There’s no question that horses made me who I am, and continue to push me to grow and be the best version of myself I can be. I deeply value the connections and relationships that form between horse and human, as well as the horse’s sentience and agency. Their willing participation is a crucial component to any kind of perceived success.
History
With beginnings in children’s hunter, it wasn’t long before I fell in love with dressage, fascinated by the biomechanics and the totality of the influence a rider can have on a horse’s movement. I devour books on these subjects. I trained with respected trainers, and in movements up to and including canter pirouette, piaffe, and passage, and even taught my mom’s horse piaffe and levade force-free, through exercises shifting his balance back.
My own little mare and first horse – who challenged the status quo at every turn and trained me away from the then-conventional dominance-theory style of riding – was a bow-legged rescue and my first soulhorse and playmate. With her, I began my journey into liberty work and behavioural science.
Training
Although my passions are classical dressage and liberty, I have experience in a wide range of activities including including hunter, mounted games, renaissance games, and cross-country.
I’ve completed and participated in clinics and workshops with various renowned trainers, applying those lessons as needed to the unique situations with individual horses.
Helping Horses
Perhaps the most significant thing I’ve learned over the years is that behavioural issues most often stem from pain. It’s a truly rewarding experience to bring relief to a horse experiencing tension or full-blown pain. Between massage, myofascial release, and (especially) PEMF, it’s been incredible to witness the transformation of horses finding comfort in their own bodies.
Every horse has a voice, and their bodies can tell us so much.
Since 2023, I’ve also taken courses on saddle fit, Masterson Method, Equi-bow, and nutrition to continue growing with the ever-evolving needs of the horses in my life,
Helping Riders
Since 2018, I’ve written several articles for Horse Sport magazine and HorseSport.com on massage therapy, muscle health, training, and welfare.
You can find them here or view my full CV of published works here.
Education & Course Work
The more I learn, the more I want to keep learning. Some of my horse-related training and attended workshops include:
- Magnawave PEMF Practitioner Training (Annual Re-certification)
- AOPP PEMF Practitioner & Red Light Training (Annual Re-certification)
- Masterson Method Weekend Workshop
- Equi-Bow Horse Owner Foundations & Assessment Foundations
- Saddle Fit Essentials for Rider and Horse
- Diploma in Agriculture & Equine Studies
- Equine Science Certificate with Distinction
Highlights
Identifying Hidden Pain in Performance Horses
BEHAVIOUR • HORSE SPORT
Looking at recent research on pain behaviours to recognize if a horse is in pain.
Studies Reveal Dressage Judges Reward BTV Head Carriage
WELFARE • HORSE SPORT
An overview of research on pain signs and judging trends in dressage, and the impact on equine welfare in sport.
Empower Your Ride
WELLNESS • HORSE SPORT
How massage therapy can improve your horse’s recovery time and overall health and performance.
Stretch It Out
WELLNESS • HORSE SPORT
Stretching techniques riders can use after exercise to improve their horse’s range of motion and reduce recovery time.