After my physics degree at Oxford University, I worked in industry for many years. In parallel with this I developed my passion for horses and riding, qualifying as a TTEAM practitioner for horses with Linda Tellington-Jones in 1998.
Linda developed her method after qualifying as a Feldenkrais practitioner with Moshe Feldenkrais in 1978. Inspired and intrigued by the magical results I saw with TTEAM, I further explored the Feldenkrais Method with Vreni Booth, who not only helped my back pain, but also gave me a novel approach to improve my riding.
I realised there were truly no limits to self-improvement and wishing to help other people in the same way, I continued further in my journey by doing Mia Segal’s professional Feldenkrais training, which I qualified from in 2005.
I am now a full time Feldenkrais teacher but am grateful for my scientific background as it enables me to further appreciate Moshe Feldenkrais’ work and how it fits in with the latest research into mindfulness and neuroplasticity. My learning and curiosity are never ending!
Working With Individuals
I work with a variety of people, from those with chronic pain or disability to those who wish to improve their athletic performance. From children to OAPs. From stroke victims to martial artists.
I have a particular interest in horse riders as I believe we owe it to horses to have the best possible movement organisation and connection, so that the horse can be mentally and physically content.
Additional Training for Horses and Riders
I was first introduced to classical dressage in 1996 by Heather Moffett and was fortunate to have lessons subsequently with her trainer Dr Margaret Cox. I went on to train as one of Heather's teachers and am now an EET level 3.
In 2003 I went to Portugal to ride at Centro Equestre da Lazeria Grande for the first time and have been training with the Valenca family several times a year both in Portugal and in the UK since then.
I developed a strong interest in the Portuguese method of in-hand work and long-reining as I found this helped my horses tremendously, as well as being a fun and different way of developing a good partnership.
I have had the great fortune to ride and long-rein horses in Portugal that have performed in Apassionata – an unparalleled opportunity to get a glimpse of the correct feel of a fully trained horse.
I qualified as a TTEAM practitioner in 1998 (now a P1). I was drawn to it to help me improve my horse's physical and mental wellbeing, as well as to find insights into a non-confrontational training method. I then graduated as a Feldenkrais practitioner in 2004 and subsequently also undertook a two-year training in craniosacral therapy.
I find that the combination of my classical training, TTEAM, Feldenkrais and craniosacral work gives me an amazing toolkit to help horse and rider. I find daily that the whole is more than the sum of the parts as I further explore the links between them.
Formal Qualifications and Links
MA, MSc Physics (Oxon)
Feldenkrais Teacher, Graduate of Mia Segal's Mind Body Study Academy, 2005. See www.mbsacademy.org and www.feldenkrais.co.uk for more information.
Craniosacral Therapist, Graduate of Resonance Training. See www.resonance.org.uk for more information.
TTEAM Practioner 1, 1998. See www.ttouchtteam.co.uk for more information.
Enlightened Equitation Teacher, Accredited by Heather Moffett. See www.enlightenedequitation.com for more information.
