In 2012, Denise embarked on her journey into equine-assisted learning and growth, a path that reshaped her personal narrative. Her pursuit led her to the Eagala method, where she engaged in structured mentorship starting in 2013 and achieved certification as a practitioner by 2017.
For Denise. "The horse's paddock transforms into a space that fosters potential, aiding individuals in altering their viewpoints in relation to group interactions by immersing participants in innovative and imaginative activities. These experiences encourage people to step out of their comfort zones, embrace vulnerability, and embark on a journey of learning and growth."
Beyond her time in the field, Denise works as a part time academic lecturer at a higher education Institue while maintaining a compact counselling and coaching practice.
Shirley's world changed at six with her first horse riding lesson, igniting a lifelong equine passion. She evolved from enthusiast to owner and educator, earning a BHS AI Coaching certificate.
Motherhood brought new challenges, and she embarked on a psychology degree, which led to a PGCE in Primary Teaching and a PG Cert in Dyslexia and Literacy.
Shirley's love for horses remained unwavering, and a fortuitous meeting with Denise at university, where they both worked supporting disabled students, introduced her to the world of Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL). Gaining her EFL qualification at Horse Haven UK, Shirley's professional journey has been intertwined with the success of Team and Herd.
She is balancing university work and advancing her expertise with an MSc in Animal Manipulation (Veterinary Chiropractic).
Sue's life has been a rich tapestry woven with equine threads. Born in the UK, she spent her childhood among horses before moving to South Africa for over three decades. Her journey saw her living in Mauritius, where her late husband, a flat race jockey, competed. They later settled in Cape Town, operating a spa for horses that catered to as many as 50 at a time.
Fifteen years ago, Sue returned to the UK, dedicating herself to aiding vulnerable women with a range of issues which resulted in low self-esteem. Through her work, she's observed the profound impact horses have on fostering positive change. A certified EAGALA equine specialist, Sue's lifelong bond with these majestic creatures is unbreakable, their power and affection an integral part of her existence.
'Kazi' trusts horses more than people, a sentiment that is reflected and reciprocated by the horses, making him an ideal fit for our team. With an almost instinctual ability to understand and communicate with horses, Kaziwayi is known for his ‘firm but fair’ approach in the field.
His natural disposition and ‘horse whisperer’ quality have led him to study the ‘Trust Technique,’ which aligns perfectly with his innate abilities. He also actively supports the logistical tasks within the crew.
Music is another of Kaziwayi’s passions, which he believes helps him attune to the horses. He says they ‘understand my vibration,’ suggesting a deep, harmonious connection.
Let’s introduce the dedicated group at Horse Sense the Life. Our founder, Denise, is a dynamic participant, collaborating closely with the team that primarily functions out of Pembrokeshire in Wales. This reciprocal relationship ensures that team members frequently join Denise in her collaborative efforts with Team and Herd.
The HSFL team has a broad range of Equine skills and expertise and maintains its own equine-facilitated programs. To find out more, click the logo below.