SIH operates according to EAGALA1 guidelines. This means that both the horse professional and mental health professional are trained to the levels required by EAGALA and both must be present throughout every session.
Dr. Jemma Hockley (BA, MSc, DClinPsych) is the clinical lead at SIH. She is both a practicing Clinical Psychologist and experienced horsewoman.
Jemma has been researching the use of horses in promoting mental wellbeing since 1998, with the aim of developing understanding and awareness of Equine Therapy amongst the mental health profession. Jemma founded SIH in 2008 following her doctoral research at the University of East London on the positive impact of Equine Therapy on mental health service users in the UK.
Bella Barr is the Equine Specialist at SIH. She has extensive experience in horse communication and well-being. Bella has trained in both Monty Roberts and Natural Horsemanship methods which utilise horses own methods of communication.
SIH favours a natural approach to working with horses and we are keen to share such an understanding with our clients.
