Cathy Koetsier
Cathy founded Heart to Hand Pony Interaction in 2021 but she had been sharing her ponies with people for a long time before that. Always passionate about horses, she knows from experience that spending time with them is good for the whole person, body, soul and spirit. She says that few things have taught her as much about life, relationships, God and people as her horses, and she delights in seeing people learn and grow as a result of spending time with them. Cathy also loves helping people gain understanding of equine behaviour, communication and psychology so that they become better carers for the horses in their lives.
Cathy founded Heart to Hand Pony Interaction in 2021 but she had been sharing her ponies with people for a long time before that. Always passionate about horses, she knows from experience that spending time with them is good for the whole person, body, soul and spirit. She says that few things have taught her as much about life, relationships, God and people as her horses, and she delights in seeing people learn and grow as a result of spending time with them. Cathy also loves helping people gain understanding of equine behaviour, communication and psychology so that they become better carers for the horses in their lives.
Craig Koetsier
Craig is Cathy's husband. They have been married for 34 years and have raised 5 children. Horses have been a key part of their family life for most of that time. While Craig is not 'officially' horsy, he knows more about them than most people and he is a constant support behind the scenes. He will often be found repairing fencing or working on the latest development phase of the dedicated track system that is the ponies home.
Craig is Cathy's husband. They have been married for 34 years and have raised 5 children. Horses have been a key part of their family life for most of that time. While Craig is not 'officially' horsy, he knows more about them than most people and he is a constant support behind the scenes. He will often be found repairing fencing or working on the latest development phase of the dedicated track system that is the ponies home.
Michelle Smith
Michelle has been a mentor and life coach with a special interest in holistic wellness for over twenty years. Amongst other things Michelle runs the Norfolk division of 'God Unlimited Outdoor Therapy' (GUL), a national charity with a focus on improving mental health. As an outdoor therapist Michelle helps others to see the benefit of being with nature, especially through spending time with animals. Since joining the Heart to Hand team Michelle has witnessed first hand the special benefits of a model of horsemanship where human and pony enjoy building relationship and trust. Michelle is herd-mum to our two New Forest ponies, Alfie and Roux.
Michelle has been a mentor and life coach with a special interest in holistic wellness for over twenty years. Amongst other things Michelle runs the Norfolk division of 'God Unlimited Outdoor Therapy' (GUL), a national charity with a focus on improving mental health. As an outdoor therapist Michelle helps others to see the benefit of being with nature, especially through spending time with animals. Since joining the Heart to Hand team Michelle has witnessed first hand the special benefits of a model of horsemanship where human and pony enjoy building relationship and trust. Michelle is herd-mum to our two New Forest ponies, Alfie and Roux.
Ben Jermy
Ben is here on many Saturday afternoons, mucking out, filling and distributing hay nets or carrying out repairs and maintenance. A careful young horseman with a gentle approach, he also helps with familiarising the ponies with Horse Agility obstacles. |
Tegan Webb
Tegan is currently doing a Level 2 course in Equine Care at Easton College. Her special interest is in horse health and well being. She spends about 6 hours here each week and is a highly valued member of our horse care team. |
Skye & Angus are our two little dogs. Skye is a West Highland Terrier and she is 14 years old. Skye is deaf so take care if you are moving your car anywhere near her as she will not hear. Angus is Skye's son and he is 7 years old. He is a Westie X Norfolk Terrier. Both dogs are always eager for cuddles. They take their job of welcoming visitors very seriously, and supervise everything that happens. They are sometimes a bit naughty, but with such cute faces they aren't in trouble for long.
(If you are afraid of dogs, please let us know before you come and we will put them indoors.)
(If you are afraid of dogs, please let us know before you come and we will put them indoors.)
