Archive for the East Sussex Category

Networking Neighs with Theodora F. Izzard – TFI Reiki

On March 30, 2022 / Blog, Charity, Commercial Photography, East Sussex, Horse Photography, Networking / Leave a comment

Ahh, it was great to be out in the sunshine, surrounded by the countryside, in the field with horses munching on grass and networking with such nice people in a super relaxed atmosphere.

I was very surprised when I realised that there were so many creatives there on the day. Photography is definitely not just one size fits all. Adas (AdasGold Photography) specialises in branding, lifestyle and food/commercial photography, which is getting increasingly important with clients finding companies online.

I was interested to learn more about Carsten Birkebaek (Flying Pix) and his aerial drone photography & filming business. Just stunning! Here Carsten is connecting with Dainty, who is a bit hesitant about men at the moment. I think they got on really well, don’t you?

Sadly I didn’t get to chat much with Alex Durham (Alex Durham Freelance) your VA-Va-Voom Videographer based in Canterbury (in the middle of the picture). She specialises in engaging videos for people and businesses. She is currently offering short video sessions for your LinkedIn Profile Video promotions.

Theo’s talk was very captivating and honest and I am sure it helps being with a group of non judgemental people. During these down to earth networking events the best connections are made.

It is always a pleasure to see Anwen (Get Fruitful Marketing). Anwen is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to all your marketing needs. I was very interested to listen to her ideas for the future.

Lucy, in her role of bookkeeping, told us about the upcoming changes in 2024 for sole traders, not everyone is aware of the changes but we would all do well to prepare ourselves for the change in MTD (make tax digital) for freelancer / sole traders with a yearly income of over £10k.

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

For our first Networking Neighs of 2022 there was a theme of the participants that attended – filming and photography! Over half the participants were involved with a camera in some way, allowing beautiful connections and some great synergies as they enjoyed their one to one conversations in the field.

Networking Neighs is perfect for encouraging collaboration. Horses must work as a herd to survive. Different specialisms within the herd result in the greatest chance of success for all. Domain experts mean that different horses at different times will take the leadership role as the seek the tastiest food, shelter or water as their needs dictate.

Following the horse’s lead, we too have the potential to collaborate and work together, enjoying the benefits of companionship, strength in numbers and expertise of others.

This is just one of the way the horses continue to have a profound impact on the way we do business.

Becci Godfrey

Personal and Professional Development Coach

The next Networking Neighs on Friday 17th June 2022 continues with the theme of film with Brandon Croft of Brandon Screen Creations taking the guest speaker slot. You can sign up here: www.horsesenseuk.com/service-page/networking-neighs.

All proceeds continue to go to our Thank You NHS campaign.

Networking Neighs with Sophie Allain-Equine and Canine Manual Therapist

On July 14, 2021 / Blog, East Sussex, Horse related, Networking, Socially Distanced Networking / Leave a comment

Socially distanced Networking

Here we are, a much needed face to face networking – still with social distancing rules applied. Actually, I think the way forward is to apply common sense, whilst being out and about. I have seen so many people lately who were not wearing masks in shops and standing too close to strangers in closed spaces prior to the government lifting of the restrictions next week.

It was great to meet likeminded people whilst networking last week. It struck me as totally amazing that after chatting for a while, we discovered that we all have one thing in common, our businesses stem from our hearts. Not one business owner did what they were doing, just for the money or because they fell into it and never changed that situation. This realisation gave me a real fuzzy feeling.

Sophie Allain is really passionate in helping animals and by listening to her talk, you can’t but feel her desire to help animals live better lives. Check out her website www.sophie-ecmt.com , Sophie is based in Brighton and travels across the Sussex, Kent and Surrey (or further afield by negotiation).

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

With everything going on in the world at present, I was struck just how important these networking sessions are right now.

One of the reasons we run Networking Neighs is because they help attendees to make a deeper, lasting connection. The “Know, Like, Trust” experience is accelerated at these events as you quickly find you are meeting others that have similar deep values to your own. Through observing everyone’s interactions with the horses you get to see what kind of a person they are. Are they kind? Confident? Supportive? Empathetic? How you do horses is how you do people.

It’s not surprising therefore, that significantly more meaningful business is done on the back of a Networking Neighs event than any other networking events I attend. Networking Neighs is an instant friend making event, with three horses, even if with no-one else!

To honour how important these sessions are, I’ve been encouraged by Barbara to put the next session on sooner rather than later, so we can aim for another two events before the year is through.

Therefore, the next Networking Neighs will be on Friday 10th September at 9.30am. We’d love to have you join us. http://NetworkingNeighs.eventbrite.com

Here are some more pictures from the networking event to give you a taste of how the horses help to successfully network:

Networking Neighs with Anwen Cooper of Get Fruitful Marketing

On April 26, 2021 / Blog, East Sussex, France, Germany, Horse related, Networking, Socially Distanced Networking / Leave a comment

Socially distanced Networking

The sun was shining and it felt great to be outdoors and meet people in person! I, like so many others no doubt, have been attending many virtual networking meetings and it was like a breath of fresh air. The herd was eager to be with people too!

I can’t wait for the next meeting on the 9th July 2021. And maybe the restrictions have eased a bit more and more people can enjoy this rather unusual networking event.

Hope to see you there!
Best wishes
Barbara

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Wow, what a glorious day to enjoy our first Networking Neighs of the year!

The last year of lockdown’s, virtual meetings and lack of connection has been difficult for many, the horses included. An outdoor networking meeting with horses was the perfect antidote for people to show up as their authentic selves and enjoy some in-person connection time.

As usual, the horses brought their individual flavour, joining conversations and asking for fusses. With a fully international group (France, Germany, UK and Portugal), it was great to see the language of heartfelt connection is the same no matter where you come from.

Huge thanks to our guest speaker Anwen Cooper of Get Fruitful Marketing who wowed us all with her insight into the history of marketing. The words campaign, target and strategy won’t ever land the same again after Anwen shared how they were all the ‘language of war’. For all those that have shied away from marketing as we’ve not enjoyed being on the receiving end of aggressive campaigns that are more about sales than service, the insight was illuminating.

Networking Neighs is back on Friday 9th July. Tickets are available here: www.networkingneighs.eventbrite.co.uk

In the meantime, check out the HorseSense UK Be-ing Herd sessions for ways to help process the pandemic. Using the Listening Circle format and in the presence of horses, these sessions are all about helping people to find themselves and move forwards after difficult experiences.

Mechanical Horses – Amelia Wilbourn

On December 18, 2019 / East Sussex, Equestrian, Equine, Horse related / Leave a comment

I had the pleasure of meeting Amelia Wilbourn and her Mechanical Horses. Her business is based in Hartfield in East Sussex. It was really fascinating to hear about her business and how she helps her clients:

Amelia Wilbourn says:

“I have had my mechanical horses for four years now and have loved meeting a wide variety of clients. They have proved themselves invaluable for people to come and focus on their own posture without the worry or distraction of their horse or pony.

When meeting new clients I first find out a brief history of their riding ability and any physical or health issues that they may have. These could range from hip replacements, surgery, ME, back problems, falls, lack of confidence or the natural wear and tear that our bodies go through over the years.

An initial assessment then follows encouraging the client to look at their individual ‘body patterns’ of movement and balance with exercises off the horses. I focus on finding neutral spine and ear shoulder hip heel which allows the absorption of movement and is essential for balance and stability in the saddle whether you are a happy hacker or a competitive rider. When adjusting their posture it will often feel strange or weird as the proprioceptors reset, but when looking in the mirror they can see that they are straight and not tipping forward or backwards.”

The session will then progress on to the horses with some time spent on each as appropriate. The canter is very gentle and ideal for anyone who needs to allow their back or hips to loosen, or for those who are sitting on a horse for the first time following surgery. The faster canter/gallop gives the rider the opportunity to develop a light two point seat and jump position and to develop their balance and fitness. The trot horse allows the rider to improve their sitting and rising trot and feel more in balance with the horse and able to absorb the movement while maintaining stability in their position.

I have always had an interest in rider posture and biomechanics and have learnt a huge amount since having my mechanical horses in how our minds and bodies work resulting in some amazing changes and improvements that clients are able to make.

Having the two horse’s means that I can offer individual, semi-private or group sessions. More details can be found on my website www.ameliawilbourn.co.uk

As Christmas is drawing ever nearer, I am running a Christmas promotional offer including the pet photo shoot and a framed portrait (find out more here). You can contact me either by filling in the contact form or giving me a call on 07950 025 492.

You can see more images on my Instagram account, follow me to be kept updated.

Cockerpoo – Sneak Peek

On November 17, 2019 / Dog photography, East Sussex, Puppy, Sneak Peek / Leave a comment

In this Sneak Peek I would love to introduce you to Archie. And it is fair to say he is a very excitable young Cockerpoo!

For the whole duration of the photo shoot he was on a leash. And to be honest, that was for the best. I always say to my clients that safety comes first as I certainly would not have wanted Archie to run off mid shoot! I think my heart would have skipped some beats!

In order to take the right image as a photographer you have to see the image in your minds eye before you take it. This was the case here. When I saw the graffiti and the puddle I just knew I had to compose a portrait here. This is what I photographed (please scroll down further to see the after shot of this Cockerpoo puppy):

In the top left corner were railings that just made the image a bit messy and of course to name the elephant in the room there is the very obvious lead. So after working the image, here is the result. Do you like it?

Check out my current special Christmas offer. You can contact me to discuss your Pet Portrait requirements either by calling me on 07950 025 492 or sending me an email.

Check out my latest work on my Instagram account and if you like what you see, just follow me to keep updated with my images.

White Horse Stables – Horse Rescue

On September 5, 2019 / Charity, East Sussex, Equine, Horse Photography, Horse related / Leave a comment

I recently took photos at White Horse Stables – Horse Rescue, based in Staplecross, East Sussex. They became a registered charity in 1995 although its founders starting rescuing horses some years prior to that.

Among many others, I had the pleasure of taking some images of Ranger, who was stabled there for over 20 years. About 6 month ago he was diagnosed with Cancer and given one month to live. Sadly he passed away at the end of August. When I met him he was grazing in a big field and when he saw me he came running up, eager to say hello! What a Star! Rest in peace!

White Horse currently has 26 rescue horses in its care of those 15 are over the age of 20 and 5 are under 5 years old. Rehoming elderly horses, small ponies and those which cannot be ridden is difficult, most enquiries to rehome come from people who want a horse they can ride. Although in theory we have horses which can be rehomed it can be difficult, a number of the horses require special care either because of age or behavioural issues.

When someone wants to rehome a horse we vet the home on offer to ensure that they have suitable experience and can accommodate the horse in question. We remain touch with the rehomer to make sure things are going well, even so we still get horses returned to us after a year or more has gone by.

White Horse is a charity and relies on donations and sponsorship to keep going. We have a sponsorship scheme where someone will give a fixed amount for the year which contributes to the care of the horse or pony they have chosen to support. We also have a working livery scheme where people can loan a horse which remains at the centre and a cuddle livery scheme where a non riding horse is loaned to them. The cost of working and cuddle livery varies but is an important income for the charity.

Experienced volunteers are always in need and a few hours a week particularly in the winter months can make a difference. Ellenwhorne Equestrian Centre is the charity’s biggest supporter and they provide training opportunities for apprentices wishing to train for a career in the equestrian world. There are also opportunities for volunteers aged 24 years + to gain fully funded training towards a recognised horse care qualification.

Facebook links:

White Horse Stables – Horse Rescue

Ellenwhorne Equestrian Centre

Networking Neighs with Graeme Green

On July 19, 2019 / East Sussex, Equine, Horse related, Networking / Leave a comment

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

“The Dragons Lie Sleeping Within the Horse” was the talk title for this month’s Networking Neighs, and it set the scene for a magical event.

Guest speaker Graeme Green shared how mythology was a way of passing down through the generations important information, in a way that would be remembered and shared. Dragons were often used to represent the forces of nature that the stories were centered around, warning of fiery mountains (volcanoes), seas withdrawing and returning with gusto (tsunamis) and deep underground passageways (caves).

Their connection to horses is because horses appear in many of these stories too; wielding chariots across the sky, representing mythical beasts such as the centaur, or the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Horses are our connection to that mythical dragon energy that resides in all of us.

And what better place to connect to that dragon energy when we are meeting people for the first time? Nine incredible people met on Wednesday to exchange ways in how we might enhance each others services and support one another.

Ranging from educational psychologists, to a psycho-sexual therapist, finance provider and tree surgeon, a diverse group connected and bonded in the environment of the horse.

The next Networking Neighs is on 3rd October 2019, with guest speaker and psychotherapist Victoria David sharing her top tips on Self-care for the 21st Century. We’d love to see you.

You can get your tickets here: www.networkingneighs.eventbrite.co.uk.

Sneak Peek – Equine Photo Shoot

On May 10, 2019 / East Sussex, Equine, Horse Photography, Spring / Leave a comment

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing this lovely lady with her Arab. He is a young one and I have to admit he was a bit flighty at times. Regardless, I am sure you would agree the Sneak Peek image of their portrait session truly conveys their deep connection. Don’t they look gorgeous!

If you would like to see more of my work check out my Instagram account.

Throw back Thursday!

On March 28, 2019 / East Sussex, Equine, Horse Photography, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

#ThrowbackThursday

What a great idea – I am loving going back in time giving me the opportunity to go through my favourite images and more importantly to share them with you!

Murphy’s Networking Neighs – Building highly valued relationships

On November 26, 2014 / Berkshire, East Sussex, Equine, Horse related, Networking / Leave a comment

On 21st November, HorseSense UK hosted their first Networking Neighs event that attracted people from all over the South East. Drawn in by the opportunity to spend time with three gorgeous horses and make new business connections at the same time, the attendees were also treated to an insight into the ‘why’ behind Equine Assisted Education and how HorseSense UK came to be formed.

Created by Emma Taylor of the Bay Horse Speaks and now taking place all over the UK, the format focuses on getting to know the person behind the job title and what makes people passionate about what they do.

Alongside Emma’s monthly events in Gloucestershire, Networking Neighs is also branching out into Yorkshire, Hampshire and Berkshire.

The next Murphy’s Networking Neighs will be taking place in Mark Cross, East Sussex on 23rd January 2015, from 9.30-12 noon. For more information visit: http://www.horsesenseuk.com/courses/murphy’s-networking-neighs.aspx

The next Networking Neighs in Berkshire will be taking place at Hillfields Farm, Park Wall Lane, Lower Basildon, RG8 9PE on 12th December 2014 from 8.00-10.30am. For more information visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/involved-leaderships-berkshire-networking-neighs-tickets-14469728347

Archive for the East Sussex Category

Networking Neighs with Theodora F. Izzard – TFI Reiki

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Cockerpoo – Sneak Peek

Sneak Peek – Equine Photo Shoot

Throw back Thursday!

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