Our Herd of Equine Specialists
Dr. Désirée Braganza
received her equine behaviorist qualifications from the Natural Animal Centre, then located in the UK and South Africa. She collaborates with equine professionals worldwide on research projects specific to experiences of domesticated horses from an ethological lens. She is a horse partner, a rider and has cared for and supported numerous horses over the years. Désirée recently relocated from Northern California and is now based in Athens, Georgia, USA. She consults internationally in-person and virtually.
Ongoing Research Projects
Braganza, D., & Sams, J. (2023, July 26-30). Attention Based Practices: Equine Wellbeing from an Ecological Perspective [Conference presentation]. Control the Meerkat Trauma in Animals Virtual Conference 2023, London, United Kingdom.
Braganza, D., Sams, J., & Shclote, S. (2022, July 27-31). Accounts of Adverse Equine Experiences [Conference presentation]. Control the Meerkat Trauma in Animals Virtual Conference 2022, London, United Kingdom.
Dr. Mike Parker
is an equine veterinarian and owner of Crazy Horse Veterinary Services. The name of his private practice is a nod to his Native American roots and is meant to describe his heritage and profession. He is a Makah tribal member from Neah Bay, Washington, USA. He earned his DVM from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, focusing on large animal and equine surgery. Additionally, he has a Master’s in Animal Sciences and Equine Nutrition from Cornell University. Mike’s career has a solid allopathic foundation, yet he continued to explore new treatment modalities which now include acupuncture and chiropractic care. Mike provides consultation for us and virtual support for our carers who live in remote locations. He is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA
Alana Somerset
is currently undertaking her second year within veterinary physiotherapy at the Royal Agricultural University, UK. She is qualified in kinesiology taping, algotherapy and is a fully trained masseur. She is dedicated in learning about physiology, biomechanics, and neuromuscular science intertwining research and is ever-learning in the field of science. She can be reached through wild_tensegrity on Instagram and her website. Alana is based in London, UK.
Matthew Bruno
has complementary, well-honed skill sets. As a student at UC Santa Cruz, he studied art and later made permaculture his focus. Add his exceptional carpentry and building skills, and he is a go-to resource for guidance when planning or rethinking your horse property. He recently participated in research where he shared his ecologically based practices as he raises his two young mares. Click here to listen to a short interview. Matt teaches people how to get to know their ecosystem to ensure horses are living in balance as healthy and happy members of a cooperative environmental community. Matt is based on the Mendocino Coast, USA.