FRANKA O'CONNOR

I was born in France, spent most of my life in the U.K., and now live in the north of the Netherlands, in the Groningen province with my husband, our three horses — Bally, Moomin, and Nora and our dog, Ziggy.

I hold a degree in Philosophy and a degree in Media & Film-making. I speak French, English, and Spanish, with a good understanding of Italian and Dutch. Exploring different languages and cultures has taught me to pay attention beyond words — a skill that’s been invaluable in my work with animals. 

My professional training reflects a deep commitment to building conscious, trust-based relationships with horses. I am an Instructor in Freestyle Training (Loswerken), Groundwork (Grondwerk), and Double Long Lines (Dubbele Lange Lijnen), certified by Emiel Voest’s Freestyle Academy in Ruinerwold — one of the most respected institutions of its kind in the Netherlands. I also hold a Stage 1 certificate in the Masterson Method, a bodywork approach that supports physical and emotional release in horses. Alongside this, I have completed an Animal Communication course with James French, the pioneer of the Trust Technique, and the first stage of the Trust Technique program. I’m currently in my final year of qualification to become a Trust Technique practitioner. I have also studied with Eckhart Tolle, the author of international best seller "The Power Of Now", and his wife Kim Eng. As a certified Teacher of Presence through Eckhart Tolle’s School of Awakening, I integrate mindfulness, awareness and inner stillness into all aspects of my work. My learning journey has also brought me to the UK’s Intuitive Horse, where I took part in Following the Herd’s Lead, a powerful workshop with equine therapist Emma Ross. Before moving to the Netherlands in 2020, I spent eight months in weekly Equine Assisted Personal Development sessions with Emma and her remarkable herd of eleven horses — an experience that left a lasting imprint.

In recent years, I’ve begun weaving together a holistic approach, drawing from practices like Yoga and Qi Gong. These gentle, grounding disciplines help me to cultivate stillness, clarity, and presence — qualities that animals respond to in often profound ways. At the heart of my work is the belief that horses thrive when met with empathy, patience, and deep listening. My approach honours the emotional world of the horse—creating a calm, respectful space where trust can deepen, communication becomes clear, and healing is given the time and quiet it needs to unfold. Whether through groundwork or shared stillness, my goal is always : to support meaningful, mutual connections — and to honour the Wisdom of the horse.

MY HORSES

BALLY

Bally is an ex-racehorse. He was a proud winner but the training was brutal and so we are happy for him to retire here with us. After finishing his career he spent two years at the Freestyle Academy, as a school horse. Having been trained by Emiel and Chaja Voest he is Freestyle expert. He is a very patient, kind teacher who loves to be around people. He loves classical music and Saturday night Opera on NPO Klassiek!

MOOMIN

He was just called 'Boy' when he arrived but he prefers Moomin or Boyje, because they are softer. It was clear he has not had an easy life but with patience, persistence and purpose we have helped him become a precious member of the family. He is still a bit of a rebel but now it is playful rather than from anger and frustration. He is a spiritual little pony, loves to meditate with humans and even does some yoga moves. He loves opera and the David Bowie song 'Rebel, Rebel'

NORA

Nora is a new addition. She had been alone for two years after her mother died and her owner was due to move abroad so Nora had to be re-homed. Sadly only the wrong people were interested in taking a 16 year old shetlander with laminitis, until we arrived. Here she is a princess. She is incredibly bright and is very good at ground work, liberty work and complaining about the service she receives (she has high standards). Like Moomin she loves meditating and is very curious about humans.