Kim Snel

CertENA

Phone: 0272761175

  • Country

    New Zealand

  • Business name

    Holistic Horse NZ

  • Practice area

    Auckland, New Zealand (online)

  • About

    Hi, I am Kim, and I am the founder of Holistic Horse. I’ve always been fascinated by why horses behave the way they do and how nutrition, stress, environment, and management all interact to influence their health, behaviour, and overall wellbeing. I am a qualified Equine Nutrition Advisor (CertENA) through The London College of Animal Osteopathy® (LCAO). And as an independent nutrition advisor, I am not aligned with any single feed or supplement company, allowing me to recommend nutritional solutions based on the individual needs of each horse. I have almost completed my Level 5 Higher Education Certificate in Equine Behavioural Science through The Open College of Equine Studies (TOCES), with my final assignment currently in progress. This study has strengthened my understanding of the relationship between the brain, the nervous system, and behaviour. To deepen my understanding of the horse as a whole, I am also undertaking the pre-clinical studies of an International Diploma in Equine Osteopathy through The London College of Animal Osteopathy®, having successfully completed the studies in Equine Neurophysiology and Equine Behaviour & Psychology. I look forward to continuing this journey in the years ahead.

  • Additional skills

    Wild Horse Behaviour One of the most influential experiences in recent years has been spending time observing and supporting the gentle training of wild Northland and Kaimanawa horses after they are mustered out of the wild and introduced to life with humans. Our daughter has actively participated in these trainings, helping gently tame many of these wild horses that are such an important part of New Zealand’s heritage. Witnessing a wild horse being touched and handled for the first time offers a unique insight into the importance of patience, communication, trust, and connection. We feel especially privileged to have our own Kaimanawa filly as part of our herd. She was mustered as a six-month-old foal during the 2025 Kaimanawa muster, and our daughter was the first person to touch and halter her. Today, she is a happy and valued member of our mixed herd, providing us with daily opportunities to learn from her unique perspective and natural instincts. My approach to equine nutrition is heavily inspired by the natural grazing patterns of wild horses, particularly New Zealand’s wild Kaimanawa Horses. Observing how horses thrive in more natural environments has reinforced my belief that diet should align as closely as possible with how horses are designed to eat, move, and live.

  • Academic standing LCAO

    Equine Osteopathy (Student LCAO)