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Equine Behaviour
Professional
Qualified and insured. On going CPD to stay up-to-date and relevant within the equine industry. Client confidentiality and discretion in place.
Approachable
A place free from judgement or 'blame'. Professional service provided from a friendly, compassionate and empathetic fellow horse owner.
Ongoing Support
Ongoing support whenever required for new or old clients alike. Only a phone call or message away!
Educational
Learn about how our horses think and how we can best help them, and ourselves in creating a better relationship and understanding of one another.
What is it all about?
Our Equine companions bring us happiness, friendship, love of a sport and so much more. However, like many things, it isn’t always easy! Especially when our horses can’t ‘speak’ to us…This doesn’t however mean that they don’t communicate their feelings to us.
‘Problem horse’, ‘difficult’, ‘naughty’, ‘grumpy’ – just a few examples of some common words used by people to label their own, or somebody else’s horse.
Almost like a child, when our horses struggle to communicate what is bothering them or causing them concern or worry, they tell us the only way they know how; through their behaviour.
As an Equine Behaviourist it is my aim to help you understand your horse’s behaviour, what factors may be causing it, and finding the most suitable solution to resolving any of their ‘unwanted’ behaviours. Using science-based research and information, along with empathy and compassion towards your horse and your individual needs, I will look at the whole picture of your horses world to see where the root of the problems may be stemming from.
You may find the unwanted behaviours come out in only one part of you and your horse’s routine, or you may find problems arising in more than one area. These ‘problem’ areas can be broken down into different categories. Some examples can include the following:
Handling:
Catching, leading, picking up feet, head shy, bathing, being tied up, tacking up, grooming, difficulties with farrier/vet visits, trailer loading
Ridden:
bucking, rearing, bolting, napping, not standing to be mounted, unresponsive to aids, unaccepting of tack, rushing when jumping, head tossing/shaking
Management:
Barging in/out of stable/field, door kicking, reluctance/refusal going in/out of stable, jumping out of fields, separation anxiety towards people/other horses
Many of these behaviours can lead us feeling confused, frustrated, upset, worried, even scared at times! When we feel this way, we are not in the right ‘head-space’ to be the best partner to our horse when they may need us the most. Both YOU and YOUR HORSES welfare and safety are top priority. You can be sure that time and careful consideration will be taken when putting together the best plan for your individual needs.
When looking into why our horses are acting out certain behaviours, it is important to try and figure out why, what is causing them and the emotion behind the behaviour. By changing how our horses FEEL will have a knock-on effect to how they then behave. This leads me on to another important point in horse behaviour – YOUR relationship. Creating a relationship based on understanding, trust, consideration and patience will lay a solid foundation for a successful partnership, allowing you to achieve any task, TOGETHER.
Some behaviours may be resolved by looking into the management or routine of your horse or by building a stronger relationship between horse and owner. In these scenarios, minor adjustments can sometimes make the biggest of differences to you and your horse. Some behaviours however may require more time and re-training. What is important to remember is that whatever the case, each one is individual and must be treated this way. No two are the same, and there is no room for blame or judgement, only solutions. I will work with you and your horse to come up with a solution best for all parties.
Working with other professionals
As mentioned previously, it is important to investigate all areas of your horse’s life and history as we best know it. As well as considering the emotional welfare of your horse, we must make sure that their physical well-being is also addressed. I aim to work in conjunction with all other professionals involved in your horse’s well-being, from riding instructors, to vets, farriers, dentists, physiotherapists and anybody else you feel is a valued member of the team.
If it is felt that on my initial visit that there may be any physical/pain related problems, then I will advise that a vet have your horse examined and insist that I cannot proceed until having the ‘all clear’. Where there is pain, you cannot train.
Using a process, that remains flexible, along with keeping the safety and welfare of both you and your horse at the top of my priority, will allow us to work together to find a solution that is individual, achievable and ultimately lasting.
