riding ever since. Being at the barn is her happy place, and she loves sharing her passion for horses and horsemanship with others.

Avery took hunter/jumper riding lessons from age seven to eighteen, gaining valuable skills and experience working with a variety of horses. At seventeen, she began leasing a horse and had the opportunity to compete on the Michigan B circuit. Although she placed very well, Avery realized that competitive riding wasn't her true passion; she preferred training horses and teaching others.

After her year of competitive riding, Avery shifted her focus to training a horse named Benny, an ex-sulky racer who needed to be retrained for a new career as a trail and family horse. She worked with Benny to acclimate him to being under saddle, teaching him to walk, trot, and canter, and desensitizing him to various sights and sounds. Today, Benny enjoys his new life as a trail horse and beloved pet of four children.

Avery is excited to bring her skills, experience, and love of horses to teach beginner lessons at Mane Dreams, where she hopes to inspire others and share her passion for horsemanship through the lesson program.

Katie Blunt

Riding Instructor

During the day, Katie is the CEO at Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie and Area. She leads a highly motivated team in the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan with the overall goal of creating affordable housing for families that face barriers to traditional homeownership.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her many pets whether that be at home, the barn, or in the community. Her love of animals, particularly horses began very early. By 8 years old Katie was riding at SD Acres in their lesson program and by 13 she found her best friend - Jake. He was a 16.3 hand thoroughbred Clydesdale cross with a lot of personality. Katie rode competitively in the Trillium Circuit with Jake and her second horse Brooklyn.

Offering full care board from her small family-owned barn, Katie values and prioritizes the health of the horse, ensuring top quality hay, grain and care everyday. She provides excellent service by taking into consideration the individual needs of each horse and tailoring care to suit.

Shortly after high school, Katie began teaching beginner hunter/jumper lessons at SD Acres. Her lessons focused on basic horsemanship, emphasizing safety while ensuring students had fun. Lessons consisted of grooming, tacking up, flat work and small jumping exercises. Katie enjoys sharing her skills and knowledge with others and looks forward to contributing positively to Mane Dream’s lesson program.