About Susan
Susan Turner-Davis is an experienced equine coach, equitation science trainer, and dressage judge based in Yass, NSW. With over 30 years of hands-on coaching experience, Susan has dedicated her life to ethical, evidence-based horse training that supports both horse welfare and rider confidence.
​
Susan’s love of horses began early. As a child, she rode racehorses at the Spreyton racetrack under the guidance of her father, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for speed, balance, and partnership with horses.
​
Over the years, Susan has competed and worked across a wide range of equestrian disciplines. Her experience includes Pony Club, racehorse training, point-to-point competition, Prix St Georges dressage, and B Grade show jumping. This diverse background allows her to coach riders with a practical, well-rounded understanding of both performance and horsemanship.
​
Today, Susan is a qualified Equitation Science International (ESI) Trainer and Coach, an Equestrian Australia (EA) Coach, National Dressage Judge, and Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Coach. She specialises in calm, clear, and ethical training methods grounded in learning theory and equine behaviour.
​
Horse Riding Lessons & Coaching in Yass, NSW
​
For more than three decades, Susan has operated a welcoming riding school and freelance equestrian coaching business in Yass, NSW. She offers horse riding lessons and coaching for riders of all ages and abilities, from beginners to competitive riders.
​
Susan helps riders:
-
Develop strong foundational riding skills
-
Build confidence and understanding
-
Improve communication and partnership with their horse
-
Train and ride using ethical, welfare-focused methods
Her coaching style is supportive, practical, and evidence-based, ensuring both horse and rider feel safe, confident, and understood.​​​​
Susan is guided by a deep interest in how horses think, learn and respond.
Commitment to Ethical Horse Training & Equine Welfare
​
Susan’s work is guided by a deep interest in how horses think, learn, and respond to their environment. After a short but successful career as a racehorse trainer, she chose to focus entirely on ethical horse training methods that prioritise equine welfare and rider education.
​
She applies Equitation Science International (ESI) principles and the Five Domains Model of animal welfare to her training and coaching, helping riders achieve results without force or conflict.
​
Susan is also currently studying the Masterson Method, which has already made a noticeable difference to her own horses and those of her clients.
​
Philosophy
​
Susan believes that true horsemanship begins with respect — respect for horses as horses, and for the safety and wellbeing of both horses and humans.
Her approach combines:
​
-
Equitation Science
-
Ethical, evidence-based training
-
Practical, confidence-building coaching
Every session is designed to create understanding rather than resistance, using calm, clear communication and thoughtful skill development.
​
Involvement & Education
​
Susan is a founding member and organiser of the Yass Valley Riding Club, where she actively supports the local equestrian community through education, mentoring, and horsemanship events.
​
In addition to her equestrian work, Susan runs a dog behaviour and training business, applying the same learning theory and ethical training principles to help families live harmoniously with their pets.
​
Qualifications & Professional Credentials
​
-
Diploma in Equitation Science
-
Equitation Science International Trainer & Coach
-
Equestrian Australia (EA) Level 1 General Coach
-
National Dressage Judge & Equestrian Australia Assessor
-
Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Coach
-
Over 30 years of horse and rider coaching experience
-
Applying the Five Domains Model to the Welfare Assessment of Sport and Recreation Horses – University of New England
-
National Dog Trainers Federation Behavioural Trainer
ASSOCIATIONS WITH
