Integral Equine Nutrition - Consulting Service

Sophie Fletcher
BAnVetBioSc (Hons I)
MAnSc (with Distinction)

From a very young age, Sophie has always been intrigued and passionate about two things - animals (especially horses!) and science. This has led her to not only pursue knowledge and skills through formal education and work, but also to look, listen and observe everything equine.

After gaining a solid foundation in animal sciences during her Bachelor's degree, Sophie began her working life in medical research, spending 5 years in autonomic neuroscience research (the brain's control of involuntary functions such as heart rate and blood pressure). She is an author of several peer reviewed research papers in this field, and has a realistic understanding of the scientific research process.

Throughout this time, she was working on a personal project - her warmblood gelding, Myka. Purchased as a green 5 year old, Myka unfortunately suffered from a number of physical and behavioural issues. Spooky, grumpy, a poor-doer and diagnosed with idiopathic headshaking syndrome, "fixing" Myka led Sophie further and further researching on her own time into equine health and nutrition. Myka has now been in a much better state of health for many years (he is now 15), but the learning did not stop - she started applying her knowledge of equine nutrition to other horses.

Sophie out on the trail with Myka. Photo: Dave Taylor

At this point Sophie decided to get back to what she loved - equine nutrition - and Integral Equine Nutrition was born. Dedicated to using the knowledge she has gained (and never stops learning) to improve the health and well being of all horses,  Sophie completed a Master's of Animal Science. Subjects included equine health, nutrition, exercise science and behaviour, as well biochemistry and pharmaceuticals. Her research dissertation on the use of turmeric as a preventative of gastric ulcers earned her a Dean's Award for Academic Excellence and is currently being prepared for peer reviewed scientific publication.

Sophie with Tiento at a recent clinic

A keen horse rider as well as a scientist, Sophie enjoys riding Myka and her PRE gelding Tiento, training classical dressage and enjoying the trails around Terrey Hills, where they are based.

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