Meet Kelly
Classical dressage and riding instructor
Hi, I’m Kelly Zorn, and I’m delighted to share my journey with you.
Over the span of 30 years I have gathered a wealth of experience working with horses.
With 22 years of dedicated service in the NSW Police Force, I had the privilege of working across various locations in the state, including Mount Druitt, Bidwill PCYC, the Mounted Unit, Northern Beaches, Walgett, and Wollongong.
I have been lucky enough to compete at the Grand Prix level in Dressage, and have had the honour of riding at the opening of the 2013 ParaOlympics, and participating in the musical ride at the Easter Show.
In May 2023, I retired from the police force to pursue my passion for horses and holistic healing. Currently, I’m studying Equine Assisted Therapy with Equine Assisted Therapy Australia, and by 2024, I will become a qualified counsellor.
I reside in the beautiful Illawarra region with my loving husband and our son. Horses have always been a significant part of my life, and I own two off the track Thoroughbred horses, (OTTB) Sparkling Shiraz and Buzz Lightyear.
I offer two areas of horsemanship:
- General Horse Riding and Classical Dressage Tuition
- Equine Assisted Therapy
Horse Riding and Classical Dressage Tuition
Dressage however is a highly refined and systematic form a riding with deep historical roots. It places emphasis on the harmonious development of both the horse and rider’s physical and mental abilities and the communication and partnership between the horse and rider. Classical dressage follows a structured training process that focuses on building the horse’s strength balance, suppleness and responsive to subtle aids. Precision and elegance are paramount in classical dressage and riders execute intricate movements with fluidity and grace.
Equine Assisted Therapy
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) is a unique therapeutic approach that involves using horses to aid in the treatment of various mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. In EAT sessions, your trained therapist will use your interactions with a horse to enable therapeutic benefits. The presence of these gentle, empathetic and intuitive animals can help you develop crucial life skills and promote your emotional growth and well being.. EAT benefits a wide range of people, including those dealing with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder, and other mental health issues. The therapy works by fostering a strong bond between the participants and the horses, encouraging trust, empathy, communication, and emotional regulation. The non-judgmental nature of horses and the sense of responsibility in caring for them create a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your feelings, build self-confidence, and achieve personal growth, making Equine Assisted Therapy a powerful and effective therapeutic tool for people of any age and stage in life.
Through my company, Illawarra Equine Assisted Therapy and Equitation, I have the pleasure of teaching horse riding and dressage to Intermediate level and sharing my passion of Equine Assisted Learning.
My ultimate goal is to focus on helping individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress, using the incredible power of horses to facilitate their healing journey. I’m also actively involved in the charitable organisation, Horse Aid, which supports veterans, first responders, and retired racehorses. It brings me immense joy to contribute to such a meaningful cause.
Qualifications
I have over 20 years experience with horses including time as a mounted policewoman. I am currently studying formally with Equestrian Australia via their Introduction to Coaching course and am working towards EFA Level 1 in Dressage.
Insurance
For your peace of mind I am fully insured to $20M public liability insurance.
I look forward to connecting with you and sharing the transformative magic that horses can bring to our lives. Whether you’re interested in learning riding skills, exploring Equine Assisted Therapy, or simply discovering the beauty of the equestrian world, I’m here to guide you on this incredible journey.
Kelly
