Horse Behaviour Consultations and training

Get to the bottom of your horse’s behaviour.

No matter their level or discipline, your horse may have problems from time to time.

These could be;

  • Handling issues, such as leading or float loading.

  • Ridden problems such as napping, bucking and rearing.

  • or other issues such as aggression or separation anxiety.

These unwanted behaviours can develop for different reasons and each should be looked at and resolved individually.

What is a behaviour consultation?

A horse behaviour consultation isn’t a quick fix, it’s a deep dive into understanding the why behind the behaviour, so we can create a tailored plan that works for both you and your horse.

During a consultation, we’ll look at:

Your Horse’s History - We’ll consider vet history, past handling, and what you know about your horse’s life before they came to you — all of which can influence current behaviour.

Their Environment - Behaviour can change based on location. We’ll assess where the issues occur, at home, out, or in transit, and look for patterns or triggers.

Their Management - Feeding, turnout, herd dynamics, and daily routines all matter. Even small mismatches in management can create stress that shows up in behaviour.

Their Training - We’ll look at what your horse knows, where there may be gaps or confusion, and whether past handling or training is still affecting them.

The Problem Behaviour - We’ll explore the specific behaviour you’re seeing, like bucking, bolting, or biting, and uncover what your horse might be trying to communicate.

What Happens After?

I’ll work with you to create an effective, compassionate, and practical plan tailored to your horse’s unique needs and your individual circumstances.

Some behaviour issues can be resolved after one consultation by changing management or training approaches. Others may require follow-up visits or additional coaching sessions to support long-term progress.

"Susan’s behaviour consults are so much more than just fixing a problem. She looks at your horse’s whole world, and helps you make sense of it."

-Justine

"We made more progress in one consult with Susan than months of trying different approaches. Her knowledge is deep, her delivery is kind, and the results are real."

- Jillian

“My horse Layla used to be sedated with paste when clipped in previous years, but her response to clipping got more dangerous each year to the point where she would strike out with her front feet while sedated.

I had not been able to clip Layla in over 3 years until I got Susan’s help. Susan has been amazing working with Layla over a few months to desensitise her to clipping. Layla is now at a stage where she is accepting of being clipped, her fear response is gone and can be fully clipped all over with no sedation required!”

- Nicole

I use science-backed, ethical training methods focused on reducing stress, improving communication, and creating real understanding. Not control through force.

How does it work?

To book: contact me to arrange a consultation

Before: You'll complete a short questionnaire about your horse’s history, management, and behaviour concerns.
Please return it at least 2 working days before your scheduled session so I can review it in detail.

On the day: Your consultation will take approximately 90 minutes and includes:

  • A full behavioural assessment

  • Discussion of your horse’s management and environment

  • Practical training with you and your horse (where appropriate)

  • Collaborative planning to support positive behaviour changes

After: Within a few days, you’ll receive:

  • A bespoke training and/or management plan tailored to your horse

  • Clear next steps and recommendations

  • Links to any relevant resources or follow-up materials

Ongoing Support: You’ll receive 1 month of support via email, WhatsApp, or phone following your consult — so you’re not left on your own to figure things out.

Need help with your horse’s behaviour?

Costs:

Initial consultation: $497

Written report: $265 (optional)

Follow up visits: $120 per session

Reduced fees are available to registered equine charities, welfare organisations and rescue centres. 

Not Sure If You Need a Behaviour Consult?

If you're dealing with safety concerns, resistance, reactivity, or confusion that training alone hasn’t solved, a behaviour consultation is the right choice.

Coaching helps you improve your skills.
Consults help you understand and support a struggling horse.

If you're unsure, get in touch. I’ll help guide you to the best next step.

 FAQs

  • It’s a deep-dive session (about 90 minutes) where we look at your horse’s history, environment, management, training, and behaviour. Then we create a clear, tailored plan to address it.

  • Everything from bucking, bolting, rearing, and biting to float loading issues, separation anxiety, ground handling problems, and more. If your horse is showing signs of stress, resistance, or unpredictability, I can help.

  • I use science-based, horse-friendly methods grounded in equitation science and learning theory. This includes:

    • Positive reinforcement where appropriate

    • Clear, low-conflict communication

    • Understanding stress responses, not punishing them

    • Teaching both horses and humans with empathy and clarity

    My goal is always to support the horse’s welfare, reduce confusion or fear, and help you build a more trusting, functional relationship.

  • No, I don’t use natural horsemanship techniques.


    While I value trust and clear communication, I don’t use join-up, flag work, or rope pressure. These methods can trigger the flight response and rely on outdated dominance ideas.

    Instead, I use evidence-based training grounded in learning theory and equitation science, so your horse learns in ways that make real sense to them, without fear or confusion.

  • Yes, I use positive reinforcement, including food rewards and clicker-style markers, when it's the right fit for the horse and the situation.

    Positive reinforcement is a key part of science-based training. That said, not every horse responds best to food or marking alone. In some cases, negative reinforcement (like releasing light pressure) or combined reinforcement may be more effective, especially when used thoughtfully and ethically.

    My approach is flexible, evidence-based, and always tailored to the horse in front of me. The goal is low-stress, clear communication that supports learning and the horse’s emotional wellbeing.

  • Not formally, but I do strongly recommend ruling out pain or health issues before treating something as a behaviour problem. I may ask questions about your horse’s health history or suggest a vet check if physical discomfort seems likely.

  • Sometimes, yes. Especially if the issue is environmental or training-related. More complex behaviours often need follow-up support or additional sessions to resolve fully.

  • That depends on your horse, the behaviour, and how consistent we can be with the new plan. Some changes happen immediately, others take time, especially if the behaviour has become a pattern.

  • Yes! I offer video-based consults for clients outside my travel area. You’ll send video clips of the behaviour, and we’ll meet via Google Meet to go through an assessment, discuss changes, and build a plan together.

  • You’ll receive:

    • A written management and/or training plan

    • Clear next steps

    • Follow-up support via email, phone, or WhatsApp for 1 month

  • You’re welcome to book follow-up sessions, in person or online, to track progress, troubleshoot challenges, and keep moving forward.