Born and raised on a cattle ranch in central Queensland Australia, it was a natural part of life for Gem to be surrounded by horses and cattle. This brought about many circumstances and situations which helped her acquire a vast knowledge for a variety of injuries and sicknesses. Gem’s mother, Joyce Lloyd was well known around the area to have a “healing touch” with animals. Taking baby calves, fo
als they had raised, joey kangaroo’s (yes, Gem was very fortunate to have those as pets) and even a baby koala that was left on the side of the road to die. So from a young age, Gem was involved with these animals’ recoveries. What she noticed most was the animals stayed healthier longer, which began her curiosity of WHY? The family was highly successful in an event known only to Australians called campdrafting, governed by the organization, the Australian Campdrafters Association. Gem accomplishments in this sport included winning the junior title and the reserve champion twice, as well as winning the Ladies Queensland Championship in 1983. Because of the family’s accomplishments in the sport people starting taking notice and asking Joyce, and in turn Gem, what are you feeding your horses? The answer was generally oats, and rub on them. Of course, it is not quite as simple as it sounds. One particular horse in Gems youth, known as “E Knows” (because he knew it all) was a poster child for this adage. The horse injured his sacroiliac joint as a foal and was treated accordingly by a chiropractor and then put into rehab with Gem. “E Knows” also had a stomach that bothered him during this period, for this Gem used holistic/naturopathic treatments. Rubbing and stretching became a part of his regime, without it, he was lame. With it, he excelled in numerous events such as; campdrafting, barrel racing, stock horse classes, jumping and hunter hacking. With this experience, Gem learnt the importance of keeping the WHOLE horse healthy, both internally and externally. So there came the phrase, “feed them oats- because it’s natural and rub on them- because it’s natural”. A successful career on the Professional Rodeo Circuit in Australia then followed where Gem competed in barrel racing. Gem also received a 3 year sponsorship from a notable chiropractic firm, who educated her in the skills required to have a sound healthy happy horse that wins continuously. After visiting the United States on many occasions Gem decided to move there permanently in 1990 to further advance within the horse industry. Gem’s experience gives her a vast range of knowledge to pull from because different events bring different injuries to the table. Where a jumping horse might incur injury in his front end, a reiner or cutter is more likely to have trouble in their hind end. Therefore Gem's knowledge can help to determine the types of therapies required and customize an individual plan. The bottom line is simple, A happy healthy horse, makes our lives a pleasant journey, which is something we all strive to attain.
