EquiScholars HQ
Our Team
Kate Blackmore is an equine behaviour consultant and Founder EquiScholars. With over 10 years of experience working with children, young people, and adults, Kate has developed her expertise through extensive hands-on practice and leadership roles in the equine-assisted learning sector.
Kate Blackmore
Founder, Equine Behaviour Consultant & Mentor
Beyond her work with participants, Kate has managed teams of staff and volunteers within equine therapy centres, successfully facilitating organisational change across teams of over 100 people. She has also consulted with other equine centres, advising on everything from management structures to ground-level staff practices to implement EquiScholars Plus programs effectively. Her approach ensures that all team members deliver consistent, high-quality services to their clients.
In addition, Kate has provided expert guidance to equine centres on the management of their horses, addressing behavioural challenges, and creating tailored modification plans. Her focus on equine welfare and her ability to merge ethological research with practical solutions have made her a trusted advisor in the field.
Kate’s deep understanding of equine behaviour, coupled with her dedication to ethical practices, forms the foundation of the EquiScholars Plus programs. By integrating ethological research with therapeutic and educational methodologies, Kate equips mentors to deliver compassionate, impactful programs that prioritise the well-being of both humans and horses.
Claire Cottrell
Head of Therapeutic Programmes, Polyvagal Informed, Thrive Practitioner & Mentor
Claire Cottrell serves as the Head of Therapeutic Programs for EquiScholars Plus. Holding a First Class Honours Degree in Psychology, she brings extensive experience working directly with children and young adults. As a Polyvagal-Informed Thrive Practitioner, Mentor, and Trainer, Claire specialises in creating safe, supportive environments that build emotional resilience and personal growth.
Claire has been instrumental in developing the EquiScholars Plus programs, integrating her deep understanding of psychological principles with practical applications in therapeutic settings. She has consulted extensively, supporting team members in their client interactions and delivering comprehensive training to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery. Her commitment to mentoring staff for personal and professional development has cultivated a culture of continuous growth within the organisations she works with.