Snapshots of my horsey past

Started riding at 10
Worked in riding schools from when I was 14 to my mid twenties. Loved it. Taught adults and children, guided trail rides, met so many wonderful people. Rode hundreds of horses. Galloped around the forest bareback with my mates.
Bought my first horse at 17.
Qualified as an EA Level One General Coach in 1999.
Former low-level eventer until classical dressage stole my heart.
I’ve trimmed my horse’s feet for over ten years, but am not a qualified podiatherapist.
I also run a hay business, specialising in feed tested and low sugar hay – diet is a huge part of happy healthy horses! - Link to Healthy Horse Hay Facebook page
I started training in various bodywork modalities in 2011 when Linus came into my life and had a lot of pain and physical issues. I was frustrated that nothing ‘stuck’ and he never seemed to get better. So began the giant journey into bodywork, anatomy, classical dressage, rehabilitation, how the mind works etc. He is now in his 20s, looking and feeling amazing.

About

Integra - meaning whole, integrated, complete.

I offer integrated support for the whole picture of building a happy, healthy and fun partnership with your horse - classical dressage, bodywork, horse care, general riding, training in freedom, and an understanding of cooperative partnerships with horses.

The more we pursue our horse related goals, the more we find we need to know about the mind, body and spirit of both horses and ourselves.

We can try to focus on one part, and a horse will come along and say ‘Nope! You need to learn this other thing now!’

The better we are able to have effective two-way communication with our horses, and an understanding of their bodies and how to help them feel and move well, the more we find they are generous and willing partners who love to work with us. My goal is to help make it really joyful, for you and your horses, and help you discover more and more the ever unfolding magic that a life with horses can be.

Qualifications and education

EA Level One General (dressage, show jumping, cross-country) Coach since 1999
Equinology® Equine Body Worker Level I (EEBW), 2016
Equinology® Equine Myofascial Release Level 1 & Level 2013
Equinology® Equine Acupressure and Redlight 2012
Equine Functional Posture - Level One, Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics, Raquel Butler, 2026.
Diploma of Leadership and Business Coaching, Australian Institute of Professional Coaches (current student)
And lotsa other non-horsey stuff!

My mentors include Bettina Biolik, Thirza Henriks, Elsa Sinclair, Belinda Bolsenbroek, Raquel Butler, the six horses in my herd, and the hundreds of other horses I have had the privilege of working with.

I have studied and experimented with many of the classic texts, attended several dissections and benefitted from the teaching of many other coaches.

Contact me to book

My approach

It can be both difficult and wonderful to navigate this complex path of learning, so I offer support for the whole integrated horse/human combination:

A commitment to understanding and sharing knowledge about how to care for and train horses to maximise their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
A variety of riding and groundwork informed by
- classical dressage
- bodywork training
- rehabilitation knowledge
- decades training with some amazing coaches
- listening to and observing horses and
- an understanding of anatomy, physiology, the nervous system and sensory system.
Genuine two-way communication with the horse, so that they too enjoy our time together and can be heard regarding both concerns and ideas. Happy horses have lots of great ideas!
Breaking everything down so that both horses and people have a good understanding
Helping people to understand how their energy, body language, seat and other aids are helping or hindering the horse, and always working towards greater subtlety and refinement of communication
Helping people to understand how their horses are communicating with them and with each other
Helping people navigate their own emotional or physical patterns and challenges (such as lack of confidence, anxiety)
Giving horses the tools and physical capability they need to thrive in our world
Bodywork – as a standalone session, integrated in your coaching or training sessions, or advice on how changes to your horse management can help improve your horse’s wellbeing

Variety and adaptability is very important to me. What format do I offer this in for my students and my horses?

Classical dressage – ridden, lunging and inhand, ground work or long-lining
Obstacles, trail-riding and general riding
Bitted, bitless and bridle-less riding
Groundwork – for rehabilitation, training or just the joy of it. There is so much we can do with our horses on the ground. All my groundwork sessions are tailored for the individual combination, rather than offering cooking-cutter remedies that don’t meet the unique needs of each horse.
Play and working in freedom, including drawing heavily on Elsa Sinclair's Freedom Based Training.
Bodywork

Go to Services

Policies & waivers

Cancellation and waivers

I understand that life is unpredictable but also need to manage a sustainable business with a schedule where I can accommodate all my clients. I therefore hope the following is helpful to you in clarifying my cancellation and weather policies.

Cancellation 48 hours or more before your session, no fee.
Cancellation less than 48 hours but more than 24 hours before your session requires a 50% payment.
Cancellation less 24 hours before your session requires full payment.
If you are concerned about the weather forecast (rain, heat, wind) please contact me 48 hours before so we can agree our approach. I will also reach out regarding any weather concerns.
Should the weather not be suitable for your session, theory or bodywork options are available.
Under exceptional circumstances I allow for discretional waiving of my fee.
If I need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances I will provide a full refund.

All students and bodywork clients should sign a waiver – available on Jot Form here (hopefully the easy option) or as a PDF you can email to me once signed here.

Clinics: All clinics include the cancellation policy for that clinic in the clinic details. Waivers will be made available at the clinic

Safety and wellbeing

Safety and wellbeing are always the top priority.

Appropriate footwear is required at all times. All riders are required to wear a helmet that meets current Australian safety standards.