Creative Directors – Sarah and Claire
Sarah and Claire are the inspiration of Ponies and Pipsqueaks. All of our programs require their stamp of approval before being rolled out to the public!
Krista Ego
Owner/Operator of Ponies and Pipsqueaks
Krista’s love for horses started at an early age. By age 9 she was competing in beginner show jumper with her beloved pony Bitsy, through the Canadian Pony Club circuit and schooling shows in Ontario. Krista’s competitive pursuits continued in show jumper and eventing however 6 knee surgeries during her teen years, caused by a skiing accident, created challenges.
Working for the YMCA Riding Camp as a councilor and riding instructor from 1991 – 1998 Krista gained an abundance of experience working with first time riders. She loved watching her students bloom with confidence as they eagerly learned to ride.
In spring of 1999, at the age of 21, Krista decided to head west with the dream of becoming a cowgirl. Her sights set on Warner Guiding and Outfitting, aka Holiday on Horseback, Krista drove the 3900kms to Banff AB with the promise of an interview. Through a little convincing Krista managed to get hired immediately and what was meant to be a summer adventure turned into a 4 year career.
As an employee of Warner Guiding and Outfitting (now Banff Trail Riders) Krista became a licensed guide of the Rocky Mountains, guiding trail rides anywhere from 1 hour to 6 days long. Krista had the opportunity to learn many disciplines of western riding such as roping, packing, carriage/wagon driving, branding, the basics of shoeing as well as a plethora of vetting and horsemanship techniques. Within 3 months Krista was promoted to assistant barn foreman and was one of the first women to go into the backcountry as a guide.
Upon arriving in Victoria in late 2002 Krista began instructing at Westside Stables in Central Saanich. She had the pleasure of teaching many wonderful students before her corporate career aspirations demanded too much of her time. Krista continued to ride for pleasure, fitting it in when her busy work schedule allowed.
Welcoming her own daughters in 2016 and 2018 and deciding not to return to the corporate world Krista was finally able to get back in the saddle on a regular basis. The joy of introducing her own daughters to the equestrian world has been a gift she will always cherish.
What started as an idea that wouldn’t go away in 2019 became a vision come to life in the spring of 2020 with the creation of Ponies and Pipsqueaks. Krista is delighted to share her love for creativity and all things horsey with you and your family.
