Equine Encounters is a prestigious horse riding school and equestrian facility located in Cottles Bridge, Australia. Founded by Susie Walker, a passionate and experienced horse trainer, Equine Encounters offers a variety of services including classical dressage lessons, legerete training, and horseback riding lessons.
Susie's love for horses began at a young age when she was introduced to horse riding by her sister, Heather, who ran a riding school in Mooroolbark. Her passion grew as she attended Oakwood Riding school's live-in holiday programme and later acquired her first horse, Banjo, an ex-racehorse. Despite Banjo's challenging behaviour, Susie's determination and love for riding pushed her to develop her skills in jumping and bareback riding.
Upon moving to Natimuk, Susie inherited Chester, a fast Quarterhorse gelding, which allowed her to engage in trail riding and stock work. She even participated in agricultural shows, although Chester's tendency to bolt made the show ring a less suitable environment for them. After travelling and working overseas, Susie completed her Arts degree at Latrobe Uni and spent ten years in Retail Learning & Development.
Seeking a quieter and rural lifestyle, Susie, and her family settled in Panton Hill, where she completed the Equine Studies course through Melbourne Uni and delved into the Parelli Natural Horsemanship programme. Her fascination with equine behaviour and dressage led her to attend various clinics with renowned trainers Andrew and Manu McLean at the AEBC.
In 1998, Susie founded Equine Encounters alongside her Quarterhorse mare, Amber. She felt a pull to explore different teaching methods and enrolled in dressage lessons with a professional western trainer. However, she soon discovered that her horse was resistant to the new methods, leading her on a quest to find a more respectful and harmonious way to teach dressage.
During her search, Susie discovered the teachings of Philippe Karl, a highly regarded classical dressage trainer. Inspired by Karl's ability to explain and apply principles based on the horse's anatomy and psychology, Susie adopted a mindset focused on achieving lightness and finesse through respectful horsemanship. This approach resonated with her, and she buried herself in classical texts and articles while continuing her education under the guidance of Karl.
Today, Susie Walker is a licenced Level 1 Teacher in the International School of Lightness. Her dedication to classical riding and her commitment to providing a respectful and harmonious experience for both horse and rider shines through in her lessons and training sessions. Susie's goal is to create a strong foundation for her students and their horses, emphasising the importance of lightness, control, and understanding.
Equine Encounters offers a range of services including classical dressage lessons, legerete training, and horseback riding lessons. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, Susie's expertise and passion for horsemanship will guide you in developing your skills and building a strong partnership with your horse.