
My Professional Horse Trainer Certificate Course is now open for 2026 and there is a scholarship place available with applications closing at the end of November.
https://courses.understandhorses.com/courses/professional-horse-trainer-certificate
In this episode I’m delighted to be joined by Nicky Ross, an equine behaviourist with over 20 years of experience. Nicky specialises in exploring and nurturing the horse–human relationship and teaches equine behaviour both online and at home in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, where she lives alongside her herd of Shetland ponies.
Her recent case study, published with CABI, explores how developing agency and giving horses the ability to make meaningful choices, can enhance the bond between horses and humans. Through her “Pony Adventure Walks,” Nicky invites her ponies to choose whether to take part, which route to follow, and even which person they’d like to accompany.
Nicky’s work challenges us to reimagine what partnership with horses can look like when we truly listen to their voices.
Find Nicky in all these places:
https://www.facebook.com/horseplayhighlands/
https://www.instagram.com/horseplayhighlands/
https://www.youtube.com/@horseplayhighlands
https://www.tiktok.com/@horseplayhighlands
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicky-ross-950730326/