Kia ora, I’m Susan

An equestrian coach, horse behaviourist and confidence coach with a background as unique as the people and horses I work with.

I’ve been riding since I was eight years old, growing up in the Netherlands where I trained at top-level dressage and showjumping yards, worked with Olympic-level competitors and multi–World Cup driving teams, and developed an early fascination with what creates real connection between horse and rider.

Over the past 15+ years, I’ve worked across Europe, Asia, Australia and Aotearoa in roles ranging from yard manager at the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (founded by Dr Andrew McLean) to coach and course facilitator for riding schools, adult rider clubs, and national NCEA-level equine industry training.

I now work with clients both in the saddle and beyond, as an BHS qualified coach, a certified Master Transformational Coach and ICF PCC (Professional Certified Coach), I support both equestrians and everyday humans to find confidence, clarity, and self-trust. I’m also a PCC mentor and deeply value professional supervision and ongoing development in my practice.

My academic background includes a BSc in Environmental Science and a MSc in Equine Science. I integrate equitation science, behaviour, mindset coaching and emotional awareness into my work. I take a trauma-aware approach and always respect when to refer someone on to a mental health professional. I don't buy into pseudoscience; just a commitment to grounded, ethical, and meaningful transformation for both humans and horses.

Clients often tell me they feel seen, heard, and truly understood. And that for the first time, things just click. I’m known for my honest, intuitive style: I notice what’s unspoken, what’s avoided, what a horse (or a person) might be trying to say underneath the surface. I call it informed intuition; a mix of knowledge, empathy, and a lifetime of experience.

I now live in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington with my two horses, Tino and Clover, and split my work between equestrian coaching, horse behaviour work, and confidence coaching for everyday people navigating life’s bigger transitions.

You can find out more about equestrian coaching [here] and confidence coaching [here]; or reach out directly if you’d like to work together.