At Switch Equine, our work is grounded in evidence‑based ecological and management principles. We support equine welfare by taking a systems‑based approach to horse health and management—recognising that land, nutrition, environment, behaviour and training all interact to shape a horse’s wellbeing. Alongside this, we also enjoy exploring the wide range of professionals who take different approaches to whole‑horse care, and considering what we can learn from their perspectives as part of the wider conversation. This month, we’re spotlighting Hannah Jones, founder of Sabre Holistics, whose work represents a holistic, multi‑modal approach to supporting horses and their owners. The following feature shares Hannah’s own perspective on her methods, philosophy and approach.
Hannah’s Perspective on Whole-Horse Wellbeing
Why a Holistic Approach to Our Horses Matters More Than Ever
For generations, the horse world has tended to treat problems individually.
A behavioural issue is often approached through training.
A physical problem may lead to bodywork or veterinary investigation.
A nutritional issue might be addressed through feed adjustments.
But increasingly, professionals across the equine industry are recognising something important:
Horses do not function in isolated systems.
The body, gut health, nervous system, biomechanics and emotional wellbeing are deeply interconnected. When one area is compromised, it inevitably influences the others.
Taking a holistic approach to equine health means stepping back and looking at the horse as a whole. It means asking not only what is happening, but why it is happening.
One practitioner leading this shift in the UK is Hannah Jones of Sabre Holistics.
Supporting the Horse’s Body to Function Optimally
At the centre of Hannah Jones’ work are simple but powerful aims: helping the horse’s body return to a state where it can function optimally, helping horses to feel emotionally balanced, pain and trauma free, along with having a healthy nervous system where the horse can regulate and come back to a state of peace.
Modern horses face many challenges that their bodies were never originally designed for.
They live in managed environments, often on highly fertilised pasture. They may experience dietary changes, physical demands from training, or stress from competition and travel.
Even subtle factors - such as grasses, soil composition or environmental stressors - can influence a horse’s gut health, nervous system and physical comfort.
When the body is under pressure from these factors, it often begins to compensate.
These compensations can show up as:
- Tension in the body
- Changes in movement or posture
- Behavioural changes
- Resistance under saddle
- Digestive imbalance
Rather than treating each symptom individually, Hannah’s work focuses on helping the horse rebalance the underlying systems that allow the body to function properly.
Addressing the Gut–Body Connection
One area gaining increasing attention in equine health is the relationship between the gut and the rest of the body.
The digestive system plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system, the nervous system and overall wellbeing. When gut health is compromised, horses may show physical discomfort, behavioural sensitivity or difficulty maintaining balance in their bodies.
Through the use of natural self-selection therapies, including essential oils and plant-based remedies, horses are given the opportunity to choose what their bodies need to support balance. This process, known as zoopharmacognosy, allows the horse’s natural instincts to guide healing. Many horses instinctively select oils and herbs that support digestive balance, detoxification and nervous system regulation. When gut health begins to improve, the effects are often seen throughout the entire horse.
Improving Movement and Biomechanics
Physical tension in the body is another common challenge for modern horses.
Poor posture, compensation patterns, unresolved injuries or stress within the nervous system can all affect how a horse moves.
Over time, these patterns can influence performance, comfort and willingness to work.
Hannah combines specialised bodywork with energy-based healing modalities to help release deep tension within the fascia and muscular system. This allows the horse’s body to reorganise itself naturally.
As restrictions release, horses are often able to:
- Move more freely through their backs and shoulders
- Engage their bodies more efficiently
- Carry themselves with improved balance
- Perform ridden work with greater ease
Improved biomechanics not only supports performance but also helps prevent future injury.
The Behavioural Piece
Behaviour is often the first thing owners notice when something is wrong. However, behaviour is rarely the root cause.
It is usually the horse’s way of communicating discomfort, stress or imbalance somewhere within the body.
When gut health, physical tension and nervous system balance are addressed together, behavioural changes often follow naturally. Horses become calmer, more focused and more willing in their work.
This shift can dramatically improve both training and partnership between horse and rider. This is a huge passion of Hannah’s – discovering why the horse is behaving in a certain way. Once the root cause is released, she can then work with both horse and rider to improve their connection and relationship.
Collaboration: The Future of Equine Health
Veterinarians, trainers, bodyworkers, nutritionists and therapists each play an important role in supporting the horse.
When these professionals work collaboratively, horses benefit enormously.
Hannah Jones is a strong advocate for this approach and as a multi-modality therapist, she can help the horse in deep and profound ways. Her work blends science and spirituality, looking at every aspect of the horse. Her career has been dedicated towards continuous learning – she trains in historical dressage, has progressed her own unique trauma release methods and attended a 5-day whole horse dissection.
A Shift That Is Long Overdue
The horse world is beginning to evolve. More owners are recognising that true wellbeing involves far more than addressing individual symptoms. It requires understanding the horse’s environment, emotional experience, nutrition, physical comfort and natural instincts. Practitioners who are able to integrate these perspectives are helping shape the future of equine care.
Through her work at Sabre Holistics, Hannah Jones is at the forefront of this shift in the UK and worldwide through her online courses and clinics.
By combining training, saddle fitting, bodywork, essential oil therapy, energy healing, intuitive communication, spirit work and biomechanical understanding, she offers a comprehensive approach that supports the horse as a whole.
It is a model that many believe represents the future of equine wellbeing - and a change that is long overdue within the horse world.
Hannah Jones
A holistic therapist supporting whole horse health though the mind, body and spirit. Hannah identifies the root cause of issues and releases them in a holistic way to bring the horse back into balance in a gentle yet powerful way.
To learn more about Hannah’s approach and methods visit the links below:
Website: www.sabre-holistics.com
Online Courses: www.sabreonlinecourses.com
Social Media: @sabreholistics
As always, our aim at Switch Equine is to support owners in making informed, welfare‑centred decisions by understanding the full system surrounding their horses. We’re grateful to practitioners like Hannah who contribute their own perspectives to the wider conversation about whole‑horse care.
