Why choose a qualified behaviourist?
“A behaviour expert has appropriate qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience. Inappropriate or outdated advice or methods may adversely affect your pet’s welfare and even make your pet’s behaviour problem worse”
Animal behaviourists support and improve the mental health of animals, much as psychologist do for humans.
However, unlike the term ‘psychologist’ in UK, ‘behaviourist’ is not currently protected, meaning anyone can call themselves a behaviourist, regardless of qualification, understanding or ability. It’s therefore always important to check out the credentials of anyone you’re thinking of working with, to make sure you don’t end up spending a lot of time and money doing more harm than good to your horse.
I can offer you the expert support RSPCA, along with the backing and ethical practice and piece of mind of being a provisional member of the APBC.
I work to establish the cause of the issues your horse may have, using the latest theories and proven science.
Problems are addressed by endeavouring to support your horses and meetings her needs. This can include adapting their environment, management, handling and training.
After consultancy I create a bespoke behaviour modification plan which is discussed and agreed with you. This helps you (and the wider team of professionals) to understand the behaviour of the horse, underlying and sustaining motivations and the ability to improve the undesirable behaviour.
How I can help You and your Horse
Behavioural Consultancy
Consultations help to evaluate severe or complex problems, giving you support and a plan to resolve any issues your horse may have, without using forceful or strongly aversive methods.
It can be difficult to know if this is the right option for you and your horse, so I offer a free, no-obligation phone call where we can have a chat. Please Get in touch, or book an appointment to arrange a your 15 minute call
Before I can arrange a consultancy session, I need a referral from your vet. This helps determine any medical factors affecting your horse’s behaviour.
You’ll also need to complete a behavioural history form which asks your horse’s behaviour, routine etc.
Before consultancy, I’ll review the vet referral information, history and any videos sent of your horse’s behaviour.
The consultation sessions is 1.5-2 hours long and we’ll explore problem, considering all facets, including when and where the behaviour occurs, motivations, emotions, and possible frustrations.
I’ll help you to understand your horse’s behaviour and agree a plan of support and steps needed to make improvements with you.
A copy of the treatment plan, along with any other information needed to succeed will be sent to you and your vet will also sent a brief report.
The follow-up session takes place 2-5 weeks afterwards. We’ll review progress and adapt the plan as needed.
Additional sessions are available as needed and 6 months of phone based support is included.
I look forward to speaking to you soon.
Workshops and Events
Talks on a range of topics are available and can be delivered online or face to face. Workshops are lively, interactive and fun, mixing demos with behavioural science and theory.
I am able to offer a range of talks and workshops to meet your needs and that of your horse.
Sessions can focus on specific horse issues, such as worming, clipping, trailer loading, spookiness or be more person focussed, such as learning about using positive training methods, nervousness and fear, or specific topics, such as lack of confidence when riding, hacking or handling your horse.
Sessions are suitable for individuals and can be delivered on a one to one basis. You are also welcome to form a group, or join one of my workshops, to learn together and have loads of fun.
If there’s something you are interested in, or have a few ideas of your own I’d love to hear from you!
Coaching and Training
My coaching sessions are fun, informative, and use kind methods that you and your horse will enjoy.
Sessions take place when issues are straight forward and do not require behavioural interventions, or you would love to improve your horsemanship skills and build on your relationship and performance with your willing horse.
Coaching sessions are 1-to-1 and can be booked as often as you would like. A veterinary referral is not required for these sessions.
In some cases I can prove intensive training with your horse, to accelerate progress. As your horse improves, I will also prove you with the training and skills you need to continue this work.
Training is offered as part of the post consultancy package agreed with owners. Due to its intensive nature, places are very restricted.
If 1-1 coaching and training is something you’re interested in finding out more about, don’t hesitate, contact me today!
