About

Hi, I’m Karen Britton from Equine Behaviour Solutions.

I start young horses, handle foals, train and retrain older horses and coach owners and riders in all aspects of riding, horse handling and groundwork.

Horse riding

By assessing both your and horse horses’ individual needs, a programme is tailor-made for you. I offer the the additional benefit of travelling to work with you in your horse’s home environment (if required).

A flexible and considerate approach makes learning easy, and you will gain confidence in the application and use of your skills. You are sure to develop a better relationship with your horse, where he seems to enjoy his work more, and looks forward to seeing you!

My approach is ever-evolving as I learn new things, as I consider new research and if there may be a better way, work is adapted accordingly; influences include:

  • Stockmanship (observing and interacting with horses and farm animals led to skills many find difficult to learn from through traditional riding schools, books or lessons).
  • Dr Andrew McLean, Manuela & Warwick McLean from the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre.
  • Classical equitation, especially the principles of Spanish Riding School of Vienna and the work of Philippe Karl and Nuno Oliviera
  • Academic/scientific studies, including both zoological and psychological sciences – equine and other species behaviour and biology.
  • Natural horsemanship – Ray Hunt (U.S.A),  Neil Davies, Ken Faulkner, John O’Leary (Australia), Pat Parelli’s “7 Games”, and widely considered early pioneers of the ‘natural horsemanship’ movement – the Dorrance brothers, Bill and Tom (U.S.A.)
  • But… the best teacher of all… the horse!

I hold a  Bachelor of Science, and my personal course of study included papers in:

  • Animal Behaviour
  • Behaviour Analysis
  • Brain & Behaviour
  • Equine Health & Nutrition
  • Equine Production
  • Animal Science
  • Heredity & Gene Expression
  • Plant biology (useful now for understanding pastures, weeds and the components that may interact with horses!)

I like to keep up to date with research on equine training and am a full member of the International Society for Equitation Science; I am currently undertaking study for Equestrian Sports New Zealand Coaching accreditation.

You will find an approach mindful of the horse’s welfare, rider confidence and dignity and with safety of all in mind. The approach is collaborative, encouraging enquiry and discussion, and at times, experimentation.

If you need assistance in improving performance, eliminating ‘problem’ behaviours, teaching your horse not to jump on top of  you, to float load, lunge,  jump, perform dressage (which simply means ‘training’), or if you simply need to gain confidence… give me a call so we can have an obligation free chat about how I can help you.

Phone: 027 233 1408 (any time) to discuss your needs.

‘Equestrian endeavour and horsemanship is a life-long process,  and like all journeys, begins with one step!’