DSH Equine Therapy

On Saturday I got to do a bodywork demo at the Fte Equestrian Turnout Clinic. Pictured here with my wee demo friend Oscar and his owner and her wee shadow 💗💗.
It was a pleasure to be able to connect with a great group of people who thankfully asked lots of questions, and hopefully found it fun and informative 🥰

Happy horses and happy owners is what it’s all about 🥰🥰

I caught up with Hess’s gorgeous horses today for their monthly bodywork session. Nio makes me laugh with his adorable face and classic side-eye 😂🥰

I cannot wait for the longer warmer days again!! Tomorrow is looking extra cold 🥶 😬

My hitchhikers / workmates finishing up for the day

Mac’s 4 months into his ks rehab, looking and feeling great so today the saddle went on for the first time in that time. Hopefully ridden work can start soon 🤞🏻🤞🏻

Final permanent sponsored rider is Myla Weiss

Myla is a talented 18-year-old rider with a passion for both showing and show jumping. Always looking to improve, she enjoys producing happy, confident horses while continuing to develop her own skills in and out of the competition arena.

Her team for the season consists of Juicy, her talented Warmblood mare, and Marty, her Thoroughbred gelding. Juicy continues to impress in both the showing and show jumping rings, while Myla is excited to campaign Marty this season, with goals of competing in the TIES Series as well as enjoying more showing and show jumping together.

While Marty has plenty of talent, he’s also the resident comedian of the team. Whether he’s pulling hilarious faces, rolling around for cuddles or generally making everyone laugh with his larger-than-life personality, he keeps life entertaining and is impossible not to love.

Myla’s dedication to her horses and enthusiasm for the sport make her a wonderful ambassador for the equestrian community, and she understands the importance of keeping her horses feeling their very best throughout the season.

We’re incredibly proud to have Myla as part of the Driftwood Sport Horses & Equine Therapy sponsored team and can’t wait to see what she, Juicy and Marty achieve this season.

Mention to get 10% off your bodywork appointment if you book in during August 2026

Introducing Gwen Gilmore

Gwen is an inspiring rider from North Canterbury who proves that passion for horses has no age limit. At 72 years young, she continues to compete across multiple disciplines, demonstrating that with dedication, correct training and a positive attitude, riders can continue enjoying and achieving their goals at every stage of life.

Her equine team includes Cruz, a versatile Warmblood cross competing successfully in Dressage, Working Equitation, show hunter, jumping and trekking; Archie, an expressive Warmblood continuing to develop through the dressage levels; Dolly, a young Standardbred who Gwen trains alongside her husband Kevin with hopes of making her mark on the track; and the promising youngster Valerie, who is beginning her journey towards a racing career while developing confidence, manners and body awareness.

Whether she’s competing, mentoring other riders or simply enjoying time in the saddle, Gwen’s priority is always the wellbeing of her horses. Her philosophy is simple: horses should be fit, happy and enjoy their jobs, while riders continue to challenge themselves and celebrate every achievement along the way.

We’re incredibly proud to have Gwen as part of the Driftwood Sport Horses & Equine Therapy sponsored team and look forward to following the many adventures she and her wonderful team have throughout the season.

Mention to get 10% off your bodywork appointment if you book in during August 2026

Next is Faith Blakemore

Faith is a talented young rider based in North Canterbury who has built a strong reputation through her dedication, determination and success in the competition arena.

After an incredibly successful few seasons with her much-loved Irish gelding Dillon, collecting numerous Champion titles in both RTR and Working Hunter, Dillon has now retired from competition. Faith’s focus has shifted to her exciting Warmblood gelding, Twist, who is currently competing successfully at 1.20m, with even bigger goals on the horizon this season.

Alongside competing, Faith runs her own business, Faith Blakemore NZ,
offering schooling, catch rides and sales on behalf. She is recognised for her solid foundation, secure lower leg and exceptional mental strength, which allow her to consistently produce polished, accurate rounds. With a strong focus on quality flatwork as the foundation for successful jumping, she is passionate about developing confident, content horses while supporting both horses and riders to reach their full potential.

We’re incredibly proud to have Faith as part of the Driftwood Sport Horses & Equine Therapy sponsored team and look forward to following her journey with Twist throughout the season.

Mention to get 10% off your bodywork appointment if you book in during August 2026