My -

HOLISTIC
PHILOSOPHY

“ It is important to be excited about things in life for which you feel true dedication”

I am excited and dedicated about every step I take together with a horse in my care.

To look at it from a holistic point of view, to recognise the horse ´s body, mind and soul as a whole, and to understand that every individual horse is unique in its character and its body.

With a lifelong passion for horses, their ethology and behaviour, and current studies in anatomy and biomechanics, I offer many skills. These help to formulate an approach for each horse on an individual basis. With the aim to achieve or restore optimum health, wellbeing and performance.

I am excited about helping you and your horse embark on this journey!

Sylvia Read
Equine NBD, MMCP

About Myself

I live on our farm in the Algarve, South of Portugal, together with my husband, Michael, and our two horses, three dogs, one very intelligent African grey parrot and a lot of free range chickens.

We enjoy trail riding all over Portugal and America and competitive endurance rides including FEI level. I was fortunate enough to be able to ride and complete the “ Tevis Cup ”.
It would not have been possible without my incredible equine partner crossing the Sierras into Auburn, California. Her name is "Kismet" and she taught me everything I needed to know to get us both safely to the finishing line within 23,5hrs. 1 horse, 100 miles, 1 day.
Riding the Tevis was the toughest challenge I have ever met in my life, both physically and mentally - but what about the horse? What about “Kismet”?

And so, life changing it was!

After this event, my focus changed and I began to see the horse beyond the riding companion. I wanted to learn everything I could about their body, their anatomy, their biomechanics, their behaviour, their welfare, their ability to learn and communicate with us.

The first step was signing up for the Masterson Method™ Programme. After the first course I was hooked and went on to become a Certified Masterson Method Practitioner, MMCP.

Naturally, one thing leads to another and the horses´ body connections are simply intriguing. “ Where the jaw won´t go, the body won´t follow ” got my eyes set on what was to become my next professional focus: training and studying to become a Certified Natural Balance Equine Dentist.

I believe that my holistic approach to all things living in my care is essential to keep me grounded and stay focused. It allows me to connect with wonderful people and equines and most important of all, it allows me to do what I feel truly passionate about.

I am based in Portugal and travel throughout Europe by appointment.
Contact me.

My Certifications:

Equine NBD

Certified Natural Balance Dentist (NBD)

Equine MMCP

Certified Masterson Method Practitioner (MMCP)

My Equine related studies and qualifications and certifications include:

NATURAL BALANCE DENTISTRY ™

Level 1 & 2 of Natural Balance Dentistry with Spencer LaFlure in USA, November 4- 18, 2017.
Level 3 & 4 of Natural Balance Dentistry with Spencer LaFlure in USA, May 7-18, 2018.
Level 5 & 6 of Natural Balance Dentistry with Spencer LaFlure in USA, November 5-16, 2018
Status: Accredited Working Student Level with final certification in February 2019
Final Certification Natural Balance Dentistry with Spencer LaFlure in USA, February 24-29, 2019
Status: Certified Natural Balance Dentist (NBD)
Continuing Education Class with Spencer LaFlure in USA, February 24-28, 2020.

MASTERSON METHOD ™

Masterson Method Weekend Seminar in the UK, May 2016
Masterson Method 5-day Advanced Course, Salisbury, UK, May 2016
Masterson Method Certification Course, Wiltshire, UK, May 2017.
Status: Certified Masterson Method Practitioner MMCP

Fascia, ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS:

3-day Whole Horse Dissection with MVDr. Ivana-Ruddock-Lange in Nijkerk, Holland, November 30-December 2, 2019
The Equine Fascial Manipulation Days, October 2018, Level 1, at the Tierklinik Binger Wald in Germany. Presented by: Tuulia Luomala, Mika Pihlman and Vibeke Sodring Elbrond. The key learning points: understanding of fascia, its unique 3-D network; to identify specific points of fascia causing movement restrictions and then to manipulate them in order to restore movement.
3 day whole horse Dissection Seminar in the Netherlands headed by Sharon May-Davis. Furthering my knowledge in Equine Anatomy and Biomechanics. This took place in September in Nijkerk, Holland, 2016
5 day Equine Veterinary Biomechanical Assessment course by Dr. Raquel Butler BVSc, G.Dip ABM, EMRT, Equi-Taping, in Holland 26-29 September 2017
3-day Whole Horse Dissection Seminar in Holland headed by Sharon May-Davis in Nijkerk, Holland, March 17-19, 2018

SADDLEFITTING:

Introduction to Equine Ergonomics with Jochen Schleese, Saddlefit 4 Life, UK, 4-6 August 2017
Primary Equine Ergonomist course with Jochen Schleese, Saddlefit 4 Life Academy in the UK, January 15-19, 2018. Learning how to capably diagnose saddle fit issues, being able to measure both horse and rider based on significant experience using the Saddlefit4Life evaluation forms in analysing saddle fit.

NUTRITION:

Statement of Accomplishment in completing the University of Edinburghs online offering of Equine Nutrition in March 2014. This course provided a foundation in many aspects of equine nutrition ranging from anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract to dietary management of horses/ponies affected with nutrition-related disorders. This course was chaired by Dr. Jo-Anne Murray of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh.
Statement of Accomplishment of the Equine Education Programme delivered by Dr. Jo-Anne Murray on Advanced Equine Nutrition in September 2014

CONFERENCES:

Horses Inside Out Conference 2018 on Structure and Function, Loughborough, UK, February 23-24, 2018

DIPLOMA IN EQUINE STUDIES:

Studying for a diploma in Equine Studies, including equine behaviour, anatomy, nutrition, management, etc with the University of Guelph since May 2017 - ongoing