I have worked with horses full time since 1991, covering many disciplines. Beginning with event horses, then dressage, stud work, driving, show jumping and some excellent backing/schooling yards. In 1996 I passed the BHS stage 4 at Huntley School of Equitation in Gloucestershire.

My passion has always been horses, particularly in giving young horses the correct training/foundation work to enable them to fully understand their role and what is expected of them by us. They can then have a happy life without misunderstandings.

Hence my fascination with equine dentistry, as any equine will have difficulty in learning and progressing if there is any pain or discomfort in their mouth. Before starting any young horse, it is so important that the horse is not in pain, and will not be caused pain, by wearing a bridle and being ridden.

I have bred, backed and produced my own youngsters for over 30 years, and also worked freelance for many years, not just backing/schooling but helping clients with any issues they might have been having (before the dentistry took over). I always tried to understand and search for the cause of any problem so it could be fully resolved. Treating the symptoms alone, whether the cause is physical, behavioural or psychological, is not usually sufficient to resolve misunderstandings.

Training as a Equine Dental Technician was the best move I ever made, as it is an area so incredibly important to horses health and welfare, yet is ‘out of sight’ and so often overlooked. I will always take the time to show the owner the inside of their equine’s mouth, explain what I find, and let them feel their horse’s teeth if desired, before and after treatment, (provided horse is willing!). 

I am incredibly patient and gentle with horses and this is usually reflected in their behaviour when having their dental examination and treatment performed.

Based near Great Torrington, I cover North and West Devon, including North Cornwall and Exmoor. treating all types of horses, ponies, donkeys, even alpacas. I also travel to Texas, USA once a year to treat horses at a rescue centre. Approximately half had never been haltered, yet they allow me to halter them, apply the speculum (gag), examine and then float their teeth. It’s so incredible – how can I not keep going back?! See link to Happy Horse Haven Rescue (HHH), Texas.

Zeus – bred, backed & produced by myself