Nadia Hernandez

Nadia brings a rare and valuable blend of psychology, equine science, and real-world yard experience to Lingfield Equine Distance Learning. Having recently updated our Psychology & Behaviour course, her work reflects both academic rigour and a deep understanding of horses and the people who care for them.

Born and raised in Luxembourg to an English mother and Spanish father, Nadia began her academic journey with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Edinburgh Napier University. Alongside her studies, she was already driven by a clear goal: to one day combine her passion for horses with her commitment to human wellbeing.

That ambition shaped her career path. While completing her MSc in Equine Science, Nadia worked full time at a riding school, gaining hands-on experience coaching riders of all abilities, developing young horses, managing the fitness and welfare of riding school horses, and training her own. At the same time, she was laying the foundations for her professional practice.

Nadia runs an equestrian holistic support system that helps owners and professionals understand and address undesired behaviour in horses. Her approach is rooted in learning theory, positive reinforcement, and a whole-horse perspective, with a strong emphasis on strengthening the connection between horse and human. To support this work, she collaborates with a trusted network of independent professionals, including a nutritionist, saddle fitter, farrier, veterinarian, and physiotherapist.

In addition to her equine qualifications, Nadia also holds an MSc in Health Psychology. She believes that supporting people — their wellbeing, communication, and understanding — is essential to improving outcomes for horses.

At the heart of Nadia’s work is a belief in the therapeutic power of horses and a commitment to sharing that understanding throughout her professional life. This philosophy underpins her contribution to Lingfield’s courses, ensuring students gain insight that is compassionate, evidence-based, and genuinely applicable in real-world equestrian settings.