Equestrian Inspired Fitness
& Wellness
Supporting the equestrian community by encouraging rider wellness, in and out of the saddle.
Motivating equestrians to view themselves as athletes through continued self growth and care.
Educating riders on the importance of the human mind/body connection, which in turn, strengthens the connection between equestrians and their equine partners.
Our Story
Fitness and riding have been part of Desiree’s life since a young age. She began riding in her adolescence and discovered her passion for fitness and yoga in high school. A big heart for animals led her to complete a diploma in Animal Health Technology in 2012, becoming a registered veterinary technologist in Alberta.
While riding competitively and working on her own fitness, Desiree became acutely aware of the lack of equestrian-specific health and fitness professionals. In 2016 she completed a personal training certification followed by a 200-hour yoga teacher training. Mane Equestrian Athletics officially launched that same year and has grown to providing fitness and yoga classes throughout Alberta, geared specifically to the equestrian. In 2021, Desiree graduated from a 2200-hour massage therapy program becoming a Registered Massage Therapist in Alberta.
Desiree has an appaloosa gelding, named Hunter (Hunting The Dream), which she shows in english pleasure and equitation, halter, showmanship, and hunter in hand. Her past riding experience includes hunter/jumper and she always enjoys learning and trying other disciplines, including western, dressage, and liberty. Desiree lives on an acreage east of Edmonton with her husband, Jon, and three fur children, Eli, Gus, and Pixie.
Mane Equestrian Athletics provides private fitness and yoga classes, as well as workshops and retreats, to barns, 4-H groups, saddle clubs, equestrian/equine post secondary programs, and a variety of other equestrian organizations throughout Alberta. Public classes are provided throughout the year, bringing like-minded equestrians together to build community and create a supportive environment. Massage therapy for equestrians is available privately to barns or you can book with Desiree at one of her locations around Edmonton.
Equestrian Services
-
Massage Therapy
Desiree is a registered massage therapist who specializes in working with equestrian athletes.
Her MANE space is part of a bigger integrative sport clinic located in West Edmonton. She is also available for private barn bookings.
-
Classes & Clinics at your barn
Do you have a great barn crew that encourages and supports each other to be the best they can be? Host your own private yoga session or wellness workshop at your barn.
-
The Mindful Equestrian Lifestyle
Looking to make changes to create a healthier lifestyle? Are you wanting support to reach fitness goals and reduce stress in your life? This program provides the equestrian with support for fitness, mindfulness and self-care.
Upcoming workshops & events
-
Dry Land Training for Equestrians
March 16, 2024
Many sports partake in what we call “dry land” training; the process of strength and mobility training outside of designated sporting drills. While this is common in many sports, we don’t see it occur as often as suggested for our equestrian athletes. Our workshop “Dry Land” for Equestrians is hoping to change this narrative! Come join us as we spend time out of the saddle to focus on rider health and wellness. Get ready for an informative and interactive day covering topics such as nutrition, strength and mobility, and mindset. Your horses will thank you!
-
Yoga for Equestrians - Virtual Series
March/April 2024 - details to be released shortly!
-
Roll, Release, Ride!
May 2024
This workshop will explore self-myofascial release for equestrians. Learn how to use roller balls to self massage and the benefits it can have both in and out of the saddle.
