Millennial Acres celebrates the Year of the Horse in Cowichan Bay

Owner and head coach Shandelle Mathusz leads Cowichan Bay’s Millennial Acres as it marks the Chinese Year of the Horse, highlighting horsemanship, community and youth development. The stable has about 15 horses and just under 20 students and is accepting more riders.

Millennial Acres in Cowichan Bay is marking the Chinese Year of the Horse under owner and head coach Shandelle Mathusz. She emphasizes the bond between horses and riders and the barn’s role as a family-oriented community. Mathusz moved to Cowichan Bay in 2017, found the property in 2018 and launched Millennial Acres in 2019. Her program centers on beginner-first horsemanship and coach development. Key details: - Shandelle Mathusz is originally from Ontario; she first rode at age 12 and holds degrees in Education and Arts from Lakehead University. - Mathusz has worked under Olympian Beth Underhill and has coached riders at events such as the Western Vimy shows, Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, and U.S. hunter equitation circuits. - Millennial Acres has about 15 horses and just under 20 students; lessons are offered year-round and the stable is accepting more riders. - The farm’s Welsh Mountain stallion, Revel (foaled 2017), was acquired from Alberta and is bred to produce small, steady ponies suited to children. - Mathusz’s three daughters are involved in riding: Everly (9) competes with her pony Honey, Taya (turning 6) will enter her first official competitive year, and youngest daughter Vivian was born in 2023. Summary: Millennial Acres emphasizes correct basics, confidence and community as the foundation for competition and coach training. The stable continues year-round lessons and junior coach development while preparing young riders for competition, and Mathusz says she hopes to breed larger horses in the future as her children grow.