Catherine McDowell
Master Herbalist and Equine Specialist
Catherine (Cath) McDowell is a Director and Founder of McDowells Herbal Treatments, Australia’s leading provider of liquid herbal remedies for animals and people. With more than 25 years of experience building her consultation, manufacturing, and dispensing practice, Cath has become a respected pioneer in natural therapies, particularly within the equine industry.
Cath is also co-owner of Winterwood Sport Horses where she leads a team of passionate breeding, training and sustainable farm management professionals who are focused on cultivating horses whose needs are prioritised, ensuring they receive the finest holistic management and care while enjoying ample time to grow and flourish in natural herds.
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Cath has a deep passion for all forms of art, with a particular devotion to classical equestrian training. Often referred to as classical dressage, this approach to horsemanship centres on cultivating harmony between horse and rider through gentle, biomechanically sound techniques. Rather than relying on force or domination, it seeks to understand and enhance the horse’s natural movement, using clear and precise aids.
The result is a willing, confident, and balanced horse that carries itself with lightness, suppleness, and true partnership.
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Cath is a graduate of both Dorothy Hall College of Herbal Medicine (Adv. Dip. Western Herbal Medicine) and Denis Stewart College of Herbal Medicine (Grad. Dip. Western Herbal Medicine). She is also a Fellow of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), and an Equine Specialist. Alongside her herbal expertise, she holds qualifications in Counselling, Training, and Equestrian Coaching, giving her a uniquely holistic perspective on wellbeing.
Her journey began with a strong dedication to helping people live with awareness, freedom of choice, and control over their physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
From humble beginnings in a small regional shop, she has grown McDowells Herbal into an internationally recognised practice, with a following of over 20,000 people on Facebook, and a subscriber base of 20,000 for her newsletter.
Cath’s formulations and rehabilitation programs are used worldwide for conditions that conventional medicine often struggles to treat — including Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), laminitis, sarcoids, skin issues, immune weakness, and canine rehabilitation. McDowells Herbal now offers more than 1,000 products and programs through a state-of-the-art ecommerce platform featuring a free online consultation system developed by Cath herself, which was recognised as a finalist in the Online Retail Industry Awards.
As a writer, educator, and mentor, Cath contributes regularly to publications such as Baroque Horse Magazine, Holistic Horse Magazine (USA), Equine News, and WOOF Magazine, and she is frequently invited to share her expertise at conferences and events. She was invited as a keynote speaker at Equitana Melbourne, and is the specialist Equine health presenter on the Horseman Collective.
Beyond her business, Cath is deeply committed to making natural therapies accessible. A cornerstone of her practice is offering free support and guidance to anyone in need. Her dedication has inspired and mentored many aspiring herbalists and equine health professionals.
Cath’s philosophy is rooted in respect for nature, humility, and the belief that true healing must address the whole being. Her life’s work continues to change lives — for both people and animals — and has firmly established McDowells Herbal as a leader in holistic health worldwide.