On November 15, 2014, we celebrated the official opening of The Mane Intent with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to recognize the completion of a new 9,100 square foot Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL) facility. The event was held at Renegade Ridge Farm in Indian River, Ontario where personal and professional development workshops and individual sessions will be hosted by The Mane Intent.
We had a great turnout to the event and were honoured to have Dave Nelson, Reeve of Otonabee-South Monaghan Township help officiate the ribbon-cutting. It was truly inspiring to share my remarks and thanks with the wonderful friends, family and business colleagues who joined us for this special event.
Our programs for 2015 are starting to take shape and I am so looking forward to offering team building, personal and professional development programs in our new facility. My goal in launching The Mane Intent is to bring horses and humans together to explore new possibilities and experiences, getting program participants out of their comfort zone and giving clarity of voice to their leader within.
We announced that in June, 2015, we will be piloting a weekend program through the Trent Hills Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee for medical residents from Queen’s University as part of their rural elective in family medicine.
The Mane Intent is based on the core values of possibility, purpose and personal development, guided by the goal of living life fully with intent, and making the most of the talent, skills and experiences that define who we are. My husband and I have both been influenced and inspired by our parents as they have lived their lives fully with intent, following their dreams and passions to create a life defined by adventure, achievement, hard work and family support. So naturally, it only seems appropriate that we are dedicating our new FEEL facility to our parents who have supported us every step of the way.

Pictured here (l-r): Otonabee-South Monaghan Township Reeve Dave Nelson; Sarah van den Berg; Jennifer Garland, Owner/Program Director, The Mane Intent; Chris van den Berg and Kaileigh van den Berg
The day truly felt like a celebration, an important milestone as we move forward, connecting people to possibility through horse power. Thank you to everyone who braved the cool November day. The warmth and encouragement you shared is giving life to this exciting new venture.