You know what? I get it. I really do. I've spent my life around horses, so I understand. My horses are valued members of my family. Currently I have two, a beautiful PRE mare called GP Conella (Nelli) and my good friend Thatch, a TB, WB, Andalusian cross gelding. My horses are a constant in my life. They are the best teachers of all. From them I have learned so much. I have learned to listen to what happens beneath the surface. Over the years, I have made many mistakes and they have taught me some hard lessons. I continue to study and learn from them all the time.

Who am I? I am a teacher, a student and a lifelong learner. An alumni of the University of Adelaide, I hold a BSc(Hons) and a Graduate Diploma of Education. Over the years, I have taught hundreds of students, with my passion being the life sciences. My students have gone on to work in a wide range of fields, including veterinary science, medicine, dentistry, equine studies, ecology, genetics, environmental sciences and many others. I am incredibly proud of their achievements.

As a Therapist: Ever the student, The more I learn, the more there is to discover. Part of my University studies were in the fields of anatomy and physiology. From these beginnings, coupled with my love of horses and riding came my interest in helping horses and their riders to overcome physical injuries and problems. In the 1990's, I studied Bowen Therapy, qualifying as a therapist for both horses and humans. This led me to the ideas and work of Ross Emmett. I completed my studies as a human Emmett therapist with Ross and was in the very first cohort of Emmett qualified horse therapists.

For a number of years I was in practice as a horse and human body worker and therapist.

However, the physical body is only one part of the whole living being. Intrinsically entwined with the physical are the mentaI, emotional, spiritual and energetic planes. Good health requires all these to be in balance. Ever the student, I started to delve into these deeper aspects, becoming a Reiki master and exploring cranio sacral, chiropractic, acupressure and the subtleties of deep energy work. All the while, seeking to refine my practices and aiming to work with greater awareness of what is going on below the surface. I have spent a very long time observing, experimenting and learning. Hopefully I will continue to do so for many years to come, as the more I learn, the greater the horizons become.

As an Equine Herbalist: From my teenage years, I was always fascinated by growing plants. in particular, the organic production of plants for food and medicine. Prevention is better than cure and the basis of good health is the food we eat and the water we drink. Many plants have healing powers and herbal remedies have been used to treat illness and injury for centuries. When Victoria Ferguson began teaching her initial Equine Herbal course, I was one of her first students. Later, I went onto to complete my full Equine Herbal Medicine Diploma.

Botanicus & Co: The idea for Botanicus & Co has been bubbling away in my brain for a very long time. Long time friends and clients have urged me to take my knowledge and skills to a wider audience. When I retired from teaching, I finally had the opportunity to take the giant step and make my idea into reality. Botanicus & Co is the culmination of all my years of learning. Through Botanicus & Co I want to provide bespoke, hand made products, for horses and humans. But that is just the first step, I also want to use the Botanicus & Co website as a vehicle for providing equine therapy, advice and education by way of personalised consultations and the accompanying Horse Tails Blog I have a range of tried and tested, hand made products available. Plus, for horses, and sometimes other animals, I am available for indepth health consultations. I provide hand mixed tinctures prescribed specifically for the individual, as well "hands on" therapy and dietary advice. Occasionally I take on rehab cases that are interesting and different. These cases are usually challenging and often long term/chronic in nature.

Please note: I Have a range of human products available to purchase through the website, but I do not consult and prescribe herbal tinctures for humans, only animals. Although fully qualified, I also do not undertake "hands on" body therapy for humans any more. Instead, I am happy to refer you to a practising therapist.

Horse Tails blog posts allow me to provide you with how to info vids, short form teachings, new product launches, plus news and views.

Horse Thoughts: This is another idea that will soon start to become a reality. I have been a teacher for well over thirty years, and involved with horses for well over fifty, so I envisage Horse Thoughts as being somewhere I can provide indepth articles, education, musings and thoughts on all things Horse. There are many people spouting and spruiking on the internet. Some of the information they provide is gold, but for every nugget you have to dig through the dross. This can be hard if you are new to the world of the horse, or are wanting to learn something new. I don't put myself out there as an expert, but what you will get with Horse Thoughts is considered, well researched articles and ideas, with supporting references. Horse Thoughts is not quite ready for take off as yet - but it will be coming soon....very soon. In the meantime, whet your appetite by visiting the Horse Tails blog.

My philosophy on life and learning is that you should aim to learn something new every day - when you stop learning, you stop living. There is always something else to learn. I have been lucky - so far in my life I have had some amazing teachers and mentors. If someone is keen to learn, then I am always happy to pass on my knowledge and skills. Come learn with me.