TRAUMA-INFORMED HORSEMANSHIP

Many domestic horses will experience trauma at some point in their lives. Traumatised horses will suffer emotional, social, cognitive, physical and/or behavioural symptoms. Often, these symptoms are mistaken as an inherent part of the horse's personality - for example, 'they're just aggressive', 'they're just difficult', or 'they're stupid'. A trauma-informed lens offers a different perspective.

A trauma-informed approach is, at its heart, curious. It doesn't make assumptions about a horse's behaviour. When I meet a horse displaying 'difficult' behaviour, my first thought is not - 'how can I fix this?'. Instead, I ask - 'why do you feel the need to behave this way? What is this communicating? What needs of yours can I meet to help you feel like you don't need to behave this way anymore?'.

The way I practice trauma-informed horsemanship puts the responsibility to change on the human, not the horse. When we can change the horses environment, social life and even our own behaviour, we are creating opportunities for the horse to feel safe again.

If you are interested in how this work could help your horse, you can read about my horse Willow's story to get an insight into my process with her.

BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL

Services

Initial Consult

Book in an initial consult before other trauma-informed services.

£55/1hr

Online coaching

Online Trauma-Informed Horsemanship coaching and video review via google meet.

Please only book if you have participated in an initial consult

£45/1hr

In-person coaching

In-person Trauma-Informed Horsemanship coaching local to East Chiltington, Plumpton or Chailey, UK. Please contact me with your location before booking.

Please only book if you have participated in an initial consult

£45/1hr

BOOK

If you require any financial aid, please email me at howtospeakhorse1@gmail.com and I can send you discount codes.

Remy Burley

Poppy is an incredibly kind, intuitive, and supportive Horsewoman, who is skilled in supporting traumatised and troubled Horses. Her support has changed my Equine relationships by helping me to develop a greater sense of presence and mutual care. She has helped me learn that being-with our Horses in their struggle is what creates transformation, not just trying to change them. Poppy's impact on my life goes further than just in my relationships with Horses. I take the lessons Poppy has taught me everywhere, from the barn to my local trail. I would recommend Poppy's services to anyone that wants to have a balanced and magical relationship with their Horse, based on mutual communication, autonomy, and care.