We are passionate about horses – from partners in sport, work, and play to our silent confidants and best friends, horses have shaped history and humanity. Now we want to help people who love horses as much as we do to cultivate the best possible relationship with their horse – one that benefits both horse and human.
We believe good horsemanship is grounded in empathy. Understanding horses is achieved not just through our own experiences but by constantly learning from the latest research in all areas of equine science and biology, from biomechanics and ethology to evolutionary theory. Good Horse aims to publish articles that are easy to understand and to guide readers in choosing an effective but also ethical approach to every aspect of their horsemanship.
Good Horse was founded by Dr Dee Mamuneas and Francis Nevard.
Profiles
Dr Dee Mamuneas, Founder and Behavioural Consultant
Dee is a horse trainer who began her professional career specialising in behavioural problem solving with ‘difficult’ and ‘dangerous’ horses in the UK. However she quickly realised that it wasn’t enough to train the horses; the humans needed training too! Dee’s professional interests include biomechanically-informed riding and liberty training, as well as working with nervous adult riders.
Dee has a PhD from the Royal Veterinary College where she studied animal behaviour and cognition. In addition, Dee holds a BA in Biological Sciences (specialising in all aspects of animal biology) and an MSc in Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology from the University of Oxford.
With a lifelong background in Classical Dressage, Dee has been able to combine her knowledge of classical riding principles with scientifically-informed strategies for ethical and effective training. She is an advocate for a least intrusive, minimally aversive approach to behavioural modification and is a proponent of the use of positive reinforcement in horse training.
As the equestrian world has changed, Dee’s focus has also evolved. These days Dee seeks to help those looking for kinder ways to work with horses who may otherwise not be able to access suitable trainers. She still offers remote lessons from her European home to a handful of clients in the US, but increasingly looks for broader ways to make an impact on horse welfare. For instance Dee has partnered with others to bring translated masterclasses to non-English speaking audiences, volunteers her expertise on multiple platforms, and writes free-to-access educational articles for various publications.
Francis Nevard, Trainer and Coach
Francis has a special affinity with animals. As a child he dreamt of becoming a vet but ended up going down a very different route and studied English Literature instead! Having barely ever even met a horse despite growing up in Hertfordshire, England, he started riding as a one-off lesson in his late 20s and discovered a real passion for horses that he didn’t expect, a natural ability in the saddle, and a proclivity for jumping.
More recently, he has learned to appreciate the more technical and subtle aspects of riding and is often the first to sit on youngsters and teach them the basics. He particularly enjoys working with horses at liberty and trick training, combining his passion for parkour with his passion for horses. Francis also has a background in human psychology with a Masters degree in this subject area from the University of Oxford.
Combining his athletic background with his understanding of human cognition and his relatively recent experience of learning to ride, Francis often has great insight into the difficulties faced by beginner riders or those who need some extra help developing their physical capabilities, balance, and confidence.