Sanchia de Freitas, E.S.M.T., S.A.N.E.F. Qualified

We all know success is never built alone, so I can definitely attribute much of mine to the mentors and peers who poured their knowledge, passion, and love for the equestrian sport into me over many years. I am a product of their expertise, guidance, and professionalism.

I also credit my father, who was strict but fair, and who taught me the value of discipline, hard work, and what it takes to build and run a business.

Life and horses have both taught me that lessons are not always learned the easy way. There have been many ups and downs along the journey, and rather than recording these as failures they are really just part of the journey to further self discovery.

I also attribute my success to the long-term relationships and trust I’ve built with both horses and the people connected to them. Many clients who initially came to me for coaching have became lifelong friends and I deeply value these connections. And I can say the same with bookkeeping clients, since I have access to many of their most personal information, they know I handle their information and privacy as if it's my own. Relationships built on this kind of mutual trust are irreplaceable.

Creating a safe space has always been deeply important to me. Horses were a safe space for me growing up, and my work has become about offering that same sense of trust, connection, and understanding to both horses and humans.

Well, horses have a way of humbling you very quickly, and they teach you that growth never really ends.

So I would say one of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to never stop learning, no matter how much experience you have.

I was also taught the importance of professionalism, consistency, and treating people with respect regardless of their position or experience level. Reputation is built quietly over time through the way you work, communicate, and show up for others.

What I would say to young women entering this industry is to trust your instincts, continue learning, and hold both yourself and the industry to the highest standards possible when it comes to the health, wellbeing, and welfare of the horse.

The equestrian world is made up of many different layers — from lesson barns to professional competition stables, rescues, sanctuaries, suppliers, trainers, and riders across multiple disciplines and levels — and every environment carries its own challenges and responsibilities.

Find good mentors, learn from those who are willing to teach you everything they know, and surround yourself with people who genuinely care about the horses and the people involved. Some of the most valuable lessons are not learned through ribbons or accolades, but through experience, observation, humility, and understanding the responsibility we carry toward these animals.

I have worked with many rescues and sanctuaries over the years and have seen firsthand where horses can end up when there is a lack of education, support, ethical training, or awareness. That is why I believe it is so important that we continue raising the standards within the industry while also creating more support, solidarity, education, and healthy community for one another.

I also believe young women entering the industry should expect more support, education, and guidance from organizations, foundations, and the wider equestrian community. Creating healthier standards, stronger mentorship, and more accessible support systems ultimately benefits both horses and the people dedicated to the industry.

This industry can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also demand long hours, physical exhaustion, emotional resilience, and at times very little recognition. Take care of yourself as well. Hydrate, rest, set healthy boundaries, and remember that sustainable success comes from balance, not burnout.

For me personally, coaching has never been about ribbons, titles, or personal recognition. It has always been about deepening the awareness, communication, trust, and understanding between horse and rider. I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors and trainers who, even at the highest levels, always placed the wellbeing of both the horse and rider at the center of the journey.

I believe one of the greatest opportunities in this field is the increasing awareness and education around equine wellness, conscious coaching, and holistic support practices. There is definitely growing awareness and interest in modalities such as Reiki, massage, chiropractic care, nervous system regulation, and energy-based approaches, and people are beginning to better understand how these practices may support recovery, performance, emotional balance, and overall wellbeing for horses and riders.

At the same time, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring that this work remains grounded in integrity, education, ethics, and responsible application so that it is approached with professionalism and genuine care rather than treated simply as a trend or entertainment.

The values most important to me are trust, compassion, authenticity, integrity, and the wellbeing of the horse. I believe in creating safe and supportive spaces where both horses and people feel seen, heard, and understood.

I also value education, responsible practice, professionalism, and maintaining a deep respect for the emotional connection and awareness that exists between horses and humans.