Developed with ecological principles in mind, Switch Equine seeks to bring regenerative and sustainable land management principles to the equine community. We work with you to develop management strategies that promote health for both land and equines grazing it.
We can help to design new systems, or to integrate management changes for the benefit of the land and the horses.
Please see our Services page for more information, or email us at: switchequine@gmail.com.
Who we are
Switch Equine is a sister company of Switch Ecology headed up by Laura. Laura has always been interested in animals, animal behaviour and ecosystem interactions. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Master of Research degree in Evolutionary and Behaviour Biology and Postgraduate certificate in Equine Science, along with extensive CPD in Ecosystem Assessment and Equine Welfare and accredited as an RDA group coach for her local centre.
Laura has over 12 years’ experience in understanding ecosystem function, from her work as a research assistant at University of Exeter, working as an ecological consultant, as a planning advisor for the Wildlife Trusts and more recently as a natural capital consultant undertaking assessments of for estates, farm businesses and large infrastructure schemes, where she promoted the transition to regenerative agriculture practices.
Laura is a Chartered Environmentalist and full member of the Chartered Institute of Environmental and Ecological Management.
Laura has always had a keen interest in horses. After buying her first horse, who proved to be slightly more of a challenge than anticipated, it led her down a path of exploration of different training approaches and research into equine behaviour. She is an advocate for species appropriate management and hopes to demonstrate how we can support environmental recovery through better management of our horses.
She is continually studying and currently learning from top international researchers in equine welfare, pain identification, nutrition, psychology and biomechanics to better understand how she can support the overall health of horses in our care. She has found that the biggest changes we can make to our horses’ overall health and wellbeing (as well as their training) lies in what they do for the 23 hours a day we’re not working with them. Through implementing systems with horse behaviour at their heart, including integrating aspects of passive physio, we can make big changes to our horses’ health. This is something she has seen first-hand taking one of her horses through the kissing spines rehabilitation process and rehabilitating other rescue ponies.
What we do
We will support you in the identification of land management changes that can support regenerative principles and improved health and wellbeing of the animals grazing it. We can help to design new systems, and/or integrate management changes for the benefit of the land and horses. During the design process we will consider the individual needs of our horses, ensuring that we can support their health and longevity into the future.
Why choose us
Switch Equine works to a high professional standard and, being a Chartered Environmentalist all works are carried out in accordance with CIEEM and SocEnv codes of professional conduct.
With professional qualifications in both environmental and equine disciplines, Switch Equine can provide a holistic approach to every aspect of your horses’ life.
Practice what we preach
Switch Equine is keen to shown that supporting nature and managing horses can work well together. We hope to demonstrate how this can be done on our own smallholding (owned with Steven from Switch Ecology), where we trial new ideas and initiatives so you can skip the trial-and-error period and learn from our mistakes to set up for success from day one. At times we may still ask you to support us in trialling new approaches, but rest assured we will have already researched the theoretical approach and will be there to support you from day one.