Meet the Team

Our Instructors

At Out West Natural Horsemanship we are proud to have two highly experienced and dedicated instructors. Our founder, Izzy Sheath, has many years of experience in Natural Horsemanship and is passionate about building a deep connection between horse and rider. Our other instructor, Owen Sheath brings a fun approach to horse training encouraging students to reach their goals. Make sure you scroll all the way down to meet the ponies! 

Owen Sheath

Owen started riding lessons at 7yrs old before taking a break to pursue other interests but got back into riding again in 2023. Even though he hasn't ridden regularly for awhile he has still worked with our horses naturally on the ground on a regular basis. Owen owns Elvis who has only one eye after having to have it removed from a nasty eye infection. Owen hopes to do Western Pleasure Competitions on Elvis in the future, but overall just loves hacking and trekking. Owen has previously done some pole bending competitions on Minnie which they both enjoyed a lot! Owens passions are: Horses, Blacksmithing, Roping (dummy calves) and Running Competitively. He is learning Natural Horsemanship under Izzy's coaching and is excited to be helping out with lessons this year. 

Izzy Sheath

Izzy has been riding since she was 7yrs old. From a young age she discovered Natural Horsemanship and it became her passion. She has studied Parelli Natural Horsemanship (PNH) and Happy Horse Happy Life (HHHL) two of the top leading Natural Horsemanship programs in the world. She was mentored by Jackie Chant for 18 months who held the highest qualification of Natural Horsemanship in New Zealand! Unfortunately Jackie passed away at the end of 2022 and she is very missed. Izzy's passion is to work naturally with her horses within the Western Disciplines and has competed competitively in Barrel Racing & Pole Bending and also enjoys Western Pleasure & Working Equitation. She also enjoys running, sharing her passion for horses and rescuing abused and unwanted horses, particularly Standardbreds. Izzy has completed numerous courses including: Natural Horsemanship training, Equine Body Work, Barefoot Trimming, and has started learning Equine Assisted Therapy.

Vickie Sheath (Mum)

Vickie is a former vet nurse and has been riding on and off over the years since she was a young girl - horses have always been a passion for her! She has a strong interest in holistic animal care and is keen to get back into riding so she can do trekking and road rides but overall she just loves spending time with our horses! Vickie looks after the administration & management side of the business and will also help out with some classes if required. She enjoys rescuing animals, organic gardening, being out in nature and spending time with her human and animal family. 

Our Beloved Horses

Meet our incredible horses who are an essential part of our team. Each of our four horses has their own unique personality and plays a vital role in our natural horsemanship classes and pony fun sessions. They are beloved members of our team and bring so much joy to our students.

Minnie

Gender: Mare

Colour: Dark Bay

Breed: Standardbred

Personality: Kind and gentle with a little bit of sass!

Arrow

Gender: Gelding

Colour: Appaloosa

Breed: Miniature Horse

Personality: Chill and friendly loves younger kids!

Boh

Gender: Mare

Colour: Pinto

Breed: Miniature Horse

Personality: Energetic, cuddly and loves to go fast! 

Elvis

Gender: Gelding

Colour: Bay

Breed: Standardbred

Personality: Laidback, cuddly and has only one eye!

Honoring Those We Miss

Although they are no longer with us, we want to take a moment to remember and honor the horses and people who have been a part of our journey. Their spirit and contributions will always hold a special place in our hearts.

In Loving Memory of Jackie Chant

Jackie was more than just a mentor to Izzy, she was a beacon of light and an unwavering source of encouragement. 

She inspired Izzy in so many ways encouraging her to create a strong bond with Minnie on the ground, which lead to an amazing relationship. 

Her passion for horses was contagious and she is the reason why we started Out West Natural Horsemanship so we can carry on her legacy through our horses and our school. 

We know she smiles as she watches each child feel the magic of a connection with a horse knowing that these kids are going to grow up kind and caring towards horses and not abusive or mean like so many grow up to be. 

Jackies spirit lives on through our riding school for her legacy is not just about riding, it's also about resilience, kindness and pursuing what sets your soul on fire!

Jackie you are greatly missed but we know your spirit is with your horses in heaven now and you are galloping carefree.

R.I.P Jackie 1972 - 2022

In Loving Memory of Nevada (Eva)

Eva joined the herd and our family in April 2023, she was a Paint Quarter Horse with lots of life experience and a sweet nature - she taught Izzy a lot in the short time she was with us and she also taught many children in the riding school how to ride. 

Due to arthritis and degenerative spinal issues we had to retire her from ridden work in November last year while she underwent treatment to hopefully manage the pain she was experiencing. 

Unfortunately, even with an amazing team of professionals supporting her recovery, we were unable to keep her pain free and under our Vet's advisement made the heart-breaking decision to have her put to sleep in February. 

She wanted for nothing in the time she was with us and will now forever be at rest at the back of her favourite paddock with her herd close by.

We miss you, Eva! Jackie will look after you for us in heaven. 

R.I.P Eva 2007 - 2024

Join Us and Discover the Magic of Natural Horsemanship

Experience the transformative power of natural horsemanship and build a deep connection with these majestic animals. Book a class or pony fun session today!