Dayna grew up in Ottawa, Canada, and began riding at a young age across a range of English disciplines, including hunters, eventing, show jumping and dressage. She later worked for former Olympic three-day eventer Claire Smith before taking time away from horses to complete her university studies.

Dayna was introduced to Equitation Science while working with her 17.2 hand Warmblood who had severe trauma related to floating. After consulting widely, she contacted Dr Andrew McLean, who connected her with ESI instructor Jen Davy. Through this experience, Dayna was drawn to the systematic, evidence-based approach of Equitation Science, particularly its clear explanation of learning theory and its focus on reducing conflict, fear and stress in training.

With more than 35 years’ experience with horses, and coming from a long line of horsewomen, Dayna has significantly reshaped her understanding of horse training through Equitation Science. ESI provided a scientific framework that explained familiar concepts from the horse’s perspective, allowing training to be clearer, fairer and more consistent.

Dayna owns and operates Cooinda Park Equestrian in Alligator Creek, just south of Townsville. She is passionate about show jumping, both in her own riding and coaching.  Dayna also works extensively with adults and children with disabilities.  She applies Equitation Science principles across all horse–human interactions.

Dayna is an ESI Instructor, a Level 1 Equestrian Australia Coach, a Level 1 Riding for the Disabled Coach and Coach Educator, Chief Instructor of Alligator Creek Pony Club, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently studying a Diploma of Counselling and Equine Assisted Learning/Psychotherapy.