Our
Story

One day you turn a corner and there your future is....right in front of you

Get to Know Us

Welcome to Riverview Riding and Respite, where our journey began from a simple desire for inclusivity in a world that often overlooked us. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves a place where they feel accepted, valued, and free from judgment, we opened our gates to create more than just a business, but a sanctuary. As you pass through our entrance, you'll immediately sense the warmth and hospitality that defines us. Here, the burdens of a challenging day are left behind, replaced by a sense of peace and belonging.

At Riverview, our mission goes beyond offering riding and respite services; it's about fostering a community where personal growth and mindfulness flourish. We believe in the power of connection, where every individual, regardless of background or ability, can find solace and support. Whether you're here to learn to ride, unwind amidst nature, or simply connect with kindred spirits, you'll find a place where inclusivity and personal well-being are at the heart of everything we do.

Join us at Riverview Riding and Respite, where the journey towards inner peace and community begins the moment you step through our gates

Wanda Wylie

Owner/Operator

Founder of Riverview Riding and proud mother of Ayla, herd leader of 11 wonderful equine partners, 8 cats 3 dogs and A LOT of chickens. Wanda was a highly accomplished insurance professional that found the challenges of supporting personal priorities (like parenting a child with disabilities) did not always align with corporate expectations. So Wanda decided to focus her time on helping people and animals. Wanda understood the inherent healing that comes with equines (because they are a prey animal and are highly intuitive, and she knew that there was something special that happens between humans and horses and she wanted to share that experience with individuals needing help.

So she started what we now know as Riverview Riding, Respite and Wellness, a place where people are able to realize their potential and their worth and ultimately change their lives through partnering with one of the equine teachers. Wanda's life goal is to help people live happier lives, more fulfilling lives, by being mindful, developing a solid self-esteem, learning, growing, having good people in their lives, being supported and having continuous growth. Her vision is for each person who comes to Riverview to be able to actualize to their own level of growth, knowing that this will be different for each individual.

Wanda has her Bachelor of Arts, English Major and Psychology minor from Concordia University, has her Chartered Insurance Professional, and Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional, Australian Horse Riding Instructor Certificate, Toast Masters' Certificate, Management Development Certificate from University of Alberta, and Investment Funds in Canada Certificate. She is also a member of PATH - Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. She is also a proud mentee of Anja Beran and Dominique Barbier, who teach French Classical Dressage, and she is an accomplished Dressage rider, trainer and coach, practicing French Classical Dressage (no force) after learning first hand the damage that comes from using draw reins or pushing the horse beyond their current abilities. She is also a Certified Life Coach and is working towards completing her Masters of Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

Wanda is currently preparing to enter her Practicum for her Masters of Counselling Psychology so she can continue to provide training and coaching for those who need that next level of support, as well as funding. She has a keen interest in reducing the amount of stress and pain that people are in mentally and emotionally, and she wants to help guide the younger generations to achieving better physical, mental and emotional health.

Because of the success of Wanda's programs, her vision, her passion and her dedication, Riverview is now expanding its its experiences to help more people realize the benefits of Equine Assisted Learning and riding. Her programs have expanded from 1-1 programs to group programs with monthly themes to help clients develop life-altering skills that teach them how to handle adversity, challenges, and other issues that crop up while doing life. Themes for 2024 will include Extreme Ownership, Coping with Anxiety, Self- Esteem, Effective Communication, Enhancing Friendships and Relationships, Mindfulness, Leadership skills, Empathy, Healthy Decision Making, and more.

Finding Inspiration
in Every Turn

Meet the Rest of Our Team

Ayla Wylie

Ayla Wylie is 18 years old and has a huge love for animals, especially chickens. She does her best to help out with the clients and horses and loves Greek and Roman mythology, singing and ceramics.

Madyson Camus

Madyson has been coming to Riverview for over 4 years as both a client and an employee. She has been riding since she was 8 and has shown in cross country, show jumping and dressage all over Alberta. Horse have been a huge part of her life and she loves the bond that forms between horse and rider. She had an incredible bond with her show jumping horse, Dottie, who inspired her own independent business making bridle tags, called Dottie Designs. She loves teaching people what she knows about riding and horses and their ways and behaviors. We are very grateful for Madyson's help and assistance.

Meet Our Volunteers

Jakob
( Mayor Of Chicken Town )

Jakob has been with Riverview since it's inception in 2019! He is the dedicated Mayor of Chicken Town and can be asked many questions about the various exotic chicken breeds at the farm.

Shannon Cseke

Mother of Preston, Ella and Suzanne and now devoted horse lover. Shannon's background included 9 years with WestJet Airlines (Inflight and Training)and 19 years in the Oil Sands (Training Leader, Human Resources and Labour Relations Leader). Shannon and Wanda's relationship started when Shannon happened to be driving by Wanda's facility and her sign caughter her eye. An email and 3 hour phone call later a bond and a partnership was formed based on a desire to help people and to work with horse partners to help people discover the best versions of themselves.

Shannon is a Equine Connections TM certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator and operates under "Insight though Horses".

For her Riverview is a family a family affair. Her children are also actively involved with the Riverview programs and community.

Our Story