
Who We Are
A Home For Every Rider
Established over four decades ago, the South Peace Horse Club (officially the South Peace Horse Show Association) is a non-profit society dedicated to multi-discipline equestrian sports. We provide a supportive and safe environment where riders of all levels (from beginners to seasoned competitors) can pursue their passion through clinics, shows, and community events.

Excellence in the Peace Region.
This is our legacy.
1972
The South Peace Horse Club's journey began in 1972. Since our founding, we have continually evolved to meet the changing needs of our local equestrian community. Our legacy is built on a tradition of hosting multi-disciplinary events.
1990s
Our commitment to competitive excellence reached a new milestone in 1996 when we partnered with the Alberta Horse Trials Association (AHTA) to establish our signature Three-Day Event. This premier competition tests the versatility of horse and rider across Dressage, Cross Country, and Stadium Jumping.
2000s
For many years, we were the proud host of the Alberta Championships and offered the province's only Intermediate-level course, cementing our place as a cornerstone of Alberta's eventing history.
Today
Today we continue the legacy of providing the Peace Region with quality equestrian opportunities, social events and education. We strive to foster an inclusive, welcoming environment through work with local community members, facilities and sponsors.
Our Board
Our Team
Driven by a shared love for horsemanship, the board, volunteers, and instructor team at South Peace Horse Club are dedicated to supporting equestrian growth in our community.
Chelsea Leskiw
President
Chelsea Leskiw
President
Originally from Calgary, Chelsea has proudly called Grande Prairie home since 2010. A small business owner and Advanced Care Paramedic, Chelsea brings a diverse professional background and a strong commitment to community service. With previous experience serving on boards and committees for not-for-profit organizations, she has developed a collaborative leadership style focused on governance, strategic planning, and fostering meaningful community engagement.
A passionate advocate for the equestrian community in the Peace Region, Chelsea is dedicated to ensuring riders of all ages and skill levels have access to opportunities for development, education, and memorable experiences. As President, she is committed to supporting the organization's mission, strengthening community partnerships, and helping create a vibrant and inclusive environment where equestrian activities can thrive.
Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her horses and raising her two children on the family acreage outside of Grande Prairie. Her deep connection to the local community, combined with a lifelong appreciation for the equestrian lifestyle, continues to inspire her leadership and service.
Bethany Mercanti
Vice President
Bethany Mercanti
Vice President
I've been crazy about horses from a young age, and that lifelong passion has grown into a fast-paced learning journey as a horse owner and competitive rider. I currently own two off-track Thoroughbreds and am especially drawn to the hunter-jumper and jumper disciplines, which I love for both the challenge and the personal growth it demands.
Outside of the barn, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three kids camping, snowboarding, or enjoying the acreage life. I chose to step into the role of Vice President because I want to create a positive impact on the local equestrian community and help build more opportunities for riders in the Peace region. I believe in service-based leadership and strongly feel that anyone can ride — equestrian sport should be welcoming and inclusive, regardless of background, class, or experience.
What I value most in a horse club is a strong sense of community, fun events, and continuous learning. I'm new to this role and learning as I go, and I'm always open to a conversation about how the club can improve. I truly value member feedback and look forward to growing alongside the South Peace Horse Club community.
Tiara Mader
Treasurer
Tracy Hunt
Secretary
Tracy Hunt
Secretary
I grew up on a cattle farm in Northern Alberta, where my love of horses and agriculture began at an early age. Growing up in a rural farming environment taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and dedication—qualities that continue to guide me today.
Horses have always been an important part of my life, and I have enjoyed working with them for as long as I can remember. Through the years, they have provided countless opportunities for learning, growth, and connection within the equestrian community.
Today, I am proud to support my daughter in her equestrian journey as a jumper. Watching her develop her skills, confidence, and passion for the sport has been incredibly rewarding and has further strengthened our family's involvement in the horse community.
I appreciate the friendships, experiences, and opportunities that horses bring and look forward to continuing to contribute to and support the equestrian community through the South Peace Horse Club.
Taya Sutherland
Cross Country Director/ Horse Trials Lead
Taya Sutherland
Cross Country Director/ Horse Trials Lead
Born and raised in Grande Prairie, Alberta, horses have always been a central part of my life. What started as a love of riding and horsemanship eventually led me to the sport of Three-Day Eventing. The challenge, versatility, and partnership required between horse and rider quickly made eventing my passion, and it continues to inspire me every day, both in and out of the saddle.
In January 2023, I became an EC NCCP-certified Instructor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my equestrian journey. Since then, I have been dedicated to expanding my knowledge through ongoing education and professional development, with the goal of becoming the best coach and mentor possible for my riders. Helping riders build confidence, develop strong horsemanship skills, and achieve their goals is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. As I continue to grow as both a coach and athlete, I look forward to challenging my EC Competition Coach certification in the near future.
That same year, I began mentoring under the South Peace Horse Trials Organizer, gaining firsthand experience in the planning, management, and operation of horse trials. Through this mentorship, I developed a deeper appreciation for the countless volunteers, organizers, and supporters who work behind the scenes to make these events possible.
In December 2023, I was honoured to be elected Cross Country Director for the South Peace Horse Club (SPHC). This role has provided me with the opportunity to help bring educational programs and learning opportunities to the Peace Region while supporting the continued growth of eventing within our local equestrian community.
In 2025, I proudly took on the role of organizer for the South Peace Horse Trials. This event has been an important part of my own journey as a rider, providing opportunities to learn, compete, and grow within the sport. Being able to give back by helping lead and support an event that has contributed so much to my development is incredibly meaningful. My hope is to continue building on its success and ensuring it remains a valuable opportunity for equestrians in the Peace Region for years to come.
Whether I am coaching, organizing events, or competing, I am passionate about fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where riders can learn, grow, and pursue their goals. I am grateful for the opportunities the equestrian community has provided me and look forward to continuing to support the sport while helping the next generation of riders find success and enjoyment in their own journeys.
Stef Roffey
Hunter Jumper Director/ Horse Show Lead
Stef Roffey
Hunter Jumper Director/ Horse Show Lead
I am a certified Equestrian Canada NCCP English Competition Coach, educator, and lifelong equestrian with a passion for helping both horses and riders reach their full potential. Horses have always been a central part of my life. The skills that guide my work in education—patience, mentorship, communication, and lifelong learning—also shape my approach to coaching and volunteer leadership within the equestrian community.
I am particularly passionate about the sports of hunter/jumper and dressage, and I enjoy helping riders develop strong fundamentals, confidence, and effective partnerships with their horses. I believe that good horsemanship extends beyond competition and begins with a solid foundation of knowledge, respect, and care for the horse.
I have been a member of the South Peace Horse Club for the past four years and have served as the clubs Hunter/Jumper Director for the last two years. During that time, I have worked to promote and grow equestrian sport in the Peace Region by organizing educational and competitive opportunities for riders of all ages and experience levels. I have managed the South Peace Horse Club Horse Show for the past two years and have led the planning and delivery of our annual Hunter/Jumper Days, which provide riders with valuable opportunities to learn, compete, and connect with others in the equestrian community.
One of the things I value most about South Peace Horse Club is the sense of community it creates. I believe that local horse clubs play an important role in supporting riders, encouraging sportsmanship, and providing accessible opportunities for education and competition. I am proud to contribute to these efforts and to help foster a welcoming environment where equestrians can learn, grow, and achieve their goals.
Whether I am coaching, volunteering, organizing events, or competing myself, I am committed to supporting the continued growth of equestrian sport in our region and helping riders build positive, lasting relationships with their horses.
Annie Williams
Western Director
Kelda Anderson
Social Media Director
Kelda Anderson
Social Media Director
Kelda Anderson is a lifelong horse lover, yoga teacher, marketing professional, and community builder based in Grande Prairie, Alberta. With a background in radio, advertising, and event promotion, she loves helping local organizations create meaningful connections and vibrant community experiences. When she's not at the family farm or supporting local events, Kelda runs Love Life Hot Yoga, where she's spent over 17 years teaching yoga and building a welcoming wellness community. She believes great communities are built through connection, encouragement, and a little bit of fun along the way.
Ashley Colter
Planning & Development Director





