Traditional Wisdom + Contemporary Science
My approach draws from multiple areas of equine care and education rather than treating training, hoof health, posture and physical comfort as separate concerns.
I thoughtfully integrate:
Refined pressure-and-release training
Positive reinforcement and contemporary learning theory
Barefoot development and therapeutic hoof protection
Classical biomechanics and postural rehabilitation
Veterinary collaboration and complementary care
Practical horsemanship and evidence-informed decision-making
This creates an individualised approach aimed at developing horses who are comfortable, confident and physically prepared for their work.
My background includes classical equitation, young horse education, equine veterinary nursing, barehoof trimming and biomedical science. Evidence-based research informs my practice, while academic classical training shapes the way I approach balance, lightness, and progression.
I travel to horses in their home environment across the Fleurieu Peninsula and surrounding regions, offering calm, considered support tailored to each individual horse and situation.
History
Growing up on a farm in regional New South Wales meant falling in love with horses at a young age. Like many, my early experiences included pony club, trail riding, and stock work on young and green horses. These formative years laid the groundwork for a lifelong interest in horsemanship and horse welfare.
As a young adult working as an exercise rider for performance horse stables in South Australia, I was introduced to French Classical Equitation through the teaching of Saritta Stratton. Studying classical principles of balance, lightness, and progression fundamentally shifted my understanding of training and inspired a deep commitment to developing horses thoughtfully and without force.
In 2020, I began working part-time as an equine veterinary nurse, gaining valuable clinical experience alongside veterinarians and developing a practical understanding of triage care, soundness, and equine nutrition. Alongside this work, I pursued a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, grounding my approach in evidence-based research and a systems-level understanding of health and function.
My practical education has been further shaped through extensive in-person study with practitioners whose work reflects the depth of care and observation I value. This includes barefoot rehabilitation with David Landerville (USA); bodywork and postural development with Dr Raquelle Butler (AUS), Thirza Hendriks (Netherlands), and Mel Fleming (AUS); and craniosacral therapy with Emma Loftus (UK). These mentors have strongly influenced the way I assess, support, and develop horses — always with attention to the nervous system, physical comfort, and the individual needs of each horse.
Training, caring for, and studying horses remains an ongoing practice. With an educated eye and a gentle hand, I continue to refine my ability to listen, observe, and respond — allowing each horse the time and conditions they need to become sound, confident, and comfortable in their work.
Qualifications
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy — Level 2, 80 hours of in-person training
Equinology® Equine Body Worker Certification — externship in progress
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Classical Riding and Young Horse Training — Academy of Dressage
Equine veterinary nursing and clinical experience