Christina Dolinksi
Owner, Head Coach
Christina has been training horses and riders on a full time basis since 1988. Her certifications include Equestrian Canada (EC) English Competition Coach (2001) and Western Competition Coach (1995), EC Coach Developer and Evaluator (2006), EC Learning Facilitator (2006). Christina is very active in the horse community, sitting on many boards such as Dressage Winnipeg, and Manitoba Horse Council Coaching committee since, 2004, and Chair of the Coaching committee (2019-2022). Chris is the main competition coach who takes competitors to outside shows within the province each year, whether they are first time participants or seasoned veterans. She enjoys watching riders achieve their goals in their chosen discipline and enjoy the sport on whatever level they chose.
Shawn Charriere
Owner, Facility Manager
Shawn has been involved with horses since 1998. He partners with the farrier and veterinarian to keep the horses at West Wind in tip top shape. Shawn values being able to watch every horse under his care be a sound and willing partner for the riders. His past skills in construction, mechanics, and building and landscape design continue to shape the layout of the West Wind property. Since 2010 Shawn has expanded his skills into coaching and enjoys working with riders at home and at the local horse shows. In 2019 Shawn extended his volunteering to Prairie Strides (formerly MRDA) where he is helping the program to grow and flourish.
Brittney Christensen
Barn Manager
Brittney has been working with horses full time since 2007. She is dedicated and hardworking, two great qualities in any barn manager. She started riding horses when she was 6 and has been hooked ever since. She assists in training a wide variety of horses at West Wind. Brittney works hard to keep our horses stay healthy, happy and competition ready. Brittney also has her Cantra CTRii since June 2015, and volunteers her time with Prairie Strides (Formerly MRDA), sitting on their Board of Directors as Program Chair.
Christie Branton
EC Certified Instructor of Beginners (Flat & Jump)
Christie obtained her EC certification in 2013. She graduated from Olds College in 2011 majoring in Equine Science: English Horsemanship, focusing on training and starting young horses. She has continued with that education doing training on a wide variety of horses at West Wind. Christie aims to share her love of horses with her students and encourage their passion to learn, in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Kelly Scrivener
EC Certified Instructor of Beginners (Flat), CanTRA CRTSI
Kelly obtained her EC certification in 2018 and enjoys opportunities to teach outside adaptive riding when she can. She was a volunteer instructor with Manitoba Riding for the Disabled and has been involved in therapeutic and adaptive riding since 1999. Kelly has also worked with another CanTRA program in Manitoba called Urban Stable, helping youth at risk. In 2015, Kelly worked with owners Chris and Shawn to start the Horse Sense program here at West Wind Stables which is a program for adults with physical and mental challenges.
Cheyenne Lewycky
Barn Staff
Cheyenne began riding lessons in 2014 and has been working through the Equestrian Canada Riding Levels most recently earning her Level 6 in August 2019. Cheyenne became a volunteer in the summer of 2014 helping out with West Wind’s summer camps and lesson programs. She eventually started volunteering in the barn and later was hired on a member of the barn staff. Throughout her years at West Wind she has been learning a lot and gaining more horse experience. Cheyenne has been taught how to properly provide horse care, wound care, and horse training while riding and on the ground. Cheyenne continues to eagerly learn more as opportunities arise.
West Wind Stables feels more like a family than a workplace! All of 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. Building one of the largest riding facilities in Manitoba has been a goal for many years. Together they have worked hard to make West Wind a comfortable, safe and enjoyable home for all horses and riders.