Helping Horses and Their Owners Find a Better Way Forward
Brookby Heights has grown from decades of hands-on experience with Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, competition horses and pleasure horses.
Today, Karen works with horses at many different stages. Some arrive with behavioural or confidence issues. Others need a freshen-up and fitness before returning to their trainer, professional support through a sale, a thoughtful beginning under saddle or further schooling for their next stage.
Although each horse’s circumstances are different, the approach remains consistent: take the time to understand the horse, look beyond the immediate behaviour and build the confidence, balance and understanding needed for lasting progress.
Brookby Heights is intentionally boutique. Limited numbers allow Karen to remain closely involved with every horse and adapt its programme as it develops rather than pushing it through a fixed timetable.
A Thoughtful Approach Built Around the Horse
The service may change, but the principles behind the work remain the same: understand the horse, establish clear foundations and allow progress to develop at an appropriate pace.
Understand Before Asking
Karen takes time to observe the horse’s temperament, history, physical condition and existing education before deciding what the next step should be.
Build Strong Foundations
Good manners, confidence, clear communication and correct basic work create the foundation for safer handling, better ridden development and more reliable progress.
Work at the Horse’s Pace
There is no standard timetable. Each programme develops according to the horse’s confidence, understanding, physical readiness and response to the work.
Create Progress That Lasts
The goal is not simply to produce a quick change. Karen works to develop confidence, balance and understanding that can continue when the horse returns home or moves to its next stage.
Decades of Practical Horsemanship
Karen brings more than 35 years of practical experience working with Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, competition horses and pleasure horses.
Her background in dressage and eventing has developed a strong understanding of balance, suppleness, confidence and how correct foundations influence a horse’s future development.
Over the years, Brookby Heights has been involved with horses at many different stages — from young horses beginning their education to experienced horses needing further schooling, a fresh approach or help working through a problem.
That breadth of experience allows Karen to look at the whole horse, rather than focusing only on the immediate behaviour or the task in front of it.
Addition to this, Karen has ridden in NZ at the highest level in Eventing and SJ…. Advanced level eventing and show jumping to 1.60m. being on the NZ training squad for eventing and long listed for the 2000 Olympics.
Dressage and Eventing Background
Practical experience developing balance, responsiveness, confidence and correct work through the horse’s body.
Experience Across Different Horses
Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, sport horses and pleasure horses, each with different temperaments, histories and goals.
A Practical, Adaptable Approach
Programmes are adjusted as the horse develops rather than being restricted by a fixed method or timetable.
A Quiet Setting Designed for Individual Progress
Brookby Heights provides the space, variety and close supervision needed to develop horses thoughtfully. Limited numbers allow each horse’s routine to be adapted as its confidence, fitness and understanding develop.
2.5km Private Hacking Track
The track provides variety away from the arena and supports forward work, fitness, confidence and a positive attitude towards exercise.
60m × 40m Sand Arena
The large arena provides a controlled space for groundwork, ridden development, pole work, dressage schooling and jumping.
Limited Horse Numbers
Accepting a limited number of horses allows Karen to remain closely involved with each horse and provide consistent, individual handling.
Owners Remain Involved
Regular videos and direct communication help owners and trainers follow the horse’s progress, with visits welcomed by arrangement.
Clear Communication and Professional Support
Owners and trainers remain part of the process throughout the horse’s stay. Where additional support is required, Karen can also work alongside veterinarians, physiotherapists and other equine professionals.
Owners and Trainers Stay Informed
Karen provides direct communication and regular video updates through Messenger or WhatsApp, allowing owners and trainers to follow the horse’s progress throughout its stay.
Visits are welcomed by arrangement, providing an opportunity to see the horse working and discuss its development in person.
Collaboration with Equine Professionals
Where appropriate, Karen can work with the horse’s veterinarian, physiotherapist, trainer or other established equine professionals to support a coordinated programme.
Brookby Heights also has experience working with veterinary clinics across Auckland and Waikato when horses require professionally directed rehabilitation or return-to-work support.
Regular Equine Physiotherapy Access
Highly respected equine physiotherapist Clare McGowan visits Brookby Heights every second Tuesday, providing convenient access to physiotherapy support where required.
This allows suitable horses to receive additional assessment and support without unnecessary disruption to their routine.
The Horse’s Welfare and Progress Remain Central
Good outcomes depend on clear communication and realistic expectations. Karen keeps the horse’s individual needs at the centre of discussions while helping everyone involved understand its progress and next steps.
Meet the People and Horses Behind the Story
Learn more about the experience behind Brookby Heights and see some of the horses that have progressed through Karen’s programmes.
Meet the Team
Learn more about Karen’s experience, background and the practical horsemanship that shapes every programme at Brookby Heights.
Meet Karen and the Team
Results & Latest Graduates
See recent horses, programme updates and examples of the varied work carried out at Brookby Heights.
View Results and Graduates