Meet The Team

At Tsuga Creek Stables we have an amazing team of Equine Canada Registered and Licensed coaches to help our students achieve all of their riding goals

Meet the Owner

Sarah Puchalski

Sarah began her riding career right here on the Sunshine Coast, where she quickly fell in love with the sport. She pursued a career as an equine veterinarian, and although she is no longer practicing, she continues to run her equine diagnostic imaging company, Puchalski Equine Imagining.

During her time with horses, Sarah competed at top venues throughout North America, including Spruce Meadows and the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), among others.

Sarah and her (now retired) Grand Prix horse, Lucia, have returned to Gibsons.

Together with her family,her goal for the stable is to create a welcoming environment for families to connect and learn about proper horse care and riding.

Meet

Our Coaches

Paige Donaldson

Instructor

Paige is an Equestrian Canada Licensed Coach and holds a Bachelor's degree in Equine Business Management.

Her love for riding began at the age of 7, and as a teen, she competed in both hunter and jumper arenas. Now as an adult, Paige has found her passion in coaching, helping riders of all ages and skill levels, Notably, she coached the University of British Columbia's Equestrian Team from 2019 to 2023.

Courtney Davis

Instructor, Horsemanship Program

Courtney’s journey with horses began at just five years old, when a babysitter brought her to a local barn — and she’s been hooked ever since. Growing up riding in Oakville and Caledon, Ontario, she explored a wide range of disciplines, from showing on the Hunter circuit to the thrills of Fox Hunting. Over the years, she’s gained hands-on experience working with off-the-track Thoroughbreds, at breeding farms, and large-scale boarding facilities.

But Courtney’s true passion lies in teaching. She focuses on building strong foundations in horsemanship and teaches our beginner lessons with patience, enthusiasm, and a deep understanding of both horse and rider. A registered coach with Equestrian Canada, Courtney is a dedicated lifelong learner, continually expanding her knowledge in coaching and equine care.

When not teaching, Courtney can be seen at the barn training her young horse, Cash or with her dog Boston.

Wendy Cathcart

Instructor and Barn Manager

Wendy is an Equine Canada License Coach, with over 30 years of experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge ad a deep passion for horse care and rider development. From managing her own boarding stable, to training her own horses, Wendy has developed a diverse background across multiple disciples.

Starting in Western disciplines, Wendy competed in western games, trail horse, and hack classes, before expanding into horse trials and dressage.

Most recently, Wendy began training in Trauma-Informed coaching through Equine Canada with Megan Pinfield Which focuses on helping riders overcome fear after an accident and rebuilding their confidence in the saddle.

At Tsuga Creek Stables, Wendy takes pride in providing expert coaching and compassionate horse care, ensuring both horse and rider thrive.