Archive for the Horse related Category

HorseSense UK Networking – 10 year celebrations!

On September 3, 2022 / Equestrian, Horse Photography, Horse related, Networking / Leave a comment

10 years! What an achievement!!

I can’t believe that I have been photographing these events for the last 8 years now! It is always such a fantastic experience where networkers build real and long lasting connections, with fabulous guest speakers and of course most importantly with the herd!

If you haven’t experienced it yet, I can only recommend it!

This time the guest speaker was Alex Durham who runs a successful videography business in Canterbury. We were all curious about her video equipment and were surprised to hear that she named them.

We were introduced to “Gary” the camera and “Drew” the hand-held mount. As you can see, we were also invited to hold her kit. Wow, that was amazing!

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Networking is an essential part of every business and ours has been no exception! When we started running our taster sessions in 2012, we noticed the participants would swap business cards after and go on to purchase one another’s services.

Arrival at the 10 year networking celebration event

In 2013 we ran a networking morning for a local networking group because I was struggling to explain the benefits of horses to a room full of people without them experiencing it first-hand.

In 2014 we ran 6 Networking Masterclasses with the horses and that’s when Barbara came onboard. Suggested that we get to know each other by a mutual acquaintance that we’d both met networking, Barbara started to capture the magical horse-human interactions through her wonderful pictures.

We changed to a pure networking format in 2015 allowing people to take from the horses what they needed and have run them that way ever since.

It felt fitting this year to acknowledge just how long our networking sessions have been running. Whilst the horses have changed in that time, our commitment to supporting the local community through honest and authentic connection has not.

It’s also no mean feat that Barbara is still our excellent photographer, with all that life has thrown us over the last 8 years – a partnership we are truly grateful for.

So cheers to running 10 years of taster and networking sessions with horses and a huge thank you to those that have been on this journey with us!

As we step into the next 10 years (we hope) we will continue to take with us what works and let go of what does not in service of our customers. Look out for an exciting new name and ethos to support it and be sure to spread the word about our events with others!

The next HorseSense Networking opportunity is on Friday 21st October 2022, with guest speaker and Spiritual Wayfinder Jan Brown.

The link to book is: https://www.horsesenseuk.com/service-page/horsesense-networking

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the wisdom of the horses.

Becci Godfrey

Personal and Professional Development Coach

Networking Neighs with Brandon Croft – Brandon Screen Creations

On June 21, 2022 / Equestrian, Horse Photography, Horse related, Networking / Leave a comment

“Networking with horses, what ‘s that like?”, I hear you say?
Look for yourself! No words needed!

I really enjoy these Networking sessions with the horses! The perfect place to be on a Friday morning. It is such a relaxed atmosphere, even the horses were very relaxed as you can see in the pictures! You should come and experience this for yourself!

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Friday’s Neighs must have been one of our warmest Neighs ever, with temperatures at a very balmy 26°C! The horses made a wise choice to opt to stay in the cool, though the napping on the job was a little unexpected!

As always, the subtle interactions between horses and people amaze me. Several yawns and eye rolls later, the herd settled down into a meditative trance, with Dainty even calling out in her sleep with a nicker!

Friday’s guest speaker, Brandon Croft from Brandon Screen Creations, was an inspiring story indeed. Having graduated from university in a pandemic, he took up a Kickstarter role with Anwen and Get Fruitful Marketing.

We’ve been lucky enough to watch him blossom from his very first day with Anwen to his going freelance earlier this year.

What a difference a good attitude and supportive boss and a year can make. We’re excited to see what his future brings.

Horses in sand school with people networking

The next Neighs is on 26th August and will be our 10-year networking anniversary. From a speaker slot to a roomful of local businesses, to the regular meetings with horses we run now.

I’m incredibly proud of the community and connections Neighs has made. Watch this space for our next meeting’s special offer!!

https://www.horsesenseuk.com/service-page/networking-10-year-anniversary

Becci Godfrey

I couldn’t resist to show you some more images from the day:

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.

Networking Neighs with Caroline Lovett

On September 25, 2020 / Covid-19, Equine, Horse Photography, Horse related, Networking, Socially Distanced Networking / 2 Comments

Networking Neighs with Caroline Lovett

It has been a long time since I attended a face to face networking event due to Covid-19 and I have to say I was a teensy bit anxious. I needn’t have worried. Becci was a great host as always!

Networking around horses

networking neighs, networking with horses

Upon arrival we all washed our hands and were shown were additional hand sanitisers were located. After being instructed on the health and safety aspect of being around horses and a quick 1 minute who is who, we went outside to network in the field with the horses. All very socially distanced in very lovely sunny conditions. The horses enjoyed themselves and were seeking out interesting conversations oblivious to the fact that attendees had to converse around them, …..

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Never in the 7 year history of Networking Neighs have we had to postpone meetings like we did in 2020. So you can imagine the delight in being able to run our September meeting, and what wonderful weather for it we got too.

Both participants and horses revelled in the connection and attention, with some newbies on both sides and some familiar faces providing a wonderful balance.

Our newest recruit Jim made his presence felt when he completely blocked out the view of our guest speaker Psychosexual Relationship Counsellor Caroline Lovett.

A seasoned horsewoman herself, she didn’t skip a beat and continued to enlighten us on female anatomy and relevance of her work.

I have also never seen a pony move so fast to the rattle of a cellophane wrap, though the bag contained underwear and not sweets as I am sure he was hoping. He seemed very much to enjoy himself. No doubt he will amuse us with his antics for many years to come.

To catch up on the sessions missed this year, we’re putting in an extra meeting before the end of the year. Join us on 13th November for our last Networking Neighs of 2020. www.networkingneighs.eventbrite.co.uk

Becci Godfrey
Personal and Professional Development Coach

Here are some pictures from the day, as you can see it was very relaxed and enjoyable:

Government guidance on pets and COVID-19 self-isolation

On August 19, 2020 / Blog, Cat related, Covid-19, Dog related, Horse related / Leave a comment

Are you up to date with what to do with your pets when you have to self-isolate?

The UK government has set out clear guidelines, for an up-to-date version here is the link to their website.

It is holiday season and with more and more countries being added to the 14 day quarantine list, you may well find yourself in self-isolation.

Here are their current guidelines (*correct as of date of blog post)

If your animal needs vet treatment

If your animal needs treatment, phone the vet to arrange the best way to meet their needs.

Dogs

You must follow the rules on self isolation if you:

have symptoms of COVID-19, however mild
test positive for coronavirus
have been abroad and told to quarantine on your return

If your dog cannot exercise at home, you should ask someone outside of your household or support bubble to walk your dog for you.

If you’re walking dogs on behalf of someone not able to

You may walk a dog for someone who is unable to leave their house because they are self-isolating.

You should wash your hands before and after handling the dog and keep 2 metres away from other people and animals, including when handing over the dog to the owner.

Cats

You should:

wash your hands before and after any contact with your cat, its food and bedding
avoid close contact such as kissing or cuddling if you are self-isolating
not share food with your pet

Horses, livestock and other animals

You must follow the rules on self isolation if you:

have symptoms of COVID-19, however mild
test positive for coronavirus
have been abroad and told to quarantine on your return

If you have a horse that you don’t keep at home (for example, you keep it in livery, a stables or on private land), you should not visit it whilst you are self-isolating. You should contact your yard manager or vet to make suitable animal welfare arrangements.

If you have livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, or any other types of livestock or kept animals such as alpacas, you should arrange for someone else who is not self-isolating to care for your animals.

Where this is not possible, you should ensure the basic needs of your animals are met.

You should wash your hands before and after handling your animals and stay 2 metres away from other people.

If you’re too unwell to care for your animals and there is no one to help, you should call your local authority.

If your horse needs attention from a farrier

If your horse requires attention from a farrier, you should phone the farrier for advice to best meet your horse’s needs.

Networking Neighs Goes Virtual!

On July 28, 2020 / Equine, Horse related, Networking / Leave a comment

Networking Neighs Goes Virtual!

As part of the Equine Leadership Humans Connecting with Horses Conference starting on 10th August, Networking Neighs creator Emma Taylor and Sussex-based deliverer of Networking Neighs since 2014, Becci Godfrey will be delivering a virtual online networking session with their horses.

Networking Neighs

Networking Neighs was a networking model with horses created by Emma Taylor of the Leadership Whisperers in 2014. Fed up with attending networking sessions where it was hard to truly get to know people, Emma, a long standing horse owner, HR professional and Horse Assisted Educator invited her local networking group to try a networking session with her horses, Hermi and Rrchi. That first group loved the experience and wanted to do more, and so Networking Neighs was born.

Keen to share this approach with others, Emma has spent the last 6 years teaching others this simple interactive model where horses are seen as equals and play an important part in helping attendees relax and make a deeper connection. For this 1hr online session, Emma will be partnering with seasoned Neighs deliverer, Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK, who has been providing networking opportunities with her herd for business owners from across the South East for the last 6 years .

To take part and learn more about how to deliver networking sessions with horses, or to find out more about Emma and Becci visit: www.equineleadership.ca/humansconnectingwithhorses2020.html.

Disclaimer: Both of my images were taken pre Covid-19

Lucie’s Lambs, Sevenoaks, Kent

On June 10, 2020 / B2C, Blog, Covid-19, Equestrian, Horse related, Kent, Spring / Leave a comment

Lucie’s Lambs

In my effort to promote local businesses during lock down, I recently connected with Lucy. Her business is based in Sevenoaks, Kent. It was very interesting to hear how lock down has affected her business and what she has been up to. This is what she said:

Lucie’s Border Collie

Living with my parents in the Kent countryside, I am lucky to have plenty of space for pet animals. Over the years, we have collected various cats and a rescue donkey in addition to my old pony and horse and the family dogs. But my pride and joy is the Border Collie (Scout) I bought while working in Ireland to help me care for my flock of pedigree Romney sheep.

Lucie’s Little Lamb

They are a bit like pets, too, especially this little fellow, who was too greedy for his mother and had to be bottle-fed. I take very good care of them – feeding them nothing but fresh grass and hay from our fields according to the principles of what is now known as regenerative agriculture but is really good old-fashioned husbandry. By doing this I am making a small contribution to improving the environment and so slowing down climate change. But it is no sacrifice because in their short happy lives the lambs produce meat that tastes so much better than what you can buy in the supermarket.

My customers are queuing up for more this autumn and you can join them here – www.lucieslambs.co.uk. You can call me on 07712690318 or follow me on my Instagram @lucietrapp or on Facebook @Lucie’s Lambs

At Lucie’s Lamb Farm every year* they tend to have a surplus of hay, which local equestrians are able to pick up in a socially distanced way straight from the field.

*Update: This year’s harvest did not create a huge surplus and has already been collected. I will keep you updated on next year’s situation.

*Disclaimer: Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak all images from this blog have been kindly submitted by Lucie.

#stay connected #helpindependentbusinesses #regenerativeagriculture #improvingtheenvironment #slowingdownclimatechange

The Freelance Groom

On May 27, 2020 / Equestrian, Equine, Horse related, Top Tips / Leave a comment

The Freelance Groom

The other day I got chatting to Beverley and I was very interested to hear what she has been up to during the lock down and what business changes she is making. This is what she said:

My name is Beverley Eatten & I am ‘The Freelance Groom’.

My business mainly involves the daily running of private establishments, caring for competition horses, travelling to competitions and exercising horses for my clients.

However, in 2017 I completed my Level 3 Personal Trainer course. I got insured & set up a small community to help women gain confidence and enjoy moving their bodies.

I have always had a passion for horses, but in July 2019 I left my full time position on a beautiful dressage establishment after 2 years to pursue my personal training career.

It seemed that no matter how busy I became with this new career, I was being drawn back into the equine industry, I just needed to be around horses! This was when I had my ‘lightbulb moment’… equestrian fitness!

I noticed how much money and time people were spending on making sure their horses were in tip-top condition, but completely forgetting about themselves.

Equestrianism is a sport. It doesn’t matter whether you’re riding at Grand Prix & travelling Europe or just doing the occasional Prelim 5 miles down the road. As a rider you have the ability to get the upmost best performance out of your horse, but you also have the ability to negatively affect your horse’s way of going.

Equestrian fitness is about being fit for purpose

Equestrian fitness improves balance, straightness, flexibility & strength in specific muscle groups. A lot of riders I work with are one sided, in some cases this is very slight, in others it is more noticeable, either way it always has a negative impact on the horses.

I myself used to be one sided, I took it upon myself to work on my weaker side and become more symmetrical, since doing so and becoming a more effective rider, I have had multiple opportunities to take on some incredible rides and help others in the process.

I offer 1:1 sessions, this is either via live online training or physical access. During this current pandemic all clients have been training online with me.

I also offer small groups (up to 3 people) and in the near future I hope to be able to run rider retreats.

My top tips for rider fitness;

Stretching – something we all forget to do. We can’t expect our horses to be supple if we are not supple ourselves. The main areas of focus are the lower back, glutes and hamstrings.
Variation – as a rider we need strength, stamina, balance, coordination, flexibility. So try new things, such as, yoga, boxing & swimming as well as focusing on your weaknesses as a rider.
Be Equal – if you are not equal in your body, you can’t expect your horse to be equal. Therefore we need to strengthen the weak muscles, for example; if your right glute is more dominant than your left, you need to work on the left glute more to equal them out. When you even out, your horse will too.
Rest – there is no point in training to become a better rider if when it comes to riding you are too tired and too sore.
Be patient – the same with when we train our horses, it has to be gradual and over time, so don’t rush it.”

If you would like to contact Beverley here are her contact details:

Instagram: The Freelance Groom
website: The Freelance Groom
email: beverley@thefreelancegroom.co.uk
mobile: 07553 526 226

*Disclaimer: Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak all images from this blog have been kindly submitted by Beverly.

#stay connected #helpindependentbusinesses

Archive for the Horse related Category

Information

Recent Blog Posts

Are We Connected?

Archive for the Horse related Category

10 years! What an achievement!!

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Socially distanced Networking

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Socially distanced Networking

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Networking Neighs –

Socially distanced networking with horses

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Networking Neighs with Caroline Lovett

Networking around horses

Becci Godfrey of HorseSense UK says:

Are you up to date with what to do with your pets when you have to self-isolate?

If your animal needs vet treatment

Dogs

Cats

Horses, livestock and other animals

Networking Neighs Goes Virtual!

Networking Neighs

Lucie’s Lambs

The Freelance Groom

Equestrian fitness is about being fit for purpose

Information

Recent Blog Posts

Are We Connected?