Our Equine Specialists
Bodhi Horse Practice is a collective of independent professionals brought together by a shared commitment to thoughtful, science-based care. While our primary focus is equine health and welfare, our team includes expertise in behavior science, equine and small animal veterinary medicine, ecology and equine welfare. This breadth of knowledge allows us to bring a broader, integrative perspective to our work.
Together, we form a well-rounded approach to better understand each horse as an individual with their own history, needs and way of being. We work in partnership with clients, recognizing your role as an active participant in the process, and offer interdisciplinary, research-driven support wherever you are.
Désirée Braganza, eDD, EBQ
is an equine behaviorist whose work centers on applied ethology: how horses experience their lives and environments. She began her career as a professor and director of a graduate program in education, a background that shaped her research-driven approach and commitment to accessible, practical insight.
She trained through the Natural Animal Centre in South Africa and now collaborates with equine professionals worldwide on projects exploring the lived experiences of domesticated horses. Her work blends academic inquiry with hands-on practice. Over the years, she has partnered with, cared for, and supported many horses, and she continues to consult with clients both in person and virtually.
Désirée is a member of the International Society for Applied Ethology, International Equine Professionals and the International Society for Equitation Science. Recently relocated from Northern California, she is now based in Monroe, Georgia, USA.
Current research includes:
Attention-Based Practices: Equine Wellbeing from an Ecological Perspective
Accounts of Adverse Equine Experiences
Mike Parker, DVM
is an equine veterinarian and owner of Crazy Horse Veterinary Services. The name of his private practice is a nod to his Native American roots and is meant to describe his heritage and profession. He is a Makah tribal member from Neah Bay, Washington, USA. He earned his DVM from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, focusing on large animal and equine surgery. Additionally, he has a Master’s in Animal Sciences and Equine Nutrition from Cornell University. Mike’s career has a solid allopathic foundation, yet he continued to explore new treatment modalities which now include acupuncture and chiropractic care. Mike provides consultation for us and virtual support for our clients who live in remote locations. He is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA.
Ila Tewari, DVM, CVH
earned her degrees in Veterinary Sciences and Animal Nutrition in India and later completed the requirements to practice veterinary medicine in the United States. She began her career in conventional small animal practice before expanding her focus to integrative care after working alongside holistic veterinarian Dr. Ihor Basko in Hawaii.
Now certified in Veterinary Homeopathy through the Pitcairn Institute, where she studied under Dr. Richard Pitcairn, she blends conventional and homeopathic approaches in her work. While she values conventional medicine, she believes many common conditions can be addressed by supporting the body’s innate healing and immune responses.
Ila consults worldwide in collaboration with primary veterinarians and is based in Northern California, USA. For consultations or inquiries, she can be contacted directly here.
Matthew Bruno
has complementary, well-honed skill sets. As a student at UC Santa Cruz, he studied art and later made permaculture his focus. Add his exceptional carpentry and building skills, and he is a go-to resource for guidance when planning or rethinking your horse property. He recently participated in research where he shared his ecologically based practices as he raises his two young mares. Click here to listen to a short interview. Matt teaches people how to get to know their ecosystem to ensure horses are living in balance as healthy and happy members of a cooperative environmental community. Matt is based on the Mendocino Coast, USA.