Katie Boniface

Co-Founder & head coach

I have been a horse rider for 25 years and a riding instructor for 12 finding my passion as a teacher in a riding school environment. From childhood through to my early 20’s I competed successfully at shows, dressage, show jumping and eventing at state level. Having gotten my trophy and ribbon riding out of me when I was young riding became a spiritual practice for me, developing my connection to my self and others on a deeper level. What occurred to me is that you can't have a meaningful relationship with someone that doesn't want to be with you so I set about looking for ways to get my horse to enjoy being around me. 

At the same time I was also working with a couple of horses with soundness issues. Having being told that a horse would work soundly if you work it correctly I dug into the physiology of horse movement and how we as riders and trainers can best work our horses not only for soundness but also for suppleness, maximum range of movement and dare I say to look like they actually enjoyed being ridden!!

And so triggered a profound reassessment of everything I had ever learnt to date about what it meant to be a horse rider, how I was riding and what my goal was from my training. I discovered the importance of the horses mental, emotional and physical health to not only its performance and success but also to its willingness as a participant in our partnership. And I learnt what it meant to have a true connection with the horse and an open 2 way conversation. 

It is my goal and mission in life to share these values with as many horse riders as I can so we can start to see our beautiful horses as equals, partners and part of our own life's journey to better understand ourselves through better understanding others.

Sarah Gallagher 

co-founder, vet nurse & tech services

My devotion for horses and all animals began at the age of 5 when I decided to work in the veterinary industry.  

I was lucky enough to spend some time playing with other people’s horses when I was younger, and couldn’t grow out of the ‘horse-bug’, finally leasing my own horse as an adult.

I first met Katie in 2015 and instantly bonded with her holistic approach to horse and rider training. She helped me overcome some of my riding fears, and helped me work through several (to be honest, a lot of several!) of my horse’s issues. Following Katie’s training methods delivered a resounding sense of comfort and confidence, knowing I was doing the very best for my horses - the reason I became a vet nurse to start with!

This is why together we have developed Equestrian Movement to help more riders reach their maximum potential with their horses, just as we have partnered to help me retrain Custard, my Percheron/Quarterhorse cross.

I love being able to help people help their horses, and am excited to take Equestrian Movement to the next level.

I’m also continuing to work with Katie to improve my riding skills, so you may see some information come out from the ‘student’ point of view - I hope you enjoy!