Our Team
Meet the familiar faces as you walk through the doors of Belle Wood!
Our staff are here to assist and teach riding school students all about horsemanship!
A lesson staff member assists all lesson students in the grooming and tacking up both before and after their lessons. Belle Wood utilizes this time to further our student's education in horsemanship and the importance of before and after care for their equine partners.
Belle Wood's coaches are all licensed and registered with Equine Canada and are up to date on first aid.
Our range in coaches provides something for everyone from beginner riders having their first ride ever to advanced students looking to show and lease and everything in between!
Our Story
Belle Wood Equestrian Est. 2008
Belinda La Belle has always been passionate about horses. She fell in love with the sport at a young age and has been involved in the equine industry for over 15 years. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats, including that of coach, facility owner, trainer, and past president of the Central East Trillium Hunter Jumper Association and banquet Chair.
Belinda's journey began in her hometown, where she competed in local shows and events. She eventually became a registered instructor while attending college. Her love for horses and teaching led her to start Belle Wood Equestrian in Pickering, Ontario, along with her family in 2008.
Belinda has achieved her Competition Coach registration as a coach and continues to grow and develop in the industry. She works with Beth Murray and Grace Wanyura to enhance her skills and abilities under saddle. Belinda also hosts clinics with her coaches, allowing her students to learn and grow alongside her.
Over the years, Belle Wood has been home to many boarded horses and lesson horses alike. Belinda has taken the show team to different states, including Florida and Ohio, and various shows such as the Silver Series, Trillium Circuit, and 'A' Rated Shows. She believes in enjoying the sport, learning at new venues, and creating new memories and experiences for her riders.
Recently, Belinda and her husband Patrick have been focusing on the riding school, show team, and the Grass Roots Show Series, while their three golden retrievers, Daisy, Duchess, and Duke, follow closely behind. Belinda's dedication to the equine industry and her students is unwavering, and she will continue to pass on her knowledge and love for horses for years to come.
Lesson Program Information
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
With a focus on developing well-rounded equine enthusiasts, Belle Wood incorporates the curriculum established by the Ontario Equestrian and Equestrian Canada
rider levels.
From first-time riders to accomplished riders, Belle Wood offers programs to fit the needs of each rider!
Ages 7+, we offer group, semi-private and private lessons for all levels.
Open to beginners, novice and advanced students.
Day Programming
Belle Wood Offers Summer Day Camps,
March Break Camp & P. A Day Camp
Campers participate in two daily riding lessons with our certified coaches & instructors.
Our coaches group campers according to their age and experience level.
Lessons will allow beginner riders to develop introductory walk/trot skills and gain confidence both on and around the horse. Riders with experience will work towards advancing and improving their current riding skill set and learning new horsemanship skills.
At Belle Wood, we focus on horsemanship activities and stable management to create a strong foundation for riders to work safely around horses, grooming techniques, the responsibility for daily horse care, how to look after tack and equipment and understanding horsemanship.
Our camps follow vital points from the Equine Canada Learn to Ride Program (See our Lessons page for a link to learn more about this program).
For more information, please see the resources below.
2024 Summer Camp Dates
SESSION 1: July 2nd - 5th *SHORT WEEK*
SESSION 2: July 8th - 12th
SESSION 3: July 15th - 19th
SESSION 4: July 22nd - 26th
SESSION 5: July 29th - Aug 2nd
SESSION 6: August 12th - August 16th
SESSION 7: August 19th - 23rd
SESSION 8: August 26th - 30th
Additional Opportunities
From Clinics to Horse Shows, Belle Wood has a full-circle approach to the programs we offer, giving every level the opportunity to grow their skill set. Whether you are just starting out or a more seasoned and advanced rider, Belle Wood offers clinics with leading professionals and show opportunities to challenge and give new perspectives for every level.
In addition to clinics, Belinda also enjoys taking the show team to new venues and experiences both local and international to give a complete education in North American hunter/jumper showing.
In-House Schooling Shows
Perfect for lesson students who want to get a feel for what showing is without breaking the bank or committing to a lease, these shows are hosted at Belle Wood for Belle Wood riders only.
Budget: $165 (per show)
Competition Level: N/A
Ideal Rider: Casual riders, new riders, riders in their first year of showing, riders who have not been to a show before, young riders who aren't sure if they want to show, riders who want extra practice before the regular show season.
2024 Dates: January 31st, February 29th & March 31st
OE Skills Development Shows
For riders just starting out or wishing to show casually, Belle Wood participates at the 'bronze' level OE Skills Development Shows located at Pickering Horse Centre. These shows are a safe and friendly introduction to the horse show world while giving students the away show experience.
Budget: Around $400 (per show)
Competition Level: Bronze
Ideal Rider: Casual riders, new riders, first year of showing, new horse and rider lease combos, riders showing new divisions/disciplines
Additional Opportunities
For those looking to do more high-performance shows, Belinda likes to pick from several different venues and circuits to create a well-rounded show season and provide a different experience. In 2024, Belle Wood will be focusing on the Pickering Horse Center Derby Series, Florida, Ohio and Essa with more information to come.
Budget: $$$-$$$$ (per show)
Competition Level: Silver/Gold
Ideal Rider: Riders who have shown before, those looking to move up in divisions, leasers/part boarders.
Grass Roots Shows at Belle Wood
The Grass Roots Schooling Show Series was created to create a fun, safe and laid-back atmosphere to introduce riders to the world of horse showing.
The divisions run from a complementary leadline class all the way to 2'3ft. Western tack and attire is welcome in our w/t and w/t/c divisions.
2024 Dates:
May 12th
June 28th
July 28th
August 11th
September 15th
Points are recored for each show and year end awards are given out at our year-end banquet.
Points are awarded as followed:
1st place= 8 points
2nd place= 7 points
3rd place= 6 points
4th place= 5 points
5th place= 4 points
6th place= 3 points
7th place = 2 points
8th place= 1 point