Equine & Rider

Supporting the horse. Supporting the rider. Supporting the partnership.

I work remotely with horses and riders of all ages and levels, across all disciplines, throughout the UK and internationally.

A horse and rider do not work in isolation from each other. Stress, pressure, previous experiences, changes in environment and loss of confidence can all affect how either side of the partnership feels and responds.

My work allows me to support the horse, the rider, or both together.

For the Horse

Horses can carry the effects of stress, previous experiences, changes in home or routine, travelling, competition environments and periods of overwhelm.

Remote stable sessions are designed to support relaxation, help the horse settle and allow them to work from a calmer, more balanced state.

I work with horses at every stage — from young horses beginning their education to established competition horses, horses moving home, rescue or trauma experiences, and horses who simply seem to be struggling with something that is affecting their usual way of being.

For the Rider

Riders can be affected by much more than straightforward nerves.

A fall, loss of confidence, pressure, anticipation, worry, overwhelm or something happening elsewhere in life can all follow us into the saddle.

Home sessions support the rider away from the horse, while ridden sessions allow me to work remotely with you as you ride.

The work is designed to help reduce pressure, fear, overwhelm and emotional build-up, while supporting a calmer, more settled nervous system.

When the nervous system is less overloaded, the rider is often better able to think clearly, stay present, respond rather than react, and ride with greater confidence, focus and freedom.

For many riders, this means feeling more capable, more settled and more able to develop into the rider they want to be.

Ridden Sessions

Ridden sessions begin before you mount and continue remotely while you ride.

They can be used during everyday schooling, lessons, hacking, jumping, training or competition.

I work with riders of all levels, across all disciplines, including children, young riders and professionals.

Competition, Shows & Travel

Competition brings its own pressures for both horse and rider.

I can support horses and riders remotely around travelling, arrival at the venue, settling away from home, warm-up periods and competition itself.

This support can be arranged for individual events or incorporated into an ongoing programme.

All work is carried out remotely and confidentially.

 
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Benefits For Your Horse

  • Encourages deep relaxation and a calmer state

  • Helps reduce stress, tension and emotional overload

  • Supports focus, confidence and a more settled way of working

  • Can help horses who are spooky, anxious, reactive or easily overwhelmed

  • Supports young horses through training, new experiences and early outings

  • Helps horses adjust to a new home, new rider or changes in routine

  • Supports horses with previous trauma or difficult experiences

  • Helps with travelling, loading, staying away from home and settling at shows

  • Supports horses through warm-up, competition and busy environments

  • Helps strengthen trust and confidence between horse and rider

  • Can support sensitive horses who struggle with separation, change or pressure

  • Useful as part of ongoing maintenance for general emotional wellbeing

    Photo from client Harry Payne

 
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What is Reiki & Energy Work?

Reiki is a specific form of energy work. The word Reiki is often translated as “universal life energy” and is a gentle, complementary practice used to support relaxation, balance and wellbeing.

Energy work is broader.

It allows me to work with what I pick up around stress, tension, emotional overload, past experiences, nervous-system state and the connection between horse and rider. In practice, I often use both together.

My work is carried out remotely, so I do not need to be physically with you or your horse. This allows me to support horses and riders throughout the UK and internationally.

For horses, this work can sit alongside veterinary care, training, physiotherapy and other professional support. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

My approach is to work with the whole picture — horse, rider and partnership — rather than looking at one issue in isolation.

Photo from client Leo Lorimer

 

For The Rider

Rider sessions are carried out remotely and can support you both away from the horse and while you are riding.

They can be particularly helpful following a fall or difficult experience, during periods of lost confidence, nerves, anxiety, pressure or overwhelm, or when preparing for training, competition or a new situation.

Home sessions allow us to work on the wider pressures and emotional build-up that may be affecting you, while ridden sessions begin before you mount and continue remotely while you ride.

The work is designed to support a calmer, more regulated nervous system, helping you feel more present, focused and able to respond clearly in the saddle.

I also work with children and young riders. Loss of confidence can come from a fall or riding experience, but it can also be influenced by school pressure, bullying, home life or other worries away from the pony.

All work is remote and confidential. Questions are always welcome.

Veterinary note: Reiki and energy work are complementary wellbeing practices and do not replace veterinary assessment, diagnosis or treatment. I do not diagnose veterinary conditions or provide veterinary treatment or advice. Where a horse is unwell, injured or showing signs that require veterinary attention, appropriate veterinary care should always be sought.

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Roslyn Simpson-Bell

“Cannot recommend Sara highly enough - she has not only helped me emotionally and through illness she has helped all my family and our many horses and dogs through the years. Recently she completely transformed my Grandsons life by making him-with her healing--overcome his fear and now he is successfully competing with his ponies Sara's work is truly amazing with dedicated care and support. Anybody thinking about help, do not hesitate.”

Jay Gee

I contacted Sara after having some confidence issues in the lead up to a national competition and also issues with my horse shaking his head when jumping. She took the time to explain the process throughly and through the week leading up the competition she carried out remote sessions on both my horse and myself which included travelling too and at the event. Throughout the week I felt a huge difference in my own self confidence and Charlie’s energy levels where he felt much more softer and relaxed and the head shaking was far more reduced.

Fast forward a week and we successfully completed 4 rounds at the national Championships without a hesitation or a head shake!

I honestly cannot recommend Sara enough and would not hesitate to use her again.

Zoe Steel

Sara is absolutely amazing!

I’m so grateful for all the help she’s given me and my horses. The difference in my main horse is so clear when Sara’s been working with him—he’s more focused, calm, and responsive.

She’s also helped me immensely. I feel so much more confident and less nervous when I’ve been working with her. If you struggle with anxiety or nerves—whether you’re a rider or dealing with a sensitive horse—I highly recommend Sara. She truly gets it.

Hazel Banham

Sara has been an invaluable help over the last two months with both my own and my new mare’s well being.

I booked us both blocks of sessions to help my sensitive new mare (Bonnie) with the transition of changing home, and myself to aid my confidence in restarting my riding journey after a break from horses following a nasty fall from my previous horse. This accident had caused me immense panic that was overflowing into my new relationship with Bonnie, and I had been stuck in fight or flight mode with no confidence for weeks prior to Sara’s help.

My first session in particular was incredible, I had an immediate release in stored trauma I hadn’t realised was still there to such a great extent. To be able to go to the yard and not feel overwhelming fear and anxiety was such a relief, in just a few weeks I went from being scared to handle or lunge Bonnie myself to regular lessons with my instructor and even schooling alone! Bonnie’s sessions have helped her settle in her new home and routine, getting back to being the wonderful girl I viewed.

I’ve no doubt that our regular sessions have set us on the right path and rid stresses that would still be there otherwise, I’m so grateful for Sara’s insight and ongoing support and will definitely be keeping up with our treatments.

Emma Hendry

Our son William has had his confidence restored again after a fright with his pony, we are so happy, it means the world to us seeing him enjoying himself once more. We really do recommend Sara, this is not the first time she has come to our rescue!

Louisa Milne Home

“We are always looking for ways to get the best out of the horses and Sara has been a great addition to the team. We have done a real range of horses at different ages and stages and they have all really befitted, whether it has been helping get new horses to settle in and become easier to work with and speed up the partnership building and trust at home in the school and hacking or at shows/training. Sara has also helped speed up the healing of cuts and mystery aches and pains. If you would like help with yours and your horse’s confidence then Sara will be a great help to you, she is so helpful and positive. Just what is needed!”

Katherine Creegan

I contacted Sara after hearing about her work from a few friends and clients who had used her. I will admit I was quite (very) sceptical, but my horse, Charlie, who has always been quite sensitive, seemed to be getting more and more anxious to the point it was affecting my confidence and enjoyment of riding, so I thought it was worth a try.

I could not be more impressed. Charlie had 6 sessions, initially unridden but some under saddle too. I would say he is back to his old self but actually he is better! Whereas before he used to get quite anxious halfway through a jump lesson, now he just gets on with things; I feel he’s more able to cope with ‘life’ and he also recovers from a fright better. He’s had a top up session since which was also very helpful.

I was so impressed with Sara’s work that I’ve also had a rider block of reiki, which has helped unblock some frustrations I was having.

I will definitely continue to have Sara’s help as we start venturing out to competitions again. Thank you!

Charlene Meldrum

I contacted Sara to help with my daughter Connie, and her best friend - Star, her horse. After her world was turned upside down, and we embraced a forced move of school and livery yard in the best way we could (August 2024), the cracks appeared, and the harmony frazzled.

Star's behaviour was very temperamental, refusing to take direction, refusing to move, ramming Connie into the wall... Connie in return, became a very tense rider and her confidence was lost. In a frustrated and heart-broken state, we invited Sara in, to see what she could do, and oh boy... What a transformation.

We're still a work in progress, but the positive changes in such a short space of time have been phenomenal. Star has had stable sessions, which have been incredible to watch, clearing her mental overload, and Connie has had sleep sessions (unknown to her) which have helped her to release tensions. They have both had ridden sessions together, and it has been heart-warming to watch the connection rebuild, and after a difficult period of such upset, having Connie cry tears of happiness has been very welcome!

Sara is honestly, one of the most empathic people I have spoken to. Such calm, and reassuring words. Always available with a listening ear, and clearly absolutely amazing at what she does! It blows our minds that this is all done remotely. I had to see it to believe it. We will continue to stay in touch, and have more sessions hopefully as a wellness treat, rather than to fix problems in future!

Rebecca Maher Davis

I am truly blown away by Sara’s work! Totally skeptical at first it didn’t take long for me to see the results for myself and now reiki is part of the routine for my horses. The insights I’ve gained from Sara add a whole other dimension to my understanding of all the horses I work with. I have noticed ‘spooky’ horses becoming more focused on their work or horses who always carried surplus ‘sharp’ energy become calmer and more curious! I now consider reiki to be a necessary part of my horses routine much like the farrier or physio would be! I’m very excited to continue working with Sara and I’m grateful for everything we are gaining from her work. The nicest part is she is always just a text away and you get a real sense of just how much she cares.

Harry Payne

“Thank you Sara for your all your help! Travel anxiety and general confidence much improved at the championships. A much happier horse!”

Amanda Byres

So after having some major wobbles and being unable to hack and not feeling confident in any uncontrolled environment, I decided to contact Sara to see if she could help. I had lost all motivation and confidence to ride. I moved my pony and started my reiki journey all at the one time. Now if ever there was a test to see whether reiki works or not, this was def it! Moved my pony on the Friday and was on board on the Monday. Cannot recommend Sara enough. The difference is phenomenal. I am schooling my pony confidently outdoors (which I would normally avoid at all costs) as well as coping with a much busier yard than we are used to. I will have another riders session before we embark on our first hack at the weekend. I booked the block of 5 and have had a mixture of at home sessions and riders sessions. I was so desperate to get back to a good place with my riding and this has honestly surpassed my expectations.

Lauren Lavender

“I’ve been having horse & rider sessions with Sara for over 2 years now. The work she does is phenomenal. From rider, horse, at home and for my dog. Every session she does has great results. My most recent ones were a few weeks ago whilst we were at the British Dressage Nationals, where we were in the top 10 placings in both of our classes.

Sara really helps overcoming nerves and pressure from a rider perspective. You can really notice a difference in the horse sessions too. I’d definitely recommend experiencing a session for yourself… you’ll never look back!”

Julie Smith

I recently used Sara for 4 remote sessions with my horse who had become difficult and anxious to travel. Within the 4 sessions my mare was a lot more relaxed and settled in the horsebox. Sara puts you at ease the moment you speak to her and explained the whole process. It was great to work with someone who is so dedicated to her profession. Thank you so much Sara.

Natalie Sumervile

I’ve worked with Sara for the past few months and my experience has been incredible. I knew nothing about reiki and I’ve been lucky enough to learn and reap the benefits for me and my horses! Within 8 weeks I had stepped up from 110 to 130m showjumping, my confidence was at a peak and the horses were jumping better than ever! Thanks to Sara I was able to finish the 2023 season on a high, achieve massive milestones and look forward to the 2024 season for more big things to come! Can’t recommend enough.

Caroline Ions

“I've used Sara a few times over the years for my, now, old horse, always had good results. My competition horse at the moment gets bored/stressed travelling on his own after about an hour and starts pawing and sweating up. I travelled down to Bury last month for a dressage championship, which was nearly a 12 hour trip (one way). I asked Sara for help. Down and back he never stressed, no pawing, no sweating even when the lorry broke down on the way home! He took everything in his stride there, even competing with Storm Hannah and 40 mph winds. The only difference was Sara's distant healing. I had him out last weekend without Sara’s help and he pawed the whole way home. Believe in it or not but I'll be using her again.”

Levi Macdonald

“Sara has been helping me for years, not just in the equestrian aspect of my life but on a personal level also. I cannot put in to words how much she has helped me grown as a person and a competitor. She has helped my horses with everything from separation anxiety to travelling. Taking us from not being able to get in the collecting ring to national championships. A truly great person and a real inspiration.”

Aileen Heggie

Huge thank you to Sara Brown for our sessions while we were away at Aintree's Elite show. Sara provided Teddy with a range of Reiki sessions from calm and relax for traveling, to sessions helping him cope with the different environment, spooky arena as well as overnight sessions for rest, repair and recovery. I also struggle with show nerves, especially in the warm up, my rider sessions really help me stay focused and relaxed. I have worked with Sara for a number of years and I can honestly say I wouldn't be where I am without her.

Hannah Bryant

I came across Sara following a really tough period with my horse who had gone from being pretty relaxed in his stable, to banging, rearing and box walking. He has always been an anxious type, but his behaviour was extreme to say the least and he was becoming increasingly stressful to be around. We're now at the end of our second block and have done two weeks of quite intense work, and the difference is incredible. Sara has been empathetic, kind, considerate and handled a lot of emotion from us both. My horse is much more relaxed and delivered to personal best scores out competing yesterday. I look forward to continuing to work with her and would highly recommend for anyone open minded enough to consider alternatives for their equines.

Erin Black

I was recommended Sara by a friend and it’s a recommendation I wish I had, had sooner. The difference in both my horse and I after just two sessions is amazing. We are both guilty of being nervous and unsettled but after just two sessions I feel the energy between and around us is only positive. I must admit I was sceptical in the beginning but the proof really is in the pudding! Thank you.

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Helping You and Your Horse Reach Your Potential…

Whatever your discipline or level, I support horses and riders with performance, confidence, nervous-system regulation, trauma and emotional overload, recovery from difficult experiences, travel and competition support, and the horse–rider partnership.

Support is also available for children and young riders, young horses, and horses adjusting to new situations, environments or expectations.

Remote support can be arranged for everyday training, specific challenges, travel, shows and competition packages.