I went on to compete successfully and receive selection on the Young Rider State Dressage Squad, sadly though it wasn’t long before the immense pressure I put on myself robbed me of my happiness. I experienced severe burnout and depression, and walked away from what had given me so much pleasure for so long.

Thankfully I hadn’t walked away for good! Once you have experienced connection and meaning from being with horses I don’t think it ever leaves you. After so many years I knew it needed to be different without the pressure of competitions or an agenda, simply forming a connection and building trust, which in itself is an incredibly rewarding and often undervalued journey.

So funnily enough not much has changed, I’m still the horsey girl, only now a little older (and wiser) and mum of three incredible small humans.

Drawing upon my university education in psychology, the years of hands-on experience in diverse mental health settings, and enriched by my personal journey with neurodivergence, in 2017 I founded Therapeutic Equine Experience.

As demand for our services grew and seeing the need for an evidence-based equine assisted therapy training programme that offers ongoing support, isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, and has a strong focus on understanding trauma and neurodivergence, I founded the Equine Assisted Wellbeing Institute in 2022. I am incredibly fortunate to bring together all of my experience and wisdom through the Institute to train, support, and empower women to combine their love of horses and unique life experiences to make a significant impact through equine assisted therapy.