I was born and raised in Cornwall. Growing up I was fortunate to be around ponies, I can recognise how they supported me through the ups and downs of life. My ponies provided me with structure, predictability and a sense of responsibility.
I studied Animal Management at college and then went on to join the army as a Combat Medical Technician. During this time I learnt valuable skills such as routine, team work and communication.
I returned to Cornwall and joined Centaur Cornwall to pursue my love of horses. I am now yard manager and studying as a riding coach.
Working on the yard with young people and horses I have seen the benefits of being around horses. I have seen young people grow in confidence and develop some important skills that they may have missed through mainstream learning. I have developed my teaching skills to incorporate all styles of learning and can adapt to meet the needs of all our young people. I see myself as creative and fun in my approach!
I am excited to be working on the ‘Changing Lives Through Horses’ programme and meeting all of the young people who will benefit from this.
I have worked or ridden horses all my life, as you will read horses have always played a huge part of my life and I fully appreciate the way they can shape and change our lives. Without horses in my life I am not sure where I would be!
It started in my early years, I was a local Pony Club member and enjoyed competitions and learning how to care for my ponies.
After leaving school I attended college and completed my Advance Equine Business Management qualification with the desire to develop working with horses as a career.
I achieved my BHSAI qualification and began to teach all levels of riders young and old. The feedback from customers as well as seeing them grow in confidence was priceless and inspires me to ensure everyone who wants to gets an opportunity to experience this.
My personal achievements such as riding for the British Endurance Team and winning an individual Gold medal led to me to experience the benefits of perseverance and hard work.
Further enjoyment with horses has included eventing to intermediate level and I have competed in dressage at elementary level.
More recently myself and my heavy weight hunter James have been successful at County level and fingers crossed at international level too! We also do well at side saddle which has been my most recent challenge.
For the age of 19 years I was a partner in a riding school. I taught many young people as well as coordinated riding holidays and developed horses for competitions.
Furthermore I have completed the CACHE diploma in pre school practice.
I am very excited about the ‘Changing Lives Through Horses’ programme and feel that my horses and ponies will be the stars of the show. I am thankful to have such wonderful ponies and horses, myself and my team go to great lengths to ensure they are happy and healthy.
Louise has owned horses all of her life, Louise loved to compete when she was younger and spent all of her time with her horses. Louise entered into equine work when she left school gaining experience in a racing yard and then in a riding school. More recently Louise enjoys riding her horse Billy who is the clown of the yard and always ready for a cuddle!
Over the past 20 years Louise has worked in Children’s Services. Louise has been dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and working to improve outcomes. Louise has focussed on supporting children who have experienced trauma.
Combining both passions, knowledge and experience it seemed like a natural step to support the ‘Changing Lives Through Horses programme’. Louise knows first-hand how working with horses can benefit young people. Louise is super excited about this programme as it will allow vulnerable young people a chance to learn, develop and grow in an environment suited to them.