About Beda Makela – Founder of The Dunes Equine

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Beda Makela is a passionate and experienced horse trainer based in South Ballina, NSW. Originally from Finland, she moved to Australia in 2012, where her lifelong love of horses grew into a dedicated career in horsemanship.

Beda’s journey began in Byron Bay as a trail riding guide before progressing to our polo stud, where she mastered the art of starting young horses under saddle. Over the years, she has worked with horses of all temperaments, specialising in those with behavioural issues, anxiety, or confidence challenges. Her training philosophy centres on positive reinforcement, building trust, safety, and respect.

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In 2023, Beda founded The Dunes Equine, offering a calm, supportive environment where horses and owners learn together. She also travels twice yearly to New Zealand to train with leading horsemen and women, continuously refining her knowledge and methods.

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Beda’s approach is compassionate and ethical, focusing on helping horses find joy in learning while guiding owners to develop stronger, more confident connections with their equine partners. Whether working with young horses or those overcoming past trauma, she is committed to creating balanced, happy horses and lasting partnerships.