Background: In 1972, aged 12, I developed Anorexia Nervosa, when support for the condition was very limited. Weekend hacks at a local riding school were my lifeline.

After leaving school I trained to become a graphic designer at Bath Academy of Art, after which I worked as a freelance animal portrait artist.

I re-discovered the healing power of horses, when I bought a coloured cob called Jason, from Blackpool’s Golden Mile in 1984. Over the next 16 years he enabled me to manage my eating disorder.

Now : I set up my counselling service in 2018 to provide you with a personal therapy package. Experiencing counselling in the open air in this peaceful setting, while engaged in physical activities, accelerates your progress to health and well being.

We start by meeting up for 1 hour, to gather information, meet the ponies after a body scan and discuss your individual needs. After the meeting I will give you 2 days to process the experience and decide if you wish to continue with your journey to improved health and functioning.

The package usually consists of weekly sessions over a period of 10 weeks. If your challenges in life are deep seated, we can extend your therapy sessions. If I do not have the skills to provide support for your needs we will discuss the options and providers who can help you. Sometimes you might need to have therapy with another service provider before you can access equine therapy.

EquineEARTH ‘s model is creative, so we will carry out activities to enhance your understanding of your current life, enabling you to identify what you want to change and enabling you to create healthy strategies to improve your health and well being.

For parents or carers bringing children there is an additional programme.

Specialisms: I offer long and short term counselling for people with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, bereavement and relationship issues through Equine Facilitated therapy, Drawing and Talking Therapy and room based counselling. I also offer Supervision, both 1:1 and in a group, with and without the herd.

Jo Saunders: Founder and director of equineEARTH.

BACP Accredited Counsellor and Supervisor.

Equine Facilitated Practitioner cert,

B.A Hons Graphic Design.

Drawing and Talking Cert.

PGCE (early years) and SENCO.