Jo
Hello there!
I have worked in the NHS for the past 21 years both as a mental health nurse and latterly in leadership & management roles. Throughout my career I’ve worked with a wide variety of people in both a clinical and coaching capacity assisting individuals to identify and achieve their own change goals. I also have an MSc in Leading & Managing Change and continue I work with both individuals and teams within the NHS to identify and achieve change both on a personal and organisational level. I am currently working within a major re-design project utilising the Lean Six Sigma Methodology.
I have had horses in my life since I was 12 years old when Solo came into my life and Gemma came along6 years later. Both horses have now crossed over Rainbow Bridge but are still close by me. Solo and I lost our beloved Gemma in 2008 and I have never felt so utterly lost in my life. The hole Gem & Solo have left in my heart, life, routine and pure existence is one I never thought I would get through and one I still find difficult to put into words. Watching Solo go through her own loss cycle after Gem was heartbreaking and I felt so utterly useless and had it not been for Andy, I don’t know how I would have coped. After a while we took on Jasper, a rescue horse who was due to be slaughtered.
A very steep learning curve, complete loss of my nerve and a long road to ‘find my way back’ with horses ensued. The funny thing about life is
that just when you think you’re exactly where you’re ‘not’ supposed to be and everything is difficult and upside down in your world, you realise you’ve been cosmically placed to right where you ‘should’ be – all you have to do is listen, learn & act!
I originally trained in Reiki Healing and through my own journey over the past years have developed a synergy of energy healing with coaching. This collaboration of ancient traditions and modern techniques and tools enables the individual to balance and harmonise the primary energy of our emotions, thoughts and spiritual lives whilst using transformational tools that facilitate change that is both immediate and constant. Walking between the two worlds of corporate nhs business and energy healing and growth is not without challenges! By using the healing and transformational techniques developed over the years has equipped me with the grounding and tools to do this.
I have a bit of a thing for quotes – I found this one years ago when studying for my Masters and it really resonated with me:
‘Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else’ (Judy Garland)
Andy
Andy never had animals as a child, and took on two rescue cats when he left home. This led him to become completely hooked on cats and his repertoire with animals extended dramatically when he met Jo in 2003! He is now a dab hand clipping guinea-pig claws and could be considered a bit of a horse whisperer himself!
Andy had a serious car accident in 1997 which over the next 6 years led him to re-evaluate his profession as an IT programmer. Whilst having a successful career in this field, he never quite felt fulfilled at work. Shortly after meeting Jo, Andy resigned from his job and went back to college to complete an access course which enable him to be accepted onto a Radiography course. Much sweat, tears, stress and 4 years later, he is now a qualified Radiographer and goes to work with a smile and a spring in his step! Andy is the brains behind the web-site and technical master!
Amelia
Amelia was born in 2006 and is a huge blessing to both our lives. She is the most adorable, wise and pleasant individual who is a pleasure to be around! I guess all parents are biased, but that’s the way it should be isn’t it!!!
Jasper
Jasper joined us at the end of October 2008
Folowing losing Gem I really didn’t know if my time with horses would come to an end after Solo. It was a very hard year and had it not been for Andy, I’m not really sure how I would have gotten through it. Jasper is a French Trotter and he came from France via the organisation ‘equine rescue & re-homing’. He is a fabulous little man (not so little at over 16hh!) he’s 15 years old going on 3 and the best way of describing him is like having a 1000 ton toddler around you! He used to have 2 expressions—one of sheer anxiety and one of sheer calm,and over time the pendulum stays in a maintained relaxed state. He physically is scarred after his racing days – he is very strong willed and has bucket loads of attitude! Unfortunately this resulted in people treating this with violence and aggression to get him to submit – hence him ending up in a ‘fat farm’ in France awaiting slaughter. Fortunately Jasper has more Spirit than any other soul I have ever met and never lost his strong will! He has slowly learnt to trust and the value of people over the past 4 years. He was a bit bemused by energy healing in the beginning but now will seek me out when he feels the need!
Jaspers role is now one of respected leader in the herd. He learnt well from Solo’s calm and wise soul (she always was the most amazing teacher). He is in the process of helping the continued recovery and development of Harmony and also teaching Soleil about acceptable behaviour!
Harmony
Harmony was one of the most scared and vulnerable horses I have ever met. Her history of bullying, abuse and violence was one of the worst in one so young at 10 months old. Luckily she was rescued by someone who unfortunately couldn’t keep her long term and she came to us. Harmony has significant heart problems however is the best example of a soul living every second of every day to its fullest! She does most things at full speed, has more character and attitude and is just the sweetest most loving pony. She still has some trust issues but is getting there.
Soleil
Soleil is a French Comtois and is rather large. He was hand reared after his mum died and has the attitude of a bit like a spoiled prince! He is lovely and solid and we are in the process of re-starting him and training him with a bitless bridle, treeless western saddle and he goes barefoot (no shoes). We are working with such a big fella with limited tack………. watch this space to see if it works!!!
