Nicole Babich-Morin Awarded Inaugural Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship

Equestrian Canada has named Nicole Babich-Morin as the first recipient of the Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship, awarding the accomplished Quebec-based coach $1,000 to support her specialist certification upgrades.

Established in memory of Philip Parkes—a beloved dressage professional, coach, and co-host of the Dressage Radio Show—the scholarship reflects Parkes’ enduring legacy of mentorship, passion for dressage, and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of equestrian athletes. The annual award is designed to assist coaches in deepening their expertise and expanding their impact within Canada’s dressage community.

Babich-Morin brings a powerful blend of academic and equestrian credentials to her coaching. A chemistry instructor at the CEGEP level, she has also built an impressive competitive résumé, starting her dressage career at age 10 and progressing through FEI Pony, Junior, Young Rider, U25, and Grand Prix levels. She has twice represented Canada at the North American Youth Championships and holds EC Gold and Platinum medals, as well as the USDF Gold Medal. Now setting her sights on the Medium Tour and the Pan American Games, Babich-Morin is also committed to upgrading her certification to become a Competition Coach Specialist.

With this scholarship, she plans to further her coaching education and continue empowering athletes through the Learn to Ride program—sharing her technical expertise, passion for the sport, and belief in the value of coaching as a lifelong journey.