Intelligent Horsemanship Trainer – Emma Sharman

Emma Sharman aka EJS Vet Physio and Horsemanship

Suffolk
07918 664342
Emma@ejsvetphysio.co.uk
www.ejsvetphysio.co.uk

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About Emma…

IH Trainer Emma Sharman is based in Suffolk, works with both horses and donkeys. She has over 10yrs experience with horses, working as an instructor, rehabilitation groom for the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, studying behaviour and training and completing her degree in BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy. 

She specialises in confidence building for both owner and horse, groundwork and foundation skills for young horses and exercise and obstacle clinics. She is able to provide services that cater to physical and behavioural problems for horses and donkeys.   

🏆 Emma participates in the ‘IH Awards’.

To find out more about Emma, and read some of her wonderful testimonials, visit her website , Facebook or Instagram page.

A Q&A with IH Trainer Emma Sharman

(The Intelligent Horsemanship Magazine)

How long have you been involved with horses and how did you get involved with them?

I first got involved with horses when I was 8 years old, though I always had a fascination with them. In primary school, I struggled with dyslexia. We had a child psychologist come into school and as one of her cases, she saw how much extra work and after-school lessons I was being given by school. Her advice was to stop the extra school work and find a hobby that really interested me. Thankfully, my parents listened and off we went riding and I have never looked back. It was truly a life-changing moment for me!

Here I am today, having attended college, done an apprenticeship with horses, and qualified in Veterinary Physiotherapy. I now run my own business! All of this started from getting involved with horses!

Why did you decide to qualify as an IH Trainer?

From the first Monty/Kelly demo I went to, I became passionate about horse behaviour and wanted to learn more about it. I was so excited to see that you can learn IH methods. I still remember how I felt when I went to the Five-Day Foundation course, completely star-struck when Kelly casually walked into the room. I’d watched every Monty and Kelly episode available on Horse and Country TV, so it felt unreal that she was there. By the time the first day was finished, I knew this was something I was going to love and started to plan my way to becoming an IH Trainer. Another side of things was how the whole Intelligent Horsemanship Team is always looking to improve techniques and investigate research. They really embody the phrase ‘you never stop learning’. Now that I am an IH Trainer, I love the community that we have with each other and like-minded people and the support you get if you need any advice or help.

What is a typical day for you?

As I run my own business as a vet physio and IH trainer, my days are always different depending on if it is an office or an out-and-about day. I always start the morning by checking emails and a cuddle with my cat, Penny. On office days, I work towards creating talks, materials and clinics that aim to grow people’s horse knowledge. There is so much I have learnt over the years (especially in Vet Physio) that had me going ‘Why doesn’t everyone know this!’  I am hoping that this work will see the light of day in the coming year. When I’m out, I go to clients who need horse help or equine physiotherapy, sometimes both. I am fortunate that when we find that the behaviour is because of a physical problem, I can start to help there and then. At the end of the day, it is all about writing up client notes. A written record of what we have done including plans going forward helps people to keep on track without having to remember.

What are the common challenges you face in your work as an IH Trainer?

I love my work and wouldn’t change it for the world but there are days when it’s raining, the drive is long, there are limited facilities (though you can have fun making up things and problem-solving on the spot) and of course, the admin part that can bring down the fun of it all. Running your own business, as I have discovered and been told, is a full-time job! So, I’ve been learning how to do it the right way and have had some amazing support and advice.