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 Groningen, 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 a Niveau 1 Instructor in Liberty 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. Whether through bodywork, groundwork, or shared stillness, my goal is always the same: to support meaningful, mutual connections — and to honour the Wisdom of the horse.

MY HORSES

BALLY

MOOMIN

NORA