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. Michelle enjoys helping people experiecne the benefits of connection with the natural world, 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 owns (or is owned) by 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. Michelle enjoys helping people experiecne the benefits of connection with the natural world, 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 owns (or is owned) by our two New Forest ponies, Alfie and Roux.
Ben Jermy
Ben is usually here on Saturday afternoons, and often during school holidays, mucking out, filling and distributing hay nets and carrying out repairs and maintenance. A careful young horseman with a gentle approach, he helps familiarise our ponies with Horse Agility tasks as well as participating in the monthly OHLA competitions. |
Tegan Webb
Tegan did a Level 2 NVQ in Equine Care before transitioning onto Equido's Lantra approved training system based on Natural Horsemanship philosophy. Her special interest is in horse health and well being. She is thorough and dependable and is a valuable member of our horse care team. Like the rest of us, she participates in OHLA competitions. |
John Webb
John is here most Saturdays, and during the week when needed. He helps with anything and everything, maintaining equipment, repairing fences, laying surfaces on the track, putting in poles for electric fencing, planting trees and anything else Craig or Cathy need help with. He is well liked by our ponies although he is not officially 'horsy'. He and Teri have regular conversations, man-to-man. |
Dawn Webb
John's wife Dawn is a regular volunteer at Heart to Hand, and her ready smile and hard working enthusiasm is much appreciated. With a background in Social Care, Dawn's input on our Health & Safety policy and Risk Assessments has been invaluable. Dawn has recently started doing Horse Agility with Cloud and her horsemanship is coming on in leaps and bounds. |
Skye & Angus
Our team would not be complete without 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.)
Our team would not be complete without 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.)
