Jackie has been using Equitation Science training methods since being introduced to it by Jody Hartstone back in the mid to late 2000’s.

Her whole riding life she knew there was something missing in her horse riding, the lessons she was having just weren’t making her and her horse any better, in fact most of the time it felt like horse wrestling, not horse riding and it wasn’t the partnership she craved. She tried some of the natural horsemanship methods around at the time but some of it didn’t seem to make any sense and didn’t transfer to ridden work. There were no classical dressage trainers available.

So, she was excited when introduced to ES, to evidence-based training and gaining an understanding of how horses learn.  She continued to use the methods as taught to her, having lessons with Andrew and Manu McLean and Jody Hartstone, attending clinics and lessons and avidly studying the book Academic Horse Training.

In 2022 she was able to realise a goal and do her Diploma in ES which was completed it in 2024.

Gaining confidence by having this qualification she has started a business helping other riders/horse owners at the lower levels who struggle with horse behaviour and lack the confidence to go out or go to bigger named trainers.

She feels there is a real need to help at the coalface so she travels to riders’ yards to help with any difficult behaviours such as new horses issues, float loading, pushy horses, separation anxiety, anxious horses, re-training, stereotypies, etc.

She also helps owners with young horses with handling, desensitisation and backing.

She also volunteers at her local NZRDA branch helping train the horses for their unique environment and putting equine welfare first.

She is passionate about equine welfare and making a “better life for horses”