Hey rider, welcome!

I’m Melissa and I’m here to make your time in the saddle better.

I get the struggles; from aching joints, back pain to stress and focus loss.
With personalized yoga and movement sessions, I boost your physical game and tackle the mental side with mindfulness. 

Let’s find that sweet spot of balance and ease together.
Embrace your inner athlete, for both you and your horse!

Why you're in good hands:

  • Former professional showjumper (up to 3 * GP level and some 5* jumping classes)

  • Certified functional movement trainer

  • Certified yoga trainer

  • Mindfulness  & pilates enthousiast: several trainer workshops and courses

  • Several years of experience in training equestrians in my own physical studio and online.

  • Specialized in a holistic approach that works on both body AND mind.

Why you're in good hands:

  • Former professional showjumper ( up to 3 * GP level and some 5 * jumping classes)
  • Certified functional movement trainer

  • Certified yoga trainer

  • Mindfulness  & pilates enthousiast: several trainer workshops and courses

  • Several years of experience in training equestrians in my own physical studio and online.

  • Specialized in a holistic approach that works on both body AND mind.

" At Equi-Yoga™,
there's no harsh fitness vibe.
Instead, it's all about an approach that let's you work on your physical and mental well-being as a rider in a challenging and enjoyable way,
with a focus on sensation and breath.

During my time as a professional rider I designed the 3-2-7 method for my personal use, i found this way of training worked best and gave me fast results. 

This is how it helped me:
=> I went from suffering from back pain to longer painless rides
=> Better recovery and less physical strain
=> Less stress, more patience AND more focus
=> More stamina and energy
=> Better quality of sleep
=> A lot more connection and understanding with my horse

flexibility and yoga for equestrians

The 3-2-7 method goes like this:

  • 3 days of yoga/ week for 30 min./session,
    focusing on flexibility, mobility strength and core stability.
  • 2 days of relax and recover stretches/ week of 10-20 min./session.
  • 7 min. of meditation or breathwork/ day for 7 days (in stillness) to gain more zen and focus towards your goals and be more resilient. This can be with a breath meditation audio, journaling, goalsetting, reflecting, etc… you can also find these in the membership.

How it all started...

Horses have been in my blood since day one, growing up in a stable where both my parents were jumping enthusiasts. My equestrian journey kicked off with stubborn ‘shetlanders,’ almost halting my love for riding. But at 7, I tackled my first show and by 9 I was diving fully into competitions.

I scored a few championship medals at national competitions during ‘school years,’ sparking a hunger for greater challenges. After a whirlwind period in international and national competitions, I embraced the title of a full-time show jumping rider.

As a competitor, I’ve felt the weight of long, intense days—showgrounds, home training, and all. Let’s team up to tackle these challenges. I’ve been there, done that, and I’m all in to help you amplify your equestrian finesse en make the equestrian life a little easier ;)!

 

hoe yoga en mindfulness kan helpen bij het rijden van een goede afstand voor jumpingruiters in hun parcours
hoe yoga en mindfulness kan helpen bij het rijden van een goede afstand voor jumpingruiters in hun parcours

How it all started...

Horses have been in my blood since day one, growing up in a stable where both my parents were jumping enthusiasts. My equestrian journey kicked off with stubborn ‘shetlanders,’ almost halting my love for riding. But at 7, I tackled my first show and by 9 I was diving fully into competitions.

I scored a few championship medals at national competitions during ‘school years,’ sparking a hunger for greater challenges. After a whirlwind period in international and national competitions, I embraced the title of a full-time show jumping rider.

As a competitor, I’ve felt the weight of long, intense days—showgrounds, home training, and all. Let’s team up to tackle these challenges. I’ve been there, done that, and I’m all in to help you amplify your equestrian finesse en make the equestrian life a little easier ;)!

Although i was always very fascinated by the connection between riders and horses, I temporarily lost touch with my passion. But now, that love is stronger than ever. Althoug i was growing up in a world of competitive riding, my grandfather always emphasized the bond between humans and horses. As a child I already mastered bareback riding and bridleless maneuvers but that got in the background during my days as a “professional”.

I found relief in yoga for backaches and burnout-induced panic attacks. Immersed in Prana Vinyasa yoga training later on, I created Equi-Yoga™—a blend of mindfulness, yoga, pilates, and functional movement, where i also share my personal nutrition tips for more zen, energy and focus.

I’m here to help fellow riders live pain-free and confidently. Welcome to Equi-Yoga, where i share the practices that helped me live and ride better.

I’m excited to introduce you to this unique way of equestrian training; made by a rider, for riders!

The more i advanced as a yogi, the more i felt a transformation in the saddle.
And that chronic back pain that had plagued me for years?
It gradually faded away, bit by bit...
until it wasn't there anymore.

How you can work with me:

Online membership & app

Get unlimited access to hundreds of videos, programs and livestream session with the app or online platform.
The perfect way for the busy rider to have access to equestrian training from your pocket, where and when you need it!

1:1 private personal training

Online or in real life in Grimbergen (Belgium) if availability allows it.

How you can work with me:

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Equi Yoga™ Membership

Get unlimited access to hundreds of videos, programs and livestream session with the app or online platform. <br>The perfect way for the busy rider to have access to equestrian training from your pocket, where and when you need it!

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1:1 private personal training

Online or in real life in Grimbergen (Belgium) if availability allows it.

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Workshops - speaker sessions - masterclasses

In the media:

Equlifestyle (ENG):

Flair (NL):

Horseflex krant (Nl):

Contact us: