Our Story
Who is Zoe
Zoe is the head trainer and coach of Intrinsic Equine and as a qualified zoologist; she has been able to develop her skills and knowledge around animal behaviour, training and physiology with many different animal species including both domestic and wild equids (zebra and Taki)
In addition to her qualifications, Zoe has had experience working with Australian and international eventers and racehorse trainers, as well as competing in western/stock disciplines, giving her more than 15 years’ experience.
​She finds more joy in seeing the horses she has helped thrive by simply being out-and-about, rather than her being in the showring – but she does have growing ambitions to bring her style of horsemanship to the competitive world.
Why Intrinsic Equine?
Intrinsic means essential; and belonging naturally.
At Intrinsic Equine we believe in encouraging calm, natural and correct movement, always taking things at the horse’s pace.
We encourage horses to develop their emotional and mental control; as well as encouraging correct use of their bodies.
We allow two-way communication, letting the horse not only speak; but also feel it is being heard.
With sound communication and a positive relationship; we are able to get horse and rider to make a seamless transition to any discipline.
Quite often you see horsemanship fly out the window when it comes to the competitive horse world.
We believe the horse’s comfort; and your relationship, must come before success in the showring.
​With our style of teaching we encourage relaxation, balance, softness and trust for horse and rider.
With these values as your training foundation; you will find your riding becomes more consistent in quality, you will be more in tune with your horse and it will be a much more pleasurable experience for you both.
With a correct and relaxed horse you can do anything – even a trail-riding horse benefits from correct work.
Our lessons are not limited to an arena, in fact we believe every horse should be able to work just as well on the trail as they can in the confines of the arena.
Lessons are $75 per hour plus travel (or you can have a lesson at our property)
Zoe's Story and background
Zoe enjoyed all animals from a young age. Growing up on a dairy farm in northern Victoria, she had a natural affinity for them and was destined to have a career working with animals.
​She began riding as a child, breaking in her first horse by the time she was 15; and breeding her first one the following year.
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Knowing she wanted a career with animals she dedicated her gap year to working with animals in Africa, then moving away from home and heading to university to get a degree in zoology. At university she had a particular interest in animal physiology, structure and behaviour, taking several psychology elective-classes during her main studies.
With more than 900 people starting the course; and fewer than 100 graduating, Zoe’s degree was an achievement in itself.
While studying she continued to break in and train several horses, and kept finding herself employed in the horse industry – from racehorses, dressage prospects, eventing horses and western pleasure, as well as a riding instructor working with beginners.
After completing her degree Zoe started part-time work at Werribee Open Range Zoo in parallel with her emerging business as breaker and pre-trainer before making the move into fulltime zookeeping (but still helping friends and colleagues with their horses in her own time).
Out of this diverse; but animal-centric background, Intrinsic Equine was born and today Zoe really is living her dream of working with horses; and coaching people to not only improve their relationship with their horses; but to give them all the confidence they need to accomplish their equine goals.
