About Whispering Equus
Anna Blunden
I have always had a passion for animals and knew from a very young age that I wanted to work directly with them. From the age of 13 I spent my holidays and weekends helping out at the local riding school, which I loved.
After trying a series of "proper jobs" I decided to study for an Equine Science degree at Writtle College, Essex where I realised my interests for anatomy, physiology and injury rehabilitation. After graduating I took the Merishia Animal Massage course.
Since qualifying in 2007 I have undertaken two advanced massage courses and a saddle fitting course. I am currently studying at the McTimoney College for an MSc in Animal Manipulation. I hope to be able to offer this from the start of 2012.
Since qualifying I have spent my time gaining experience on many different types of horses and problems. These include young showjumpers, ex racers, older horses and horses with previous conditions that have hampered them for years. I have found massage to be extremely useful in improving a horses way of going, improving performance or easing sore or tired muscles.
I have also had extensive experience with all types of dogs and have found massage to be extremely useful for a wide range of problems, from issues with stress and nerves to physical and mobility issues. I would welcome anyone thinking of having their dog massaged to contact me for advice.
Chris Morris
I have always been interested in working with horses as they along with all animals have fascinated me since I was young, which is why I chose to study animal Biology, Psychology and Physiology at University.
Since leaving university I got further and further away from my goal of working with horses, and the only opportunity I was getting was the odd riding lesson and hack whilst on holidays, but I have always been put off further training because of some of the questionable techniques I have seen used at stables both in the UK and abroad.
It was about this time I first became aware of the "Natural Horsemanship" techniques, more popularly known as "Horse Whispering" and was totally hooked!! I first began studying these methods in Portugal with Anna Kerckhoff de Sacchi. After studying for over a year and also working in the USA with Hannah Campbell at her farm, I gained my Introductory Certificate of Horsemanship in 2007.
I have a keen interest in working with rescue horses as their fear and mistrust of humans instilled by their past treatment creates a very challenging and ultimately rewarding experience.
Chris attended the Introductory course at Horsemanship Portugal.
I was impressed by Chris' will and dedication to learn to work with horses using these natural horsemanship methods. Although Chris had had a longer break of working with horses whilst he was at University he quickly became very confident and competent in the roundpen, and working outside with a variety of horses. Chris has an extremely high degree of sensitivity and gentleness in working with horses.
Anna Kerckhoff de Sacchi
Certified Monty Roberts instructor
Horsemanship Portugal
Chris also spent three weeks at the end of 2009 at Flag is Up farm in California taking the Advanced Course in Natural Horsemanship. After two years of further field study, and working with various Monty Roberts Certified Instructors, Chris returned to Flag is Up Farm in August of 2011 and passed the Advanced exams. He is looking forward to 2012 when he will return to California and undertake the Instructors' Internship.
