“All I do is reveal something that is already there, inherent, by design – its about finding the right key to be able to unlock it. Less is more.”
About me and my mission
I’m Suzanne,
I have lived across several continents, in more than 5 different countries, and speak several languages. Over the years I have seen and experienced a lot of ways to relate to horses – and a of different relationship styles.
My mission is to relate to horses in such a way that their true nature, being and beauty is not only preserved and expressed, but also developed and furthered, in our journey together.
I want my horse to be my communication partner, where it’s free to express itself and give feedback. I do not want to manipulate my horses’s answers. I do not want to impose, but want to offer genuine leadership.
And so, I can simultaneously grow alongside with, and closer to, my horse. As I continue to develop in my role as leader, I embark on a journey of self-reflection and personal growth.
I adapt to the natural ways of horses instead of squeezing them into an artificial world. And in doing so, I reap enormous benefits for myself too. I strive to learn from the truths that are found in nature and horses, and to apply those to my daily life and relationships.
In an increasingly artificial and mechanical world where we are left brain dominant – how valuable and healing is it to get out of your head, into your body and feel.
Its my desire to be able to share these experiences with you and together embark on a journey of discovery and growth.
2004 – 2007 - Trained and competed with Dutch Equestrian Vaulting Team “St Hubertus”;
2008 - Certificate IV in Equine Studies – Hillcrest Christian College, Melbourne;
2009 - Borderline Demonstration with Klaus Hempfling;
2009 – 2023 - ongoing training with “Being with Horses” – Dan & Sabine Birmann, including a 12 month traineeship in 2012, in Germany;
2015 - B.A. Psychology Monash University Melbourne;
2015 - 2023 - Care and support work for adults with disabilities, acquired brain injuries and psychiatric conditions. As well as work with children and young adults with autism, trauma and special needs at therapy farms or special needs schools;
2018 -Diploma in Equine Podiatry at the Australian School for Hoofnaturopathy under Carola Adolf;
2018-2023 - Offered holistic hoof care and rehabilitation services, which included nutrition, natural lifestyle, hoofboots and founder rehab;
2023 - Course in Coaching, Leadership and Systemic Psychotherapy with Ingeborg Kiès at the Horse and Human Academy in the Netherlands;
2024 - Completed the Dynamic Neural Retraining System Course (Annie Hopper);
2023-2024 - Clinics with Frederic Pignon & Matthias Geysen.
Experience & Qualifications
But above all, and most importanly – the hours (and hours) I was blessed to be able to spend with my own horses in the last 20 years. Horses I use to own, and horses that are no longer with us. In nature – on the road. All of them were severely traumatized. They were/are truly unique characters that have taught me the most valuable lessons.
“To lead is to serve – as a matter of fact I often lead by being led.”
Acknowledgements
I want to extend my gratitude to:
All the horses in my life, but especially Gideon and Salvador who have been with me the longest; Dan & Sabine Birmann, for allowing me to experience “Being with Horses”; Carola Adolf, for her generosity, dedication to hoof health and enabling me to keep my horses sound; Glenn Wilson & Kelly Bick, for looking after my horses while I was in Europe; Kate & Laife, from Honeywood Valley Farm for looking after and loving Salvador; Judy Howard-Bath from Andelain Horse Sanctuary, for giving Gideon a retirement home; Andrea McNinch, for her support, encouragement and health and healing wisdom; Ingeborg Kiès, for encouraging me to share what I love doing most. ❤️
