One of the great things about having board meetings in schools is that we learn more about the people who put their hearts and souls into educating our kids. Dunstable School hosted the January 24 board meeting, and we learned about a very special teacher with a special talent.
Derek Dachyshyn has been teaching Grade 3-4 at Dunstable School for the past six years. He’s a very dedicated teacher who keeps extra busy in the school coaching volleyball, basketball and soccer. However, when the schoolwork and coaching jobs are done, he most likely can be found in the arena with his horses. We’ve learned that Derek is quite an accomplished horseman and competitor — this is his story.
Where did you grow up?
“I grew up in Redwater, Alberta.”
How did you get into riding and showing horses?
“My Aunt and Uncle had horses and were involved with showing and raising horses. I went to ride with my Aunt one day when I was 10 and haven’t really looked back. I guess you could say I was “hooked” from that day on and all these years later I’m still involved and hopefully will be for many more years. I started riding at open shows all over Northern Alberta as a kid and about 5 years ago started showing on the Quarter Horse circuit in Alberta and a little bit in Saskatchewan. “
Which events do you compete in?
“Growing up I competed in pretty much everything from halter to western pleasure to reining. The last 10 years or so I have focused more on the reining, and most recently have had some success in the ranch riding class.”
Tell us about your accomplishments in the arena?
“I’ve been pretty fortunate the last few years to have some success in the arena.
- 2013 North Country Circuit Sportsmanship Buckle
- 2009 – 2014 North Country Circuit Reining Champion
- 2015 National Champion Amateur Ranch Riding
- 2016 Reserve National Champion Amatuer Ranch Riding
- 2016 National Champion Novice Amateur Ranch Riding
- 2016 Quarter Horse Association of Alberta Reserve Champion, Novice Amatuer Ranch Riding
- 2017 Reserve National Champion Open Ranch Riding
- 2017 National Champion Amatuer Ranch Riding
- 2017 Quarter Horse Association of Alberta Champion Amatuer Ranch Riding
- 2015, 2016, 2017 American Quarter Horse Association World Show Qualifier
Tell us about your horses.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have lots of great horses over the past 10 years or so. My current horse is a 10 year old gelding whose name is Second Amendment CD, we call him Cisco around the barn. He’s owned by a really great family friend, and I’m so fortunate to have the opportunity to ride him. He’s a pretty quirky horse, he’s got his own way of doing things, but he’s never let me down when it’s mattered most. I also have a young horse that I am working with, that will hopefully be Cisco’s replacement in a year or two.“
What does your training schedule look like and where do you ride throughout the year?
“From about April to September I usually ride everyday, sometimes less, sometimes more, depending on the year and horse. I generally do all my own training and practicing at home, and travel to shows on the weekends. I usually try to hit 2-3 big shows a year, plus Canadian Nationals for a week at the end of August. In between shows I train at home, or go school/train with friends, in addition to going to some weekend shows around home. I’ve been so fortunate to have many great coaches and mentors over the years.
My Aunt pretty much taught me everything I know, and was and always will be my number 1 coach and trainer. I wouldn’t be half the horsemen I am today without her guidance and knowledge. I’ve also been lucky enough to spend lots of time riding with Wayne Soderberg Performance Horses in Red Deer and credit them with helping my riding immensely over the last 5 years.”
What do you enjoy most about competing?
“Hands down the thing I enjoy the most are the people and friendships that have come from the horse industry. Some of my closest friends are people that I never would’ve met if it wasn’t for horses. The camaraderie and friendships are second to none. Shiny belt buckles fade, trophies collect dust and prize money gets spent so really what matters most are the relationships and time spent with friends and competitors.”
Anything else you want to share…
“I am so grateful for the opportunities that riding and competing have given me over the years. I consider myself very lucky to have great horses in my life, great people, and a super supportive family who always encourage me and let me chase my dreams and goals. All the accolades and awards are great, but at the end of the day, you just want to be known as a respected competitor, keep improving and hopefully be known as a great horseman in and out of the arena.”
“Derek’s passion for riding is something he shares with many of our students. It’s just one more way that he is able to connect with kids. By sharing his stories and love of riding, he builds relationships with students who share a similar interest or who know what it’s like to compete in a sport you truly enjoy.
Derek is very humble. Unless you ask him about his accomplishments, he won’t say anything. He is a perfect role model for our students when it comes to the virtue of humility, which is one of the virtues we’ve been talking about this year. He spends his days elevating others. We are so fortunate to have him as a member of our staff.” Tammy Tkachuk, Dunstable School Principal