Stable Hands Byron Bay
Equine & Canine Specialist
Meet Helen
With 30 years of remarkable experience in equestrianism, including 20 years as a devoted horse owner and 8 years of exciting competition, as well as 15 years as a committed dog owner, she has a wealth of knowledge in various equestrian disciplines. Her dedication to personal and professional development, paired with her expertise in both the equine and canine industries, showcases her inspiring passion for animal care and wellbeing. Helen is a true powerhouse in the world of equines and canines!
Equestrainism
Helen brings over 30 years of personal and professional experience with horses. She is certified by Equestrian Australia, Horse Safety Australia, and EAGALA, and is a global member of the British Grooms Association, showcasing her dedication to professionalism and high industry standards. For 27 years, she has been an active owner and competitor in various English disciplines. Most recently, in April 2024, she successfully trained a wild Brumby named Cloud through The Brumby Project, achieving remarkable milestones in just 10 days. Helen has also served as a groom and stable hand for Ananda Kennard's elite showjumpers, coached at EquiKids and Tassirikki Ranch, and volunteered at Silky Oaks Stables, gaining invaluable coaching experience across different riding disciplines. Her experience includes coaching and caring for horses at Byron Equestrian, working as a groom with Tatoka Performance Horses, and holding multiple qualifications in horse management and riding. In the UK, she taught riding to children and managed competition responsibilities at Aintree International Equestrian Centre.
Dog & Pet Care
While in the UK, Helen is thrilled to be part of The Pawfect Retreat in Formby, Merseyside! This amazing place features a dog hotel daycare, and a hydrotherapy center, all designed to pamper our furry friends. Helen is also diving into her training with the Institute of Modern Dog Training (IMDT) to become a professional Dog Walker and Sitter, while expanding her knowledge on canine behavior through various courses! During her incredible time in Australia, Helen gained experience at two fantastic doggy daycares in the Byron Shire: The Dog Barn Daycare & Grooming and Muddy Paws Adventures. At The Dog Barn, she spent 18 months joyfully supervising playful pups, ensuring their safety and well-being, while also lending a hand with grooming, including bathing and de-shedding those adorable double-coated dogs. With 15 years of being a devoted dog owner and countless beloved canine clients, Helen is absolutely passionate about working with dogs!
Other Professional Roles
Rest assured, your home, property, and stables will be in fantastic hands during her stay! Helen brings a wealth of experience, having been personal housekeeper for the wonderful owners of Brook Farm and Brookies Distillery, where she lovingly cared for their home and their adorable rescue dog, Bruno. Her time as a housekeeper and manager at The Palms Guesthouse in Byron has honed her keen eye for detail and her passion for maintaining a spotless home. With her impressive background cleaning 5-star accommodations at The Butter Factory apartments, The Byron Bay Brewery, and various holiday rentals around Byron, you trust that everything will be pristine!
Qualifications & Education
Helen is committed to Continued Professional Development, and undertakes both equine and canine courses through Institute of Modern Dog Training (IMDT), Centaur Biomechanics, Equitopia Centre and the Society of Master Saddlers (UK)
Equestrian Australia: Intro Level Horse Management & Riding Certificates. Trainee of EA Intro General Riding Coach.
Horse Safety Australia: 'Instructor of Horse Handling', 'Instructor' & 'Provisional Trail Guide'
EAGALA Model: Trained ‘Equine Specialist'
EAGALA is the Global standard in equine assisted psychotherapy and personal development. Helen is an advocate of using horses for connection, learning, therapy, self awareness & reflection.
MSc Environmental Management
BSc Environmental Management & Geography
Dip & Cert IV in Photography & Photo Imaging
Dip Digital Media, Cert IV Small Business, Dip Marketing,
Dip Leadership & Management, Dip Project Management
Meet El G Jamil, 'Jamie'
31st May 2001 - 20th August 2024
"Jamie is why I'm so good at my job! He was a sensitive horse so you had to be extra vigilant with his care, and as he was usually up to mischief, you had to have incredible attention to detail for every aspect of horse management. He made me want to be a better a rider and kept me focused on achieving the next thing. I owe so much to this little horse." - Helen
‘El G Jamil’, better know as ‘Jay’ or ‘Jamie’ (also ‘Trouble’ & ‘Grey Devil’ to those who knew him well!) was Helen's heart horse and 21st Birthday present! Jamie was a mischievous purebred Egyptian Arab gelding, bought as a 4 year old by Helen in 2005.
Jay was highly intelligent, a cheeky yet sensitive character, incredibly versatile & could turn his hoof to pretty much anything! Helen trained him up to elementary level dressage with some medium movements, jumped up tp 1.15m & he excelled at Cross Country. He’s won 1st rosettes across many different classes, from Dressage, Equitation, Working Hunter, Sports Horse & jumping to Ridden Arab, and has been an amazing companion and friend.
There’s not much Jay and Helen haven’t done together, they have taught each other an immense amount. Jamie absolutely loved his work, continued to teach others dressage & boost confidence whilst Helen was travelling, and in his later years enjoying retirement in the UK with Helen's best friend at their home property getting spoiled . Jamie is Helen's 'Heart Horse' and was just an all-round Super Star!
He was loved immensly and is very much missed by all those who knew him. He's now running wild and free in the fields of Heaven.
Meet Silver Cloud
Trapped off the National Park 3rd April 2024, Approx. 10-12 months old
"I wanted to do the Brumby camp to learn new skills, I had no intention of bringing a Brumby home... until day 2. Working with little Cloud fast became an emotional journey I wasn't expecting, and him being so curious and wanting to connect, I couldn't help but fall in love with him. Of course he came home with me! " - Helen