Ottawa, ON, May 13, 2025 – Equestrian Canada is pleased to announce Nicole Babich-Morin of Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC, as the recipient of the first ever Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship.
This scholarship was created in memory of Philip Parkes, a professional dressage rider and licenced coach based out of Rockwood, ON, until his passing in 2023. He was also a co-host of the popular Dressage Radio Show podcast. The scholarship will honour Philip’s life-long passion for coaching and his dedication to helping riders grow and thrive – not just in their technical skills, but in their confidence, understanding and love for the sport of dressage.
Ms. Babich-Morin, who holds a master’s in chemistry and teaches at the CEGEP level, has been competing in dressage since the age of 10 and has shown all the way from FEI Pony through Juniors and Young Riders, U25 and Grand Prix. She represented Canada twice at Young Riders (now the North American Youth Championships) and has achieved both her EC Gold and Platinum medals as well as USDF Gold medal. She is now aiming for the medium tour and Pan American Games, while upgrading her coach certification to competition coach specialist. Her goal is to use her CCS Certification to support other athletes through the Learn to Ride program and along their own journey to become coaches. This $1,000 scholarship will go towards her coaching specialist upgrades.
Developing dressage instructors and coaches requires a significant time and financial commitment. The goal of the Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship is to help bridge the financial gap faced by aspiring and/or established dressage coaches who are interested in advancing their coaching certifications. Equestrian Canada hopes to support individuals who have a focus on dressage so that they can further help others learn about dressage and improve their skill and their horses in the same way that Philip valued.
To donate: click the following link and then from the Fund drop down menu, select “05. Dressage – Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship” https://equestrian.ca/community/get-connected/donate
Applications for the 2026 Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship will open in the fall and close December 31. Find more information here: https://equestrian.ca/community/get-connected/apply-for-grants/
The advisory panel for the Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship includes: Reese Koffler-Stanfield, Meredith Parkes, Charlayne Szafranski and Andrea Scott.
Equestrian Canada is pleased to announce Nicole Babich-Morin of Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC, as the recipient of the first ever Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship.
Photo courtesy of Nicole Babich-Morin.