Discover our science-based approach to horse and rider performance
Leveraging science to elevate the horse and rider experience. Improve your performance with the Illuminate System.
About Us
Illuminate Equine International applies horse & human psychology, behaviour science, & equine biomechanics to create a unique learning and training system for horse and rider partnerships.
This one-of-a-kind system guides riders to:
Understand Themselves through Rider Psychology Coaching
Develop Key Mental Skills
Understand Their Horses through Equine Behaviour and Learning Coaching
Develop Key Training Skills
Learn and Apply Essential Communication Skills
Apply the Whole System to any discipline or welfare-focused training approach.
Illuminate specializes in helping riders & their horses break through mental barriers, build confidence, & perform optimally.
Who We Are
Emma and Annika are life-long equestrians passionate about positively influencing the equestrian industry one horse and rider team at a time. They use a science-based approach to empower riders to unlock the mysteries and challenges of riding, training, and competing horses with excellence.
This remarkable team thrives when working with clients who value equine & human welfare and who are curious, adaptable, & willing to step outside of what they know to achieve excellence.
-
Emma specializes in using leading edge, science-based methods to optimize performance and resolve behaviour, biomechanical, and movement issues.She analyzes movement and behaviour, looking for subtle indicators of biomechanical and psychological barriers to symmetry, flexibility, power, and willingness. She prescribes biomechanical and behavioural exercises, movements and activities specific to your horse’s needs.
Emma is a certified IAABC Equine Behaviour Consultant and a certified Equine Bodyworker. Her perspective on equine learning and behaviour is informed by her expertise in both equine psychology and physiology. Emma is both a practitioner and an educator in these areas.
-
Annika has a BA in Psychology from the University of Victoria and an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Ulster University. She is also an Equine Canada Competition Coach. Annika specializes in building new beliefs, mindsets and habits that form the foundation of confidence and consistent performance.
Annika grew up as an equestrian athlete. She understands the challenges of the sport and how to best help you achieve success.
Annika's clients appreciate her straight forward, compassionate approach. She keeps her clients moving towards their future goals while maximizing todays win's through a thoughtful, and tailored approach.
“Annika and Emma are the horse dream team. Aside from the fact that these two lovely humans are funny, humble and compassionate people the knowledge they share as a team is incredible. I have worked with other professionals in the past for sports psychology as well trainers with experience in behaviour, biomechanics and equine learning, but to put that all together in one complementary package is very insightful. When we ride a horse we all know that it is a team effort -the rider and the horse, it takes two to make that work. Well the same goes for addressing any challenges or looking for ways to increase performance or harmony you need to look at both sides of the equation what is happening for the rider mentally and what is happening for the horse from a training, biomechanical or behaviour point of view. It just makes so much sense. It was such a pleasure to work with Annika and Emma. I know my horses appreciated it too! ”
Services
Looking for something you don’t see here? Contact us.
“I really enjoyed the seminar and rider clinic with Emma and Annika. I love that now there seems to be a shift in the equestrian community culture towards paying much more attention to the inner workings of rider psychology and how that affects the horse and the rides; as well as horse behaviour. There is so much to learn and this was a great introduction to all these layers that you may have never considered are playing a part in your riding.”
Clinics & Seminars
Experience the Illuminate System in action. In one to four day in-person events, Emma and Annika guide horse and rider teams through the essential steps of knowing themselves, knowing their horses, and developing mental skills and training skills that illuminate a new path forward.
Reach out for more information on clinic structure and booking availability. Now booking 2024 & 2025 Clinics and Seminars.
Virtual Consulting
Annika and Emma work virtually with clients, guiding them through the Illuminate System from afar through a combination of virtual calls, homework, and video analysis.
This flexible approach is cost effective and allows riders to avail of in depth and extended support from Emma and Annika.
Some spots remaining in 2024 - reach out for more information.
In-Person Intensives
Imagine having two specialists on the ground with you and your horse, each focused on creating a performance plan that integrates the learning needs of both of you. Working together, Emma and Annika assess you and your horse and create a plan, based on the Illuminate System, to move you forward. Intensives create big shifts by accelerating you and your horse’s learning. In person intensives can be combined with virtual consulting.
Some spots remaining in 2024- reach out for more information.