Equine Behaviour Solutions starts young horses, trains and retrains older horses and coaches horse owners in riding, horse handling and groundwork.

Horse riding

Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science, a tailored personal course of study, including:

  • Animal Behaviour
  • Behaviour Analysis
  • Brain & Behaviour
  • Equine Health & Nutrition
  • Equine Production
  • Animal Science
  • Heredity & Gene Expression
  • Plant biology (useful now for understanding pastures, weeds and the components that may interact with horses!)

Karen’s approach is ever-evolving as she learns new things, considers new research and if there may be a  better way, work is adapted accordingly.  Influences include:

  • Stockmanship (observing and interacting with horses and farm animals led to skills difficult to learn from through traditional riding schools, books or lessons).
  • Dr Andrew McLean, Manuela & Warwick McLean & the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre.
  • Classical equitation, especially the principles of Spanish Riding School of Vienna and the work of Philippe Karl and Nuno Oliviera
  • Academic/scientific studies, including both zoological and psychological sciences – equine and other species behaviour and biology.
  • ‘Natural’ horsemanship – Ray Hunt (U.S.A),  Neil Davies, Ken Faulkner, John O’Leary (Australia), Pat Parelli’s “7 Games”, and widely considered early pioneers of the ‘natural horsemanship’ movement – the Dorrance brothers, Bill and Tom (U.S.A.)
  • Lessons from the best teacher of all – the horse!

Karen keeps up to date with research on equine training and is a full member of the International Society for Equitation Science, she is currently undertaking study for Equestrian Sports New Zealand Coaching accreditation.

Horses at the beach

You will find an approach mindful of the horse’s welfare, rider confidence and dignity and with safety of all in mind. The approach is collaborative, encouraging enquiry and discussion, and at times, experimentation.

If you need assistance in improving performance, eliminating ‘problem’ behaviours, teaching your horse not to jump on top of  you, to float load, lunge,  jump, do dressage (which simply means ‘training’), or if you simply need to gain confidence… give me a call so we can have an obligation free chat.

Contact : 027 233 1408 (any time), or 07 883 8641 (evenings)

‘Equestrian endeavour and horsemanship is a life-long process,  and like all journeys, begins with one step!’