About Me
I’m passionate about helping owners and their horses to overcome obstacles, build bonds and achieve rewarding results together
A little bit about me …
I am one of a handful of Registered Equine Psychology Specialists (REPS) with the Equine Behaviour Affiliation (EBA). The EBA is one of only two equine-specific bodies in the UK that regulate the practice of horse psychology/behaviour specialists. The EBA are at the forefront of equine behaviour education and promotion of equine wellbeing in the UK.
Having been brought up surrounded by animals and riding virtually as soon as I could walk my affinity with animals, and particularly horses, was ‘in the blood’ from a young age.
I’ve always had an avid fascination of animal behaviour. Much to my parents dismay at the age of just eight, this fascination led me to ‘tame’ an aggressive stray dog who showed up on our doorstep! Happily, the puppy play scratch marks faded and this beautiful ex-guard dog became our loyal, beloved family pet.
A simple love and curiosity of animal’s psyche reached a whole new level though when I (unknowingly) bought a horse who reared and had stereotypical behaviour (aka ‘stable vices’). The dangerous and stressful situation I faced, drove me to find the answers. Answers which no extent of well known training nor popular horseman methods could offer.
So, with an Equine Honours degree in hand and four decades of practical experience owning horses, I was accepted onto the rigorous Equine Behaviour course at Warwickshire College. Back then I was fortunate to study and graduate under one of the worlds leading experts in her field, internationally renowned Dr. Debbie Marsden.
Since then I’ve become accredited with the brilliant EBA and continue to expand my knowledge by keeping up to date with the latest research in the developing fields of equine psychology and behaviour. I have to give most thanks to the greatest master of equine behaviour, who continues to teach me more on a daily basis, the true specialist in horse behaviour – the horse!
Taking the best approach to help your horse…
I will listen to what concerns you, observe your horse carefully and offer practical and easy-to-follow advice, chosen to best suit you and your horse’s life.
My approach is calm and empathetic because I understand just how stressful challenging horse behaviour can be. I was in your shoes once upon a time.
Your horse is unique; his environment, life experiences and motivations behind his actions, are all carefully taken into account. By practising a holistic and formulative approach, I will help to uncover WHY your horse exhibits the undesirable behaviour, which is key to effectively addressing it. By applying the theories of behavioural science in a practical way, as well as using intuition from a lifetime with horses, I will help YOU to understand your horse better. I promote only positive, kind and safe methods to get you and your horse back on track.
I am driven by the harmony I see grow between horses and humans, on a daily basis. Horses are incredible, sentient beings and I feel humbled to work with them and with their dedicated human care givers.
I look forward to assisting you to enhanced understanding of your equine friend, allowing you both to enjoy a safer, more understanding and successful partnership.
Summary of qualifications
- Registered Equine Behaviour Consultant (SEBC), Warwickshire College
- BSc(Hons) Equine Studies, Writtle College
- Attendee of numerous Equine Behaviour related seminars and courses
- First Aid trained
I am a fully accredited member of the EBA, am fully insured and First Aid trained.
“I have been amazed and impressed how Sarah’s empathetic, carefully considered advice has made horse and owner a happier, more confident and successful combination.”
“I have been amazed and impressed how Sarah’s empathetic, carefully considered advice has made horse and owner a happier, more confident and successful combination.”