This month we talk to IFEEL graduate Eden Seaborne, on her journey to training with IFEEL Qualifications, and how it supports her work. 

Eden is an EFHD practitioner and Veterinary Physiotherapist working across Sussex. She graduated with a Level 5 in Equine Facilitated Human Development in 2021.

What lead you to train with IFEEL Qualifications?
During my teens, my experience growing up with an adopted sibling with complex needs inspired me to support other vulnerable and disabled young people. After receiving the benefits of counselling myself, I successfully advocated for an in-school counsellor, trained as a peer mental health mentor, and volunteered with inclusive dance group Magpie (https://www.magpiedance.org.uk/).

Horses were always my safe base when situations at home felt overwhelming, so I knew how healing the horse-human interaction could be and wanted to learn how to share this experience with other humans, to support them through their own challenges.

At 16, whilst studying A ‘levels, I discovered IFEEL and attended their Taster Day and Live Life courses. I was instantly hooked, and knew their Facilitator Training was my next pathway, but had to wait until I reached the 21 years age requirement. So, biding my time after College, I worked a variety of roles in the equine industry, and became a member of a national hunt race yard team.

At 19, fate played its hand when I joined the IFEEL team after responding to an advert for a live-in Herd and Facilities Manager. I was given the rare chance to live and breathe the IFEEL way for a couple of years and went on to train in the Level 5 Diploma as soon as I turned 21.

How did you decide on this course?
I always knew I wanted to combine working with animals with my interest in psychology, mental health and trauma and was looking for a training that aligned with my beliefs around prioritising the animal’s welfare.

I spent hours researching courses, and no other providers came close to IFEEL in terms of their ethos, and the depth of education and accreditation level they offered. My first training, meeting the herd and the team of amazing, empowered women, reinforced my confidence that the EFHD course was the right choice for me.

During the time I worked there, I continued to be impressed with the team’s commitment to both horse and human welfare through all interactions. 

What do you do now?
At IFEEL I had the opportunity to learn biomechanics and groundwork from renowned specialists. These experiences, as well as rehabilitating my own horses, inspired me to pursue a degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy, from which I just graduated, with first class honours.

I now run a private practice, Eden Grace Veterinary Physiotherapy, providing animal centred therapies for horses, dogs, and their humans.  I also work at Hascombe Equestrian, taking the key role in the rehabilitation aspects of the Centre.


How has training helped with your practice offerings/helped you as a practitioner?
The course transformed me personally and equipped me professionally to develop my career in line with my original goals.

I love focusing on the interrelationship between my two domains of work, recognising that the owner’s confidence, awareness, and relationship with their animal (and therapist) can influence long-term treatment outcomes for the animal.

The course changed the way I work with the horses in my care.  It gave me insights into my own and others’ behaviour patterns and how to stay centred through stress and conflict. It gave me the skills and confidence I needed to grow my practice.

Now I run my own EFHD sessions, I love witnessing how my clients grow empowered and skilful in relation to their goals, just as the team at IFEEL enabled me to succeed at my own.


To find out more about Eden’s practice visit – www.edenvetphysio.com