Coaches & Staff

West Wind Stables feels more like a family than a workplace! All our coaches, instructors, and barn staff work hard to make the stable a fun and friendly place to ride. We are also dedicated to our equine friends, keeping them healthy and ready for anything, from recreational riding to high levels of competition.

Shawn Charriere and Christina Doliniski are the husband and wife team in charge of West Wind Stables. Constructing one of Manitoba’s largest riding schools has been a lifelong passion of theirs. Together they have put their blood, sweat and tears into making West Wind a comfortable, safe and educational home for all horses and riders. Their young son Chase is also developing a love of horses as well as a passion for the stable’s tractors and dump trucks!

Christina Dolinski, owner and head coach, has been training horse and riders for over 22 years. Her certifications include: EC English & Western Coach 1, Evaluator/Mentor for Instruction of Beginner Coach, and NCCP Equestrian Theory Facilitator. Chris is the main show coach who takes competitors to the outside shows each year, whether they are first time participants or seasoned veterans. Chris really enjoys watching each rider achieve his/her goals in their chosen discipline.

Shawn Charriere, owner and facility manager, has been involved with horses for over 12 years. He partners with the farrier and veterinarian to keep all the horses at West Wind in tip top shape. His skills in construction, mechanics, and building and landscape design continue to shape the layout of the West Wind property. Shawn values being able to watch every horse under his care become a sound and willing partner for the rider.

Brittney Christensen, barn manager, has been working with horses full time for the past 7 years. She is dedicated and hardworking, two great qualities in any barn manager. Brittney has been riding horses since she was 6 and has been hooked ever since! Another part of her passion is working with Manitoba Riding for the Disabled group. Brittney works hard to help all West Wind residents, the horses of course, stay healthy and competition ready.

Brenda Giesbrecht is an Equine Canada Certified English Coach 1. Brenda likes to challenge her riders to reach their own personal goals; whether it is for fun, fitness, buying their own horse, or competition, and does it all with a smile! Brenda has over 17 years of experience with horses which all started on a small acreage in South Eastern Manitoba. Her desire to learn to teach others to ride safely has grown into a full time career at West Wind Stables. Learning from both local and national coaches she has gained great insight and training skills for both the horse and the rider. Brenda is very thankful to have found a career that is so fulfilling and enjoyable it doesn’t feel like work! Brenda's patient and kind personality continues to improve the confidence and skill of many instructors, riders and horses.

Jeneen DesChamps is a Equine Canada Certified Instructor of Beginners (Flat & Jumping). Jeneen started riding in 2002 as an adult beginner. She achieved her Equine Canada certification in 2007, and added the jumping certification in 2009. She currently part-leases a horse from West Wind, Stanley, that she competes with at the local shows. Jeneen regularly participates in both dressage and jumping clinics and is also studying Equine Science through the University of Guelph distance education program. As a part time instructor with West Wind Stables, Jeneen enjoys instilling the basics with the beginners and then watching them progress into strong intermediate riders. Her goal is to make “horse life” the main part of her life so she does not have to sit in an office all day!

Kris Bhattacharya is an Equine Canada Certified English Instructor of Beginners (Flat & Jumping), and is currently Chair of the Manitoba Horse Council Coaching Committee.  Kris started riding over 25 years ago as an adolescent, competing on the local show circuit with her Anglo-Arab Sasha. After taking several years off to have a family, Kris returned to riding in 2001. She started coaching as a temporary replacement in 2005 and discovered a love for teaching. While working toward her certification, Kris started working with the MHC Coaching Committee. In spring 2009, she became EC Certified and Chair of the Coaching Committee. Kris loves coaching beginner and intermediate riders, helping foster a life long love of horses and riding in a fun, safe environment.

Samantha Deamel is an Equine Canada Certified Instructor of Beginners (Flat). At the age of 8, she began riding lessons and at age 15 enrolled in the coaching program under the direction of Chris Dolinski. In 2010 she received her Instructor of Beginners Certification. Sam enjoys having the flexibility of riding various horses at West Wind, she feels each horse presents a different challenge, requiring versatility in her riding skills. Sam's future goal is to become a large animal veterinarian. She has shadowed Dr. C. Kasper from CK Mobile Equine Veterinary Services and has worked one summer with her. Balancing university, riding and teaching Sam also volunteers in the Animal Clinic at the Winnipeg Humane Society where she is learning more about the various surgeries and treatments of small animals.