The Executive Director, Co-Founder, and Trustee

Jill, a qualified Veterinary Nurse from the Onderstepoort Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria, discovered the therapeutic potential of equestrian activities as a teenager, volunteering at a riding school and studying "Riding for the Disabled" at university. Her early career in breeding thoroughbred racehorses deepened her empathy for individuals and animals facing adversity, abuse, or disability. Co-founding Healing with Horses was a natural progression, aligning with her lifelong commitment to advocacy and compassionate care.

Since launching the program in 2013, Jill has enhanced her expertise in therapeutic/adaptive riding through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) in the U.S., enabling her to deliver tailored equine-assisted support. She serves as an equine-assisted instructor, co-manages the stables, oversees veterinary care, and writes grants to secure sponsorships for Healing with Horses Zimbabwe.

Co-Founder, Trustee, Riding Instructor

Aileen completed a Pittman’s secretarial and bookkeeping course after leaving school before traveling to England, where she earned her BHSAI qualification. She is one of only two people in Bulawayo to hold this certification, which enables her to teach riding, show jumping, dressage, eventing, polo, and polocrosse to a high standard. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Aileen’s dedication to equestrianism is deeply rooted in her teenage years, when she volunteered at a riding school in Harare that offered ‘Riding for the Disabled.’

As a founder and trustee of Healing with Horses Zimbabwe, Aileen plays a vital role in the organisation. In addition to teaching all able-bodied lessons and accompanying center competitors to shows, she serves as the procurement officer and helps manage the stable yard and herd. Her commitment and expertise are invaluable to the success of the program.

Fundraising Director

Mell has been volunteering at Healing with Horses Zimbabwe almost since we opened. She has been an amazing volunteer, who gave up her fear of horses to help side walking for needy children. Mell gave her time religiously over the years in support of our program and was someone we could count on.

In 2023 Mell took on the task of fundraising director for Healing with Horses where she has tireless organised some successful function for us. Mell has recently returned from a trip to the USA where she visited many of our contacts and made new ones.

We are excited for Mells participation in Healing with Horses and feel she has already raised a new awareness for our program.

Trustee

Geoff is our third trustee for Healing with Horses Zimbabwe. A seasoned crop farmer based in Zambia, he brings invaluable expertise in water systems, land preparation, and crop production, which is instrumental in our efforts to develop sustainable pastures for our horses.

Despite living in Zambia, Geoff is our most avid supporter, always available with guidance and encouragement. He visits us every couple of months to check on our progress, lend a helping hand, and enjoy therapeutic moments with Twinkle, our beloved and extraordinary donkey. His unwavering dedication and hands-on involvement exemplify his passion for our mission and his belief in the transformative power of Healing with Horses.

Board Member

Clifford, a valued member of the Healing with Horses Zimbabwe board of directors, has been an integral part of our journey from the very beginning. Alongside his wife, Sabine, and their son, Carlos, Clifford has played a key role in the growth and success of our program. Carlos, who began his equestrian journey with us, now competes in dressage and jumping shows across Zimbabwe, showcasing the impact of dedication and passion.

Clifford is the ultimate "Go-To" person for Healing with Horses. Whatever the need—maintenance, shopping, public relations, side-walking—Clifford is always there with a calm, "no-problem" attitude. His resourcefulness and ability to make a plan under any circumstance have made him indispensable to our operations. Clifford approaches every task with unwavering dedication and good humor.

Board Member

Director, Mind the Gap Africa in the USA

June is a passionate advocate for Healing with Horses. While visiting Zimbabwe, June learned of the work at our equine assisted center and returned to the USA knowing she had to tell others about the amazing ministry bringing healing to children and their communities through horses. June leads the non-profit in the USA that provides financial support to HWH in Zimbabwe. In addition, June enjoys time with horses, driving a bus for children in Virginia, and helping at-risk children in Africa.

June is available to talk about Healing with Horses, as well as answer your questions about how you, your family, church, friends or company can advance its mission by partnering with HWH.

Foreman

Head Groom

Newman has been a part of Healing with Horses Zimbabwe since the start. He came to Healing with Horses as a young man, who had never touched a horse before. He soon learned to groom and handle the horses and is now one of our most experienced grooms. Newman looks after all our show horses, turning them out in a spectacular manner. He accompanies the horses and competitors who compete at shows. Newman is a mentor and companion to all our young riders, and everyone loves him. Newman has become my back and legs to mount all our participants. He is an excellent side-walker who takes the safety of the participants very seriously.