.JPEG)
At Switch Equine, we believe that our animals are at the heart of everything we do. They not only inspire us but also play vital roles in shaping the way we approach equine welfare, land management, and animal care. We rescue and care for animals in need, providing them with the love, respect, and environment they deserve. Here’s an introduction to our current and past animal family, each one contributing to the success and heart of our work.
Oisin: chief inspiration officer (CIO)
Age: 12 years old
Breed: Connemara cross
Colour: Cremello
Oisin is the heart and soul of Switch Equine. I bought Oisin as a 2-year-old from a dealer in Ireland, just broken off the hunt field, and he immediately presented challenges. His behavior was difficult, and I struggled to find the support to understand his needs. Over time, his list of physical ailments grew, and I realised that the key to his improvement was a holistic approach to equine welfare. Oisin is the reason we are where we are today—his struggles sparked my passion for finding better ways of caring for horses. Despite years of difficulty, he is now a loving and trusting companion, inspiring our philosophy on equine welfare and sustainable land management practices.
As the Chief Inspiration Officer, Oisin motivates us to continue exploring innovative and compassionate solutions for equine care. His journey from troubled to trusted companion is what drives our commitment to improving the lives of horses everywhere, and he continues to shape the direction of our work.
Jake: Wellness and Recovery Ambassador
Age: 19 years old
Breed: Trotter Cross
Colour: Tri-coloured
Jake was rescued from Blue Cross after a life as a breeding stallion and trap racer. At 19, he was extremely shut down, physically and mentally drained from his past experiences. His feet were in poor condition, his body was out of balance, and he had minimal muscle tone. Diagnosed with potential wobblers syndrome, Jake’s future looked uncertain. However, we took it upon ourselves to offer him a peaceful, dignified life, focused on his well-being and comfort.
We implemented a plan that involved turning Jake out, letting him settle in his own time, and providing him with the freedom to move, ad lib forage, and the company of other horses. With time, Jake transformed. He became a happy, playful pony who loved affection and enjoyed galloping freely across the fields—a sight we never thought we’d see. Sadly, we lost Jake in 2023 after a suspected stroke, but his story lives on as an example of the power of compassionate care.
As our Wellness and Recovery Ambassador, Jake’s journey shows us that with the right care, an animal’s health can be restored. His legacy continues to influence our practices, especially in supporting horses with complex histories of trauma and neglect.
Django: Behavioural Rehabilitation Specialist
Age: 6 years old
Breed: Cob Cross
Colour: Tri-coloured
Django, a 6-year-old cob cross, came to us as a rescue from Blue Cross, believed to be Jake's son. He arrived with a history of abuse and was labeled as having "challenging behaviors"—bolshy, food-aggressive, and distrustful of humans. His past taught him to be defensive, and he had learned to bite, kick, and lunge when pushed too far.
We applied Trust Technique approaches and gave Django the time and space he needed to feel safe. Over time, he began to trust us, and we started to work with him using a blend of classical dressage and horsemanship techniques. While Django's struggles were more mental than physical, we quickly realised he would have been unmanageable in a traditional yard setting. At Switch Equine, he has flourished.
As our Behavioural Rehabilitation Specialist, Django teaches us the importance of patience, trust-building, and allowing animals to recover at their own pace. His role is to guide our work with animals who have experienced trauma, showing that with the right approach, even the most challenging animals can heal and thrive.
Simba: team morale officer
Age: Estimated 6 years old
Breed: German Shepherd Cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Colour: Brindle / black
Simba was surrendered due to being deemed "too boisterous." Despite his deep bark when you first meet him, Simba is actually a gentle, loving dog who loves nothing more than relaxing in the sun, often sleeping upside down in the most bizarre positions. His calming presence brings balance to our team, reminding us that rest and relaxation are just as important as hard work.
Simba’s role as Team Morale Officer is to ensure that the team remains grounded and emotionally supported. He is always there to remind us of the value of taking time to relax, and his presence offers comfort to both the humans and the other animals at Switch Equine. Simba’s role is crucial in creating a space where both the animals and the people are well cared for and able to thrive.
Conker: rehabilitation and confidence coach
Age: Estimated 4 years old
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Colour: Fawn
Conker’s journey to recovery has been truly heartwarming. Rescued from an abusive situation, Conker was found beaten and terrified, with no fur and no inclination to care for herself. She was completely shut down, and it took a lot of patience and care for her to begin trusting again. Working with Trust Technique and with the support of Simba, Conker gradually started to show her true, playful nature.
Although she is still working through her hind-end issues and is smaller than the average cocker spaniel (likely due to poor nutrition in her early years), Conker is now a happy, energetic little dog who loves to play. She represents the power of confidence-building and how every animal, no matter their past, can find happiness and health when given the right care.
As our Rehabilitation and Confidence Coach, Conker embodies the resilience of animals and teaches us the value of trust-based approaches in rehabilitating those who have faced neglect or abuse. Her journey encourages us to help animals rebuild their confidence and find their joy again.
Trooper: Pest Control Officer
Age: Unknown (estimated 3-5 years old)
Breed: Unknown
Colour: Black
Trooper, our yard cat, was another rescue who had trouble adjusting to people due to previous trauma. Despite being rehomed several times, she kept returning to the rescue, and when we took her in, she had a severe fear of humans. While Trooper’s relationship with us remains somewhat unpredictable, her effectiveness in keeping the yard clear of pests is undeniable.
Trooper is the Pest Control Officer of the team, ensuring that our feed room and surrounding areas are free of mice and other pests. Though she keeps a distance, her ability to maintain a rodent-free environment is a vital contribution to our operations. Trooper’s role reminds us that every animal brings value, no matter how they choose to interact with us.
At Switch Equine, we believe that animals are an integral part of the team. From Oisin’s inspiration to Trooper’s efficiency, each animal has a unique role that supports our mission to create sustainable, compassionate environments for both horses and humans. These animals are more than just rescues—they are active cherished members of our family, each contributing to our shared goal of improving the lives of equines and other animals through better care, better land management, and better practices.