about | foal nz

Based in New Zealand, the Foal NZ team leads the world in innovative foal behavioural education, research and consultancy.

At Foal NZ, we understand the great responsibility that comes with giving your foal the best chance at becoming a champion. The Foal NZ team is dedicated to giving thoroughbred foals the best start to life.

We prepare foals for the racing world by establishing the animal’s foundation behaviour at the earliest possible, and proven optimum, age. We do this alongside the mare, promoting a safe and calm learning environment, moving the mare and foal together through a gentle, scientifically-proven programme.

Everything we do, we do to enhance the welfare and performance of thoroughbred foals, improving their chances of becoming a champion.

We take every opportunity to increase our knowledge and understanding of the animals in our industry. Through this, we are able to provide a voice for the mares and foals we work with.

Since 2003, we have completed over 28,000 training sessions, injury-free. The studs we have worked with have also been able to shorten their weanling training programme considerably, saving time and money.

We welcome the opportunity to share our expertise and scientifically-backed techniques with the breeding and racing industry worldwide. In 2011, Leigh and Sally began presenting their research internationally, and have now presented in over five countries and at numerous thoroughbred studs globally.

OUR TEAM:

LEIGH WILLS

Founder and Director
leigh@foalnz.com

Equine behavioural specialist Leigh began Foal NZ (formerly Equus Education) in 2003 to champion the process of champion behaviour beginning in a horse’s very early life. She has since become a leader in her field, having created the Foal NZ foal education programmes and presented her research worldwide.

Leigh was the first student to become a Monty Roberts Instructor worldwide (receiving her certification at Windsor Castle from Terry Pendry) and the first to measure mental states of mares and foals. She has successfully introduced an elephant to a horse at Auckland Zoo, working from equine behavioural theory.

As a two-time national eventing title holder, Leigh has always loved, appreciated and championed horses. Alongside Foal NZ, Leigh continues to provide teachings for both people and horses.

SALLY KING

Sally trained and worked for many years as an equine behavioural specialist in England and California. Her most treasured time was the years she spent at Flag Is Up Farms with Pat and Monty Roberts; teaching, managing Monty’s public appearances and assisting Monty to write and edit his books.

Sally returned to NZ in 2006 to help develop and deliver the Foal NZ education process. She provides much of the structure, and her planning and development skills complete the team of Foal NZ.

KIRSTY JENKINS, Scotland

PETRA MOSER, Switzerland

CAROLINE JENNINGS, Australia

KIRSTY CARLING, New Zealand

SARAH ELLIS, England

MICHELE HAULTAIN, New Zealand

CONTACT US:

+64 27 437 8870
PO Box 690, Cambridge 3450, New Zealand

EMAIL FORM:

Foal NZ

TESTIMONIALS:

“All our foals handled by Foal NZ have benefited considerably from the work Leigh and her team do with them. The programme gives the foals confidence around people and lays a solid foundation for their whole lives, through weaning, sales preparation, stable life, and race day competition and beyond. This is confirmed by feedback we have received from breakers, trainers, and jockeys about our horses. Importantly, it’s a process that reduces the likelihood of injuries to horses and people, thus maximising the opportunity each horse receives to fulfil its racing potential.”

Michael Martin and Susan Archer,
Breeders

“Foal NZ (previously Equus Education NZ Ltd) has worked with my mares to give their foals the best start in our very competitive thoroughbred industry. They work with each foal’s unique learning style and personality while using research and practice to continuously reflect on and improve their approach. They keep me up to date with my foal’s progress as they work to ensure each one achieves their potential in an ethical and sustainable way. I highly recommend Foal NZ for your long-term success.

Mari Ann Moss, PhD
Director, Dreamcatcher Enterprise Ltd

CONTACT US

“[The team at Foal NZ] are real professionals that provide a top-class level of horsemanship. We are extremely happy with the results. You can easily distinguish the foals that they have dealt with – the are more confident and relaxed. I highly recommend [Foal NZ] to all breeders.”

Rodney Schick, Windsor Park Stud NZ

“We here at Cambridge Stud absolutely endorse the foal education programme with Leigh Wills and team. We highly recommend for anyone breeding a foal this year to take advantage of this great service.”

Sir Patrick Hogan, Cambridge Stud NZ