Helen Wingstedt is passionate about all things equine.
Based in St Hilary, near Cowbridge, she tends her herd,
rehabilitates horses and, surprisingly, trains people using
the principles of ‘Equamigo’. Vale Life meets…
THE HORSE
WHISPERER
Helen Wingstedt’s knowledge of How does your approach work? Knowing in advance exactly what kind
equine psychology, behaviour, It’s not always just about the horses. of horse you’ll have arriving at your
relationships and health comes I also work with owners and trainers yard and what you’ll need to do to
from thousands of hours of hands- and help them understand how to create a solid, safe, enjoyable
on interaction with the herd that befriend and manage horses using the relationship with them has proved a
she leads. We met Helen on a crisp, principles of, what I call, Equamigo. great success for many being a great
Spring day to find out more. Equamigo is the balanced friendship confidence giver in general.
that horses and people have the
Meeting Helen is an experience in itself. potential to share, and encourages You’re getting more well known for
She exudes an uncanny aura of calm people to view a horse from a horse’s your work. Has this had an impact
and seems to wear a smile constantly. point of view. on your lifestyle?
Today, Helen is sought after by horse The more I work with people and
owners from all walks of life and from Essentially, horses prefer peace and are horses, the happier I am. I love my
all over the world, eager to benefit from hardwired to seek strong, clear, work. There are exciting times ahead,
her unique skills. Helen’s work has confident leadership which, when with books, film and a documentary in
attracted much media attention, having consistently delivered, creates a the pipeline.
been featured in many publications and platform for intimate, trusting
radio and television interviews. relationships and promotes relaxation, Where do you see yourself in the
willingness, co-operation, softness and next five years?
When did you first realise you had optimum health. When calm, assertive, I’m working on a new project - World
an affinity with horses? confident leadership is present, owners of Whispers – the aim is to raise funds
I’ve always loved horses - all animals feel a real sense of connection and the to buy a property that can be
really but especially horses. I remember relationship with the horse often developed into a dedicated facility that
when I was four years old, my father becomes a source of inspiration. both people and horses can visit for
jokingly asked me to pick the winner educational, developmental and
for that year’s Grand National. Without Many clients tell me they feel a sense therapeutic experiences. So, hopefully,
hesitation, I pointed to 100/1 long shot of personal growth, fulfilment and in five years time we’ll be having this
Foinavon who went on to win, much to happiness after we’ve worked together. conversation at a new centre of
my father’s amazement! Just as strong leadership can produce excellence and wellbeing.
amazing relationships and results, a
Like us, horses are affected by the weak leader can inadvertently create a Helen, her herd and her approach were
energies of the people and situations platform for unwanted or bad also featured in the documentary series,
they encounter. They can be behaviour, nervousness, under Horses of Wales and she has recently
unbalanced by unpleasant experiences performance and can even affect the guested on BBC Radio Wales providing
or even from the pressure to perform, animal’s emotional well being in the expert insight into the extraordinary
being harshly judged, unfairly handled form of depression. relationships between horses and people.
or nervously led.
What are the benefits for owners?
I travel across the UK and Europe I am called out to work with horses of
rehabilitating them in terms of all ages and types who have such things
behaviour, performance and health. as behavioural problems, stable vices
Many of those I visit are horses other and health issues, however, many
equine trainers have given up on or owners who already have good
sometimes racehorses, whose issues are relationships with a healthy, happy
considered untreatable and as a result horse simply want to get to know their Helen Wingstedt
are due to be put to sleep. horses better. Helping people find their St Hilary, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7DP
perfect horse partner is also something 029 2073 4081
To date I have a 100% recovery record I’m asked to do and that I particularly or mobile 07719 345616
with such horses and would like to be enjoy, especially when they are a first helen@helenwigstedt.com
able to help more of them have a fresh time owner or are returning to horses www.helenwingstedt.com
start in life. after a break.
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