Nicola McArthur Equisport Therapy
Background
I have been involved in the Equestrian Industry for almost 25 years.
I have always been passionate about horses, learning to ride from age 9 and becoming a horse owner at 13. I was yard manager/groom/instructor (and everything inbetween!!) for several years gaining a wide range of experience with all kinds of horses. I then managed a large yard of over 100 horses including international showjumpers. I hold an NVQ in Horse Care and Management Level 2/3 and an ABRS Grooms Certificate. Outside of horses I have a degree in Graphic Design.
I was lucky enough to gain the ride on a string of showjumpers in 2011, and over the next few years had many successes including qualifying a home produced "problem" horse for the Newcomers final at HOYS in 2013 (no mean feat for an amateur). This horse is the infamous Danny (Amaretto VI) that often features on my social media. Together we also won championships at Fife, Ayr and Dumfries to name a few, and achieved a dream of jumping the Royal Highland Show Grand Prix in 2016.
I was also Scottish Champion 2013 on another horse Euro (Cadavloro) who was well known on the circuit for being a consistent winner.
Nowadays Danny and I mostly hack and do a little Hunter showing, and the others are living a happy field life with my two mini shetlands!
i am also a Level 2 British Showjumping judge and for many years was the riders representative for Scotland, I believe it's important to give back to your sport.
Outside of horses I fill my time with all things fitness, I train and compete Crossfit and Powerlifting (in my job it helps to be strong!) and I also run and like to climb hills.
Becoming an ESMT in 2017 was a natural progression- I have always been interested in biomechanics and how the horse moves. My experience both in and out of the saddle gives me a unique eye and feel that I don't believe you get from anyone else. I believe that every horse is an individual and the most important thing is not perfection but that the horse is comfortable and able to do a job happily that is realistic for that horse. The well being and welfare of horses both in sport and for leisure is paramount.
