Meet the Team
Clare Howard
Clare Howard is a chartered physiotherapist with a life-long passion for horse riding. Clare qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 1996 and worked in the NHS before moving to private practice. Clare continued her academic studies undertaking a Masters degree in Acupuncture in 2006. Clare has been treating horse rider related conditions for over eighteen years. Her particular interest is long-term chronic pain and complex conditions, and how they are intricately linked to the psychology of optimising performance. "These issues commonly develop in horse riders as we tend to look after our horses needs straight away but will often try and ignore our own injuries until they are seriously impeding our performance". Clare is a Friesian addict and owns Amke a 16.2hh 10yr old Friesian mare. By her own admission Clare is not particularly competitive and instead enjoys riding for enjoyment, including drag hunting, display work and working equitation. |
Kim Hayden
Kim Hayden is a Sports Therapist. Kim qualified in 2009 after a career both as a competition rider, yard manager and instructor, in both the UK and abroad. Kim followed up her training with a series of manual therapies including Muscle Energy Technique and High Velocity Spinal Manipulations and has previously worked from two other local practices treating patients from all backgrounds. Kim is particularly interested in the biomechanics of movement patterns, how these are effected by pain and how we can identify the patterns to improve our riding. Kim regularly competes at Advanced Medium Level BD on her own warmblood Obe who also enjoys hacking, polocrosse training, XC schooling and jumping. |
Kate Butler
Kate Butler is a Chartered Physiotherapist and qualified in 2006. Kate specialises in rider-specific Pilates and rider-relevant strength and conditioning development.
Kate is keen to identify what is holding clients back from achieving their equestrian ambitions. Coaching them towards optimising their potential and reaching their goals.
Kate is a keen amateur eventer and has often chosen career opportunities to allow her to continue training and competing. Kate and her fabulous mare Zi are training towards BE Novice and aim to compete a CCI*.
Kate Butler is a Chartered Physiotherapist and qualified in 2006. Kate specialises in rider-specific Pilates and rider-relevant strength and conditioning development.
Kate is keen to identify what is holding clients back from achieving their equestrian ambitions. Coaching them towards optimising their potential and reaching their goals.
Kate is a keen amateur eventer and has often chosen career opportunities to allow her to continue training and competing. Kate and her fabulous mare Zi are training towards BE Novice and aim to compete a CCI*.
Cara McKinnon
Cara McKinnon is a Chartered Physiotherapist and this year began studying part-time at Hartpury College for her MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy.
Cara has a particular interest in the biomechanics between the horse and rider, and the difference in movement patterns between hobby, amateur and professional riders.
Cara competes on her veteran Arab Romeo in showing, dressage and ODE's. They are so successful that in 2016 they won the reserve highest ranked Arab across all disciplines, in the UK.
Cara McKinnon is a Chartered Physiotherapist and this year began studying part-time at Hartpury College for her MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy.
Cara has a particular interest in the biomechanics between the horse and rider, and the difference in movement patterns between hobby, amateur and professional riders.
Cara competes on her veteran Arab Romeo in showing, dressage and ODE's. They are so successful that in 2016 they won the reserve highest ranked Arab across all disciplines, in the UK.
Jeanne Zwier
Jeanne is the PA to The Balanced Rider team and is often the first point of call for new patient's. Jeanne was chosen unanimously by the team for her friendly and professional manner and her amazing admin skills.
Jeanne is extremely fond of horses and used to enjoy hacking out but is now much happier supporting us from the ground.
Jeanne is the PA to The Balanced Rider team and is often the first point of call for new patient's. Jeanne was chosen unanimously by the team for her friendly and professional manner and her amazing admin skills.
Jeanne is extremely fond of horses and used to enjoy hacking out but is now much happier supporting us from the ground.