The rider behind DS Equine Services
Danielle Saunders
Horse and pony education. Confidence-focused coaching. Swansea, South Wales.
My riding journey
Built on trust.
Danielle Saunders is a British showjumper based in Swansea, Wales. Her junior career took her onto top-level pony tracks and Welsh equestrian teams, before she developed her work in horse training, coaching and equine production.
Today, she brings that experience to patient, supportive lessons and calm education for horses and ponies. Safety, comfort and wellbeing always come first.
A special partnership
Newtown Mighty Max
At ten years old, Danielle and her 128cm pony, Newtown Mighty Max, won the Cats & Pipes 128cm Debut Championship at the Scope Festival, navigating a 16-pony jump-off.
Known affectionately as Max, he was a trusted, supportive partner. Danielle remembers his playful galloping and bucking when he felt his best, and how he helped her when a fence came on an imperfect stride. That mutual trust still shapes her work today.
Small ponies. Individual care.
Every horse gets its own pace.
Danielle’s light build allows her to school smaller ponies, including 11hh–12.2hh types. Many of the ponies she has personally broken in and educated have gone on to become well-mannered children’s riding ponies.
From green, unhandled or novice horses to a child’s future pony, she builds calm foundations through handling, first rides, walk, trot and canter. Each plan follows the horse’s temperament, without rushing or over-facing them.
Based in Swansea SA6, Danielle travels to client yards across South West Wales, up to 1 hour 30 minutes away. Mobile training and breaking / schooling livery are available by arrangement.
Horse & pony educationCoaching philosophy
Confidence, at every level.
Danielle teaches children and adults on their own horses and ponies, in private or group lessons. Her flexible, freelance sessions bring patient, supportive coaching to your yard, or you can travel to her by arrangement.
Finding your confidence again
Having ridden tense competition horses, Danielle understands rider anxiety. Her low-pressure approach supports riders who have lost confidence or are returning after a fall, keeping learning enjoyable and safety at the centre of every lesson.
Taking the next technical step
For more advanced riders, her top-track showjumping and Welsh team experience informs work on arena geometry, stride adjustments and technical jumping lines, alongside flatwork and individual goals.
Take the next stride