Why engage me as a Coach?

Owning a horse is not a right, it’s a privilege.

There are inherent responsibilities associated with horse ownership. They include the need to make numerous decisions as you navigate your horsemanship choices. I have the knowledge and experience to assist my clients in their horsemanship journey. Click here to see details of my training and accreditations.

Approach to horsemanship

My approach to horsemanship has been developed through a broad range of experiences and an understanding of contemporary evidence based knowledge. A pragmatist at heart, I apply this knowledge through the application of well-established principles, while accepting that every horse has a different story, and that there are many paths leading to achieving an outcome.

Safety and welfare

Issues of safety and welfare are not negotiable. They are intertwined. Understanding the essence of a horse's nature and being able to observe behaviours resulting from our horsemanship choices is essential. Some behaviours may lead to an increased risk to the safety of clients and some behaviours can be an indicator that welfare is being compromised. I seek to not only reduce negative impacts, but through positive experiences, improve the quality of life for horses. I can help my clients with knowledge and assist them with developing their own experiences so that they can see, decide and act on questions of safety and welfare.

Clarify your goals and dreams, and achieve them

A coach shouldn't tell a client what to do. The relationship should be closer to that of a partner in a journey towards achieving a goal. I can suggest new ways of thinking and doing; assist in acquiring new skills, provide advice or be part of an ongoing discussion about a subject that both client and I are passionate about. Ultimately my clients need to take responsibility for their own learning; however, my approach is to develop a supportive, non-judgmental and friendly relationship while encouraging and holding my clients to the idea of achieving their chosen goals.

Goal setting and progression

Goal setting and the progressive attainment of goals is a feature of my coaching. I look for my clients to build on their existing experiences and knowledge. I aim to achieve this through actively listening to what my clients are looking to accomplish, setting realistic expectations and then breaking down those bigger goals into achievable steps.

Trust and respect

A trusting and respectful relationship is an essential quality of any coaching agreement. I'm not the perfect horseman, but I strive to be the best I can as often as I can. Understanding the feeling of vulnerability associated with acknowledging this, and how my clients may also feel vulnerable at times, emphasises the importance of these qualities. I seek to provide a trusting and respectful coaching relationship where a client can also strive to be the best they can.