Sonia Gager-Tomkinson Email & Phone Number

A grammar school education from 11-16 (I much preferred spending my time with horses and dogs and skived school to do so on a all-to regular basis). Loved college and went on to complete A levels. I graduated from Manchester University with a B.SC (Hons) degree in Psychology with subsidiary subjects of Physiology (Manchester Medical School) and Social Anthropology. My study of psychology included the understanding and application of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).At 22, I set up and operated Tattondale Stables and Tattondale Carriages. I ran this business for 22 years, which included a livery yard, Stud, bringing on young horses, rehabilitation and ‘problem horses,’ carriage driving (horse-drawn carriage trips, promotional work and weddings), being open for visitors with talks and demonstrations, agricultural work and riding stable. Throughout this progression I worked regularly using horses as therapy for people, including work with Riding for the Disabled and local colleges and schools. My interest in complementary therapies was sparked by a particularly spirited Lusitano X Arab bay mare called Lucy. I could not seem to get to the root of her very unpredictable and perhaps dangerous behaviour by the more traditional approach. This was the start of a long and inspiring journey, which is still unfolding.I gained my PGCE, in addition to motivational interviewing techniques qualification together with a counselling skills diploma. I have taught BTEC courses at Level 2 and level 3 in both Animal Care & Management and Horse Care & Management. Over the past 4 years whilst teaching in the academic setting of college and school, I have been developing my complementary therapy practice. I also enjoy guiding horse and rider combinations around the spectacular Cumbrian trails.

Listed skills include Horse Training, Horse Care, Natural Horsemanship, Horses, and 11 others.