Like many girls, I was horse mad!

I was lucky enough to have two ponies, at different times, as I was growing up. Both were aged and no longer much use for the riding school they came from. But I was ecstatic!

Purchasing an expensive saddle was out of the question. Even the bridle was made of rope. But I didn't care.

Riding bareback a lot teaches balance and connection. The bridle was more for decoration than use. Neither I nor my family knew much about horses, but we were respectful and kind.

I learned what brilliant teachers horses are. At one stage, the night time stable (as a precaution against leopards in the area) was damaged beyond repair and it took a few months to build a new one.

In the meantime, a neighbour kindly lent their shed. In exchange, I was to allow her to ride my pony.

On her first ride, I was rather horrified to see her using the reins to balance her unstable seat. Clearly, she wasn't used to bareback riding.

My pony did not like it!

But what could I do? I was a child and she was helping us.

So my pony took it into his own hooves to deal with the situation.

He started limping!

On turning for home, he stopped limping!

He'd never limped with me. So I knew he really didn't have a problem. But I carefully examined his feet and legs when she returned rather concerned.

Off they went again.

Same thing happened.

After the third examination, I took courage from the pony and suggested we'd better leave him. Maybe he just needed to rest, I said?

Of course, that meant I couldn't be seen riding him! But that was a small price to pay!

As an adult, I always retained my love of horses and un-learned the idea of gripping with your knees and re-learned better balance and a supple back.

When I trained as a homeopath, I was eager to discover how it could be applied to horses. I was more than gratified to discover how well they respond to homeopathic treatment.

I thoroughly enjoy treating these magical beings. My current two, retired, horses are only ever treated with homeopathy.

I also believe in as natural a life as possible, including access to grazing 24/7, only natural food, supplements when needed, and rugging only as needed.

Horses are highly sensitive animals. They have to be, to avoid being eaten! Every trifle can stir them up. Every leaf could be harbouring a tiger!

As a prey animal, they are very stoic. They don't like to show their pain, as that makes them appear weak and so are a target for the predators. This aspect is not fully appreciated by many people.. However, it's vitally important to know about.

My training as a homeopath was with the Australasian College of Hahnemannian Homoeopathy in Victoria, Australia. I graduated with a Diploma in Homoeopathy in 2000. This was the highest level of training at the time.

I have been in full time practice ever since, as a consultant homoeopath. I treat both people and other animals, as we are really all the same. We just look a bit different. And speak different languages.

I have been involved in teaching homeopathy at two colleges.

I am a professional member of the Australian Register of Homoeopaths and the Australian Homoeopathic Association. I have been active on the committee of the Western Australian branch of the Australian Homoeopathic Association, being the secretary and then president for many years.

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