What to expect from a horse behaviour consultation

What Holds People Back?

When a horse is behaving in a way that their owners don't understand, or struggle to live with, they may be unsure if the problem is "bad enough" to call someone in to help - or even, who to call.

But the best time to seek qualified help is when a problem is first recognised, because this type of behaviour rarely improves on its own. Equally important, getting the right sort of help early on protects the horse-human relationship, before it takes any more strain.

The Horse Behaviour Consultation Process, Simplified

The good news is that thanks to technology, qualified help is available worldwide. I don't need to physically be there in order to guide you through a horse behaviour consultation; it can all be done remotely. Here's what it looks like from start to finish:

• You reach out and we have a brief conversation, so that we can make sure a consultation is the right fit for you and your horse.

• You complete an intake form and submit video footage, so that I can start to gather the information I need on your horse's history and the behaviour you're dealing with.

• We meet via Zoom, so that we can discuss your horse's case, and I can determine why your horse is behaving this way, and build a clear plan for you both.

• You leave with a plan that is practical and specific to your horse, so that you can start making changes right away to begin tackling the issue.

Much like how a veterinarian follows a framework to reach a diagnosis, qualified equine behaviourists are trained to work similarly. We gather the relevant information needed to determine why the behaviour is happening, and use that to inform our recommendations that are specific to your horse.

Why Remote Works

It's a fair question: how can someone help my horse without being there to see it? Whether we work together in person or remotely, the process I use is the same. I determine why the behaviour is happening, and I teach you how to manage or address the problem using horse-friendly methods. The biggest difference is that instead of demonstrating things in person, I use tools such as example videos, handouts, and feedback on your homework videos to deliver the same quality of support, just without the travel.

Do You Need to Train My Horse Directly?

This is one of the most common questions I get, and the answer might surprise you. No, I don't need to train your horse directly, and here's why this approach actually works in your favour.

Behaviour problems in horses have an underlying cause, whether that's pain, stress, fear, confusion, unmet needs, or something the horse has learned over time. Resolving the behaviour long-term means understanding and addressing the cause first, and then making changes to how the horse is managed, handled, and trained day to day.

The person best placed to make those changes is you. You're the one who shows up every day for your horse. When you have the knowledge and skills to understand what your horse is communicating and why, you are empowered to make real, lasting change for you both.

"Give a woman a fish and you feed her for a day; teach a woman to fish and you feed her for a lifetime."

That's the philosophy I work from. My goal with every client is to give them the knowledge and skills to help their horse now, and in the future. I want clients to need me less over time, not more. Because the best outcome for me isn't a client who keeps coming back out of dependency; it's hearing from someone months or years later that they used what we worked on together to solve a completely different problem, or that they were able to help a friend's horse. That's the thing that genuinely lights me up.

What You'll Need to Get Started

Getting set up to work together remotely is simpler than most people expect. At a minimum, you'll need:

• Ten to fifteen minutes to complete a short intake form about your horse's history

• The ability to record and share short video clips on a smartphone

• Access to Zoom for our consultation call

If you're interested in follow-up support beyond an initial consultation, a phone or camera tripod can make filming your homework sessions much easier. These can be free DIY ones or purchased inexpensively. Occasionally, depending on the issue, a trusted helper may be useful for certain retraining exercises. Most importantly, you'll need a willingness to work with your horse in short, regular sessions. Your commitment and consistency are where the results come from.

Who This Is For

If you've found yourself Googling low-stress solutions to your horse's behaviour at midnight, this is probably for you. Additionally, you'll get the most from working with me if your horse is showing signs of fear, anxiety, stress, or aggression, or if they're struggling with something specific like needle shyness, farrier aversion, or being herd-bound. It's also a good fit if you've been through something difficult or traumatic with your horse and aren't sure how to move forward.

Remote consultations work best for owners who want to understand and address what's driving the behaviour, who are looking for an approach that is ethical, evidence-based, and tailored to their specific situation, and who are ready to be an active part of the process. If generic online advice hasn't felt right, or you're worried about making things worse, that instinct is worth listening to.

What Happens After the Consultation

The consultation is where we build the picture together, but the real work starts after we hang up. You'll leave with a clear summary of what's driving the behaviour and a practical plan that is specific to your horse and your situation. It won't be generic advice. It will be something you can actually use to start tackling the problem.

From there, how much support you have depends on which option you've chosen. Some clients feel confident taking things from there independently. Others prefer ongoing follow-up to help them work through the plan, troubleshoot as they go, and stay on track. Either way, you won't finish the call and be left wondering what to do next.

No Judgement Here

However you've ended up here, whether this is something that has been building for years or a sudden change that caught you off guard, you don't need to have it figured out before you reach out. You don't need to have tried everything, have the perfect setup, or be able to explain the problem clearly. That's what the consultation is for. This is a no-judgement zone, full stop.

Your Next Step

If any of this sounds familiar, that's probably your sign. A behaviour consultation is a low-commitment way to get clarity on what's happening with your horse and what to do about it. You don't need to have all the answers before you book. You just need to show up.

See how I can help