Susan Castel – Holistic Horsemanship Coach/Consultant

I have owned horses for 35 years, and been working professionally in the horse industry since the age of 16 yrs old. From 2005 to 2009 I competed successfully in Eventing with Oh Ryan! my thoroughbred. It was during this time I developed an interest in equine bodywork and massage. From 1996 to 2001 I worked with Bevan Roberts at Victor Harbour SA, colt starting and retraining horses. From 1998 to 2004 I owned and operated a Natural Horsemanship Riding School at Button Rd, Sellicks Beach.

In 2002 I completed Equine Myofunctional Therapy Certificate, and continued in my training to receive a Diploma in Remedial Massage for humans. I worked for 10 years in the massage industry until 2014.

I have been fortunate over the years to have spent time with many mentors, who I sincerely thank for all their help. Ken Faulkner, Christine Corbidge, Melanie Flemming, Berin McFarLane, Pat and Linda Parelli, Carmen Smith, Rachel Clarkson, Kaye Thomas, Ryan Rose, Rob McAuliffe, Fiona Darling thank you.

I went to America in 2010-11 and became a licensed 2 Star Parelli Instructor from 2011 to 2018.

In this time, I worked with many students to help them progress through the Parelli Program, learn equine psychology to gain a better understanding of what motivates their horses to learn and progress.

In 2016 Natalie Worth (Psychologist) and I have developed and Equine Assisted Learning Program (AHAA) Adelaide Hills Animal Assisted Psychology. This has further developed my learning in the use of psychology for training, and the development of feel, awareness, being centered and present that our equine friends can teach us.

In 2019 I have diversified what I offer in my coaching, and look forward to offering students a more holistic way to enhance your relationship with your horse, enable improved horse and rider performance through holistic care and development.

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Clinics

 

Clinics are one day 9-5 format, and generally consist of a 3 hr group session, followed by private or shared sessions int eh afternoon, to provide a more individual perspective on training.

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Workshops

Workshops are provided in a 3 hour format, teaching with a format e.g. Fundamental Ground Skills, Rider Bio mechanics Level 1 , Float Loading, Obstacles and trail riding preparation. Workshops allow a minimum of 4 students and a maximum of 6 students.

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Shared lessons

Shared lessons are 2 or 3 hours duration for 2 or 3 students. The topic of the teaching is tailored to meet the group’s needs.

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Private Lessons

Private lessons are structured to individual needs and level of progress. Private lessons can be held at your venue or my purpose built facilities at Hilltop Horsemanship Centre in Nairne. Lessons are typically 60-90 mins.

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Come ride with me Day (Play Days)

Play Days are an opportunity for horse enthusiasts to come and enjoy my arena and facilities in the company of others. I host and attend the Play Days, and may do demonstrations with my horses. However, students are free to share their thoughts with each other or to ask me questions about training or holistic horse care or my events schedule.

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Often in our journey to becoming a horse person, qualities get out of balance. When we learn how to become more centered, we become natural leaders for our horses and they will become true partners, on the ground and in the saddle.

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Performance foundation training enables students to progress any pursuit from dressage, reining, cowboy dressage, cattle working, eventing or trail riding activities.

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