Helping you understand and address your horse's behaviour problem, while strengthening your relationship.
If you love your horse but not their current behaviour
You're in the right place. Whether your horse is frightened or anxious, stressed or aggressive, herd-bound, needle-shy or afraid of the farrier, if they've been traumatized by an event, or they're just behaving badly, you get the sense that they're struggling too.
Using effective, low-stress training methods, I can help you both.
Hello, I'm Lauren!
Since 2006, I’ve worn a few hats as a horsewoman, working as a horse trainer, and teaching riding and horsemanship.
Early in my career, I saw how common training methods can unintentionally make problems worse. In 2012, this led me to begin working exclusively with horses struggling with behaviour problems, including very challenging cases.
To further my knowledge, in 2019, I completed a Master of Science degree in clinical animal behaviour, deepening my understanding of how to assess and address serious or complex horse behaviour problems rarely caused by just one thing.
In short, I use low-stress, proven approaches to address issues and strengthen the horse-human relationship.
Rest assured, my work is guided by experience, education, and a commitment to your horse’s well-being.
Experience
Horse trainer 2006-2012
CHA Certified Riding Instructor 2006-2012
International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) Certified Equine Behaviour Consultant 2012-2024
Mentor for horse trainers & behaviour consultants
Clinical animal behaviourist
Instruction
Educator for Understand Horses & Equitopia
Co-instructor of a RACE-approved course for veterinarians 2016-2020; Taught monthly workshops for horse owners 2008-2015
University guest lectures (University of British Columbia; University of Guelph; University of Manitoba)
Equine journalist for both scientific and trade publications
Education
Equine Science Certificate,
University of Guelph
MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour, with Merit, University of Edinburgh (2019)
Dissertation: A Characterization of Forced ‘Laying Down’ Behaviour in Horses
Accredited Trauma-Informed Horse Trainer
Fear Free® Certified Professional
Memberships
Former Application Review Committee member (2012-2023) & Horse Division Chair (2013-2021) for IAABC
Animal Behaviour Society (ABS) Member
International Society of Equitation Science (ISES) Associate Member
Horse Council of BC Member
How I can help horse owners
Online, effective, low-stress solutions for horse behaviour problems
Anxious or Scared Horse
Online help for horses that spook, shy or bolt, or otherwise show signs of anxiety, fear, or phobias. The triggers may be certain things, like bicycles, being touched, or a corner of the arena. Or there may not seem to be any trigger at all.
I will help you understand why your horse is anxious or frightened, and how to solve the problem.
Needle-Shy Horse
Online help for horses that panic, try to escape or attack, or otherwise show strong signs of needle-shyness or fear of injections.
Your horse may react to all injections, or only certain types.
I will help you understand why your horse is needle-shy, and how to resolve the problem.
Unusual Horse Behaviours
Online help for horses that are sleep deprived, bite themsleves, perform repetitive behaviours, show signs of depression, grind their teeth or show any other unusual or concerning behaviours.
I will help you understand why your horse is displaying these unusual behaviours, and help you address the issue so that both you and your horse can feel better..
Traumatized Horse
Online help for horses that are hypervigilant, unable to learn, depressed, shut down, or otherwise show signs of trauma.
You may know what caused it, or you may see symptoms.
I will help you understand trauma in horses and how to help your horse feel safe again, so they can recover.
You'll get the most out of working with me if:
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You sense that your horse is struggling with fear or anxiety, is feeling stressed or behaving aggressively, is needle-shy, farrier-phobic, herd-bound, has been traumatized by an event, or is otherwise behaving in a way that concerns you.
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You are looking for a trustworthy horse behaviour professional, with real-world training experience, whose approach is ethical, compassionate, and tailored to both you and your horse, so you feel supported rather than judged.
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Generic, online advice for horse behaviour problems doesn't sit right with you. You want personalized guidance that won't harm your horse or make the problem worse.
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You are ready to start making meaningful, lasting progress, using evidence-based methods that strengthen your relationship.
