Maya Markowski is the owner of Equest Dressage in Guelph and a professional dressage rider, trainer, and coach. She trains with Jacqueline Brooks, a two-time Olympian and trainer at Brookhaven Dressage. When she’s not training, Maya coaches her clients at home, offers ship-in lessons, travels for clinics and even teaches online. Many of her students have been with her for over a decade.
Maya’s own equine team consists of three exceptional horses: Lumiere, Radar (fondly known as “Rocket Ray”), and Nobleman.
Lumiere, now 20, holds a special place in Maya’s heart as the horse who propelled her into the world of dressage. From a young foal, Lumiere and Maya embarked on a journey that led them to the Grand Prix level, a testament to their unwavering partnership.
“Lumiere was the reason I became who I am today; I owe him everything. I bought him as a foal to be my first real dressage mount. He was all that and more. I trained him up to the Grand Prix. He was a challenge, very opinionated and strong-willed, but he taught me so much and took me on this amazing journey that gave me the exposure I needed to bring my business to the next level. We competed Internationally in North America and for Canada twice in the Nations Cup held in Wellington, Florida.”
Nobleman, a striking five-year-old, presents both challenge and excitement. Despite his initial lack of bravery, Nobleman’s progress is a testament to Maya’s skillful training and his own indomitable spirit.
Radar, an up-and-coming star, is a fan favourite. “He’s like a labrador in a horse’s body”, says Maya. “He’s very affectionate, has a really neat personality, and he tries as hard as a horse can try. He’s very fun to ride. It’s a good partnership, and I’m excited to see where it goes.”
Dedication to the Sport
Maya’s journey to success has been paved with hard work, dedication, and the right support. Surrounding herself with a strong network of people who believe in her and her horses has been crucial. Challenges have been met head-on, from sleepless nights to seven-day work weeks and after-work workouts. The path to success is never easy, but Maya’s determination has seen her through.
I have a really great group of people who support and encourage me every step of the way. We work hard but also keep it fun, which is really important! It's a lot of work, time, energy and dedication, so surrounding yourself with people who motivate you and are behind you 100% is so important. It really is teamwork hence why we live by the hashtag #teamworkmakesthedreamwork at Equest!”
Maya's Experience with EOC
Maya’s encounter with Equine Omega Complete (EOC) was a turning point in her journey. Introduced to the product by Robin, owner of Southern Equine Distributing, Maya was initially skeptical of the claims surrounding EOC’s benefits.
“She told me, ‘I have a supplement that will replace all of your other supplements’, and I thought, ‘Yeah, right.’” She laughs. “But I decided to give it a try. I gave it to one of my horses with gut issues and anxiety, but the anxiety was a big problem at the time, particularly while travelling to shows or down to the States.”
The transformation was astounding. Within just one week, the horse displayed a remarkable improvement in behaviour and demeanour.
“I called her up and told her about the results. I was floored. And the rest of my horses were put on it, and that was the end of that!”
Maya has witnessed the benefits of EOC firsthand. Her horses’ appearance speaks volumes – they boast healthy weights, gleaming coats, and well-defined muscles. Maya’s massage therapist often marvels at the exceptional muscle quality, a testament to the combined effects of good training, a balanced diet and, of course, EOC.
But the benefits extend beyond aesthetics.
“At the horse shows, you can see the difference. They feel good – they ride very even and perform well. There are no days where they’re stiff or tired or cranky; you have the same horse every day.”
The same can be said for travel.
“When we go down to Florida, they ship really well. Last year, I had seven horses, and six had never been there before, which generally means that they experience little things because of the adjustment and their immune system isn’t there, but since supplementing EOC, that is not really a problem anymore. There are no skin issues, like scurf, and bug bites clear up really fast.”
Looking to the Future
Maya’s long-term goals are as ambitious as her journey so far. With her eyes set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Maya continues to work diligently towards her dreams. Her dedication, coupled with the support of her network and the positive impact of Equine Omega Complete, will be pivotal in achieving this pinnacle of equestrian excellence.
Maya Markowski’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the right partnerships. Maya is poised to conquer new heights with happy, healthy, talented horses, a supportive team, and unwavering dedication.