Alice Beardsworth BSc (Hons) V.N.
My name is Alice Beardsworth and I am the owner and manager of 4 Feet Forward. I have been working with horses for many years, having started riding when I was about 3 years old.
My Experience:
For the last 8 years I have been using natural horsemanship techniques with all of the horses that I have come into contact with. Having had 2 years out after A-Levels working with horses, cattle and other flight animals, I went on to study Veterinary Nursing Science at Hartpury College. During this time I studied all aspects of animal health and welfare, including modules in Equine Husbandry, Equine Therapy levels 1 and 2, Animal Behaviour and Management of animal collections to name but a few! I also helped at the Equine Therapy Centre, where I learned a great deal about rehabilitating the injured horse and about a wide range of different therapy techniques.
In my last year at University, I chose to do a study using natural horsemanship techniques with cattle for my dissertation. The study showed that join-up works with cattle, and that it improved their performance in a halter-training test by 65%!
I then went into general practice as a qualified Veterinary Nurse for two years, before starting 4 Feet Forward full time on New Year's Day 2007. Before going full-time I had been visiting other's yard to work with their equines in my spare time.
I use a combination of natural horsemanship, physical therapy and rehabilitation techniques to help your horse to reach its full potential. I try to keep up-to-date with the latest research and techniques, and use this knowledge to help to tailor my training to the individual horse and rider.
Often people train horses using a 'formula', but to me, training is a mix of science and art, not maths! Each horse is an individual, so I always bear that in mind. I feel that my background as a Veterinary Nurse combined with the knowledge I gained during my 3 year degree course and practical experience means that the horses I work with get the best possible care and training.
Pain:
Behavioural issues frequently stem from pain, injury or medical abnormalities. Recognising that a horse is in pain, or is still compensating for an old injury or problem can be difficult. Veterinary surgeons often sign off a patient because the physical problem has been fixed, but the horse may still carry a mental burden. I am then able to step in and work through the problem, working with practitioners in various other disciplines to get the very best from your horse, giving him, and you the best quality of life.
Nervous Riders:
I have ridden for many years, and went through a stage where I lost all confidence and became a very nervous rider. Having started using natural horsemanship techniques, I suddenly realised I was no longer nervous! I believe that this was because I now understood equine behaviour and body language, and how to work with it, not against it. I really empathise with nervous riders and have worked with many people who now no longer describe themselves as a 'nervous rider'
Bitless Riding:
Since April 2007, I have been using the Dr Cook Bitless Bridle. I made the change because I read one of his articles about the problems caused by the use of bits. This started off a chain of events that has now led me to become the Scotland Coordinator for the Bitless Horse Association BHA Website . Our aim is to promote bitlessness in all disciplines, and help to change the current rules, so that people are allowed to compete bitless. If you are interested in finding out more, please have a look at their website, or alternatively, contact me on any of the details below.
PleaseCONTACT US to find out how we can help you.
