At Happy Destrier Consulting, we help horse and farm owners create and maintain equestrian facilities that work beautifully — for horses, people, and the land. Our mission is to bring health, balance, function, and ease to every aspect of barn life, from how horses move through their environments to the systems that keep those spaces running smoothly.

Founded by Andrea Mahaffey, Happy Destrier draws on more than 30 years of hands-on experience in equine care, training, and facility management. As a lifelong horsewoman and former hunter-jumper competitor from Ohio and Michigan, Andrea understands how design, maintenance, and management choices directly influence horse health and performance.

Having lived in the Colorado mountains for over 20 years, Andrea also knows firsthand how to design and manage facilities that stand up to the challenges of mountain weather, changing seasons, and heavy snow — ensuring operations remain safe, functional, and efficient year-round.

Happy Destrier works alongside owners, barn managers, and designers to assess, refine, and improve systems — creating spaces where horses can move naturally, workflows feel effortless, and maintenance supports long-term health and harmony.

My Philosophy

At the heart of my approach is the belief that a healthy mind creates a happy horse. Every aspect of care—from social interaction and environment to nutrition and training—should support the horse’s natural instincts and emotional well-being. Horses thrive when they can move freely, graze often, and form meaningful bonds. I prioritize “friends, forage, and freedom” as the foundation for a balanced, content horse that feels safe, understood, and engaged.

I take a holistic view of horse management, considering the whole horse rather than focusing on isolated issues. This means integrating thoughtful forage based (“food as fuel and medicine”), appropriate movement, mindful handling, and environments designed for physical and mental stability.

Collaboration is also key—I work closely with veterinarians, farriers, excavators, builders, and other professionals who bring valuable expertise to the table. Together, we can execute a shared vision and create the healthiest, most supportive environment for every horse to truly thrive.