About Me
My Story
Hello! My name is Elizabeth. I’m a yoga teacher, horse rider, writer, adventure-seeker and entrepreneur.
I started practising yoga regularly in 2014 in Hong Kong, learning from teachers with lots of international experience and discovering a range of styles, from Hatha to Yin. In 2018, I completed my 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course at Sampoorna Yoga in Goa, India, specialising in Ashtanga-Vinyasa.
I rode horses on and off as a child but have ridden consistently since 2016, when I started lessons again in Hong Kong, riding the city’s ex-racehorses. I also volunteered for Riding for the Disabled. After leaving Hong Kong in 2018, inspired by a TV programme, I flew to Argentina to volunteer with horses at an estancia in Buenos Aires province. I have since worked with horses at trail riding outfits in Patagonia, Mozambique, Wyoming, Sardinia, Spain and Egypt.
Prior to my adult equestrian adventures, I worked as a journalist in Hong Kong and Dubai, writing about construction, big law and also for the Middle East business and consumer title, Arabian Business. I eventually became a desk editor with the international news agency, Agence France Presse (AFP). I have also written stories on a freelance basis for publications such as the Telegraph, Forbes.com and Horse & Rider.
I launched Mat & Saddle Equestrian Yoga in December 2022 to bring the things I love together.
My approach is detailed below.
Click here to read my story in full.
My Approach
In exploring the links between yoga and horse riding, and sharing my insights with others, I hope to empower and inspire both myself and other equestrians to become fitter, happier and more mindful horse people. What I teach is based upon my own learnings, experiences and adventures, as well as researching and having conversations with riders, trainers and coaches around the world.
But it is important to remember that yoga (much like riding) is an ongoing practice, not a goal to be reached.
My classes are based upon the principle that we are all on a journey to becoming better riders, trainers and yogis, and that we are always learning both on the mat and in/out of the saddle. I am certainly on a journey of my own, having encountered many personal challenges and breakthroughs in both riding and yoga: I’ve been injured, scared, impatient and tearful, as well as proud, free, empowered and elated.
These days, my goal is to enjoy where I’m at in both disciplines, and let my body, life and all the horses keep teaching me the important lessons.
I hope you enjoy practising with me.
“Remember, journeying is not half the fun, it’s all there is. There is no such thing as arriving.”
DISCLAIMER: Please note that I am a devoted horse rider and enthusiastic yoga teacher who believes passionately in what she’s doing. I am not a doctor, physiotherapist, mental health expert, professional rider or equine specialist. If you are pregnant, suffer from an illness or have an injury, please ensure you have been cleared by a doctor or other medical professional before participating in any new fitness regime. All students must agree to the terms and conditions before attending a class. Thank you!