I have ridden most of my life but I like to be a bit different so I ride western style, like a cowgirl! I have studied a number of different horsemanship methods including Tom Dorrance, Buck Brannaman, Pat Parelli and Monty Roberts and have learnt to use a combination of approaches to train my horses. I find it really useful to have lots of tools in the bag so if a horse doesn’t understand what I’m asking, I can try a different way. Coming into the office every morning and being greeted by the office cats and all the other animals is always a great way to start the day. Hugs, is such an amazing place, helping both animals and people, and I feel honoured to work for such an incredible charity and team.

My love for all things equine began early, I could ride almost before I could walk and when I was a child my alter-ego was a horse named ‘Clue’! I absolutely love working at Hugs; using my skills to support an organisation improving the lives of so many wonderful animals and people is incredibly rewarding.

When I’m not number crunching you’ll find me spending time with my children, my three horses and our large menagerie of rescue animals. I enjoy low level cross country and arena eventing with my slightly bonkers Connemara gelding, and if there’s ever a weekend free my Border Collie and I have a lot of fun Man-trailing on Bodmin Moor.

I also have a real passion for horses, having owned them all my life and am now living on a farm. I spend a lot of my time outside. I have found that animals of all shapes and sizes can be very exciting for children but they can also offer a calming and understanding experience for children and young people experiencing mental ill health.

I am really looking forward to bringing all of my passions together for the different projects that are ongoing here at Hugs and I look forward to making a difference to humans and animals alike.

Most of my previous roles during my career have involved animals. I started out as a BHS riding instructor and NVQ assessor and went on to work with a range of equines before retraining as a veterinary nurse. I worked as both an equine and small animal nurse at a variety of practices, gaining multiple skills with a range of animals and enjoyed providing for their care and observing behaviours. This knowledge enabled me to be able to communicate more effectively with them and provide for both their physical & emotional needs.

My most recent role was an Animal Care Tutor at a centre teaching vocational skills to young people who had fallen outside mainstream education. It was here that I saw how the benefits of outdoor education and animal interaction can be of true therapeutic value and help build self-esteem & confidence.

I feel animals play a crucial part in helping people to overcome the difficulties they are experiencing in life by providing a non -judgemental ear and a positive experience of physical contact. This has led me to Hugs as I am a firm believer in the values they stand for and look forward to continuing my work with Hazel developing the facilities that we currently have.

Out of work I enjoy being outdoors, be that developing my garden to exploring the coastal paths and tea rooms!  I have been working towards my Trust Technique Practitioner qualification, which highlights the value of trust for animals and people, bridging the connection we have to animals & the importance of the animal-human relationship which is important in my role as youth well-being facilitator at Hugs. I am also studying an Equine Assisted Services Diploma.

At Hugs, I oversee our animals, events, land and  our welfare cases and emergency responses, working with partner organisations to make sure equines in crisis get the support they need, quickly and kindly. From complicated neglect cases to sensitive surrenders, my focus is always calm, clear and welfare‑first. Behind the scenes, I help shape our strategy, community and rehabilitation pathways to make sure everything we do is ethical, sustainable and centred on the horse.

I’m also involved in our communications and media work — telling the stories of the equines in our care and helping raise awareness of the bigger welfare challenges facing equines across the UK. I’ve contributed to national and regional media, spoken at the National Equine Forum, and was honoured to receive a BBC Radio Cornwall Make a Difference Award — something that really reflects the incredible team effort behind Hugs.

Outside of work, I will often be found exploring with my family, painting, taking the dog for a walk or horse riding.

What makes Hugs special to me is that we don’t just rescue horses — we create chances. Chances for horses to heal, for people to learn, and for our community to grow.

At Hugs, my role is varied. A big part of what I do is rehoming, and I take huge pride in carefully matching each horse or pony with the right home. It’s never just about finding ‘a’ home; it’s about finding the right one. Understanding the needs of our equines, listening closely to potential rehomers, and creating homes that last; is something I’m incredibly passionate about. Seeing a successful match thrive long term is one of the most rewarding parts of my job!

I’m also involved in welfare visits and emergency responses, supporting equines at some of their most vulnerable moments. Being able to step in, stay calm and focus on practical solutions is something I value deeply. Watching those horses go from uncertainty to safety, rehabilitation journey, and eventually rehoming is why I do what I do. I have always enjoyed working with unhandled or more complex horses and supporting their journey into confident, well-prepared equines ready for their next chapter. Being part of that transformation, and then helping them find the perfect match is something I feel very proud to do every day.

On the yard, I’m happiest being hands-on! I’ve become particularly known for my tractor driving skills! Whether it’s harrowing, moving hay or managing the land, I love the practical side of keeping everything running smoothly.

My role at Hugs is hands-on and varied. I support the daily yard activities, rehabilitation plans and preparing equines for rehoming, always with a focus on calm, consistent and careful handling. I have a particular interest in behaviour and confidence-building, and I enjoy taking the time to really understand each horse as an individual — especially those who may be anxious, misunderstood or in need of patient retraining.

Alongside equine and animal care, I also enjoy supporting Hugs wider activities, including events and open days, where we can share the impact of our work with the community. I’m practical and confident with land management tasks, happy working outdoors in all weathers, and take pride in maintaining high standards of care and organisation across the yard.

Outside of Hugs I am often adventuring around the Cornish countryside (either on horseback, or with the family).

Over the years, I’ve been lucky to have my own ponies each teaching me how to ride and care for them in their own way. They have all been a wonderful partners with whom I’ve explored a wide variety of activities. To maintain my horses, I’ve had to work hard, demonstrating commitment and responsibility. I find stable management just as rewarding as riding, and I love seeing horses progress and gain confidence, ultimately enabling them to be rehomed with suitable families through my work at Hugs.

My genuine love for animals and  my personal experiences have not only strengthened my practical skills but also deepened my understanding of the trust and connection that can develop between humans and animals.