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