Iris A.

Shepherd & livestock drives – Mountain Pastures, Herd & Pasture Management, Behavioural & Field Sample Collection (GPS, video, BORIS), Equine Welfare Research Communications & Reward-Based Horse Training Student | Artist

Norway

About

Horses and landscapes have shaped most of my life, working long seasons in the field and more recently, welfare-focused roles. Most of my experience is from highly rural and remote areas, and long days on foot or in the saddle. I try to work from a principle of "understand more, assume less". Alongside pasture work and practical field experience, including shepherding, cattle driving, free-range mountain grazing, field research data collection and ranch work, I’ve worked across several countries and cultures (Australia, New Zealand, USA, Nepal, Mongolia, Greece, Italy), gaining experience through hands-on roles in both structured and low-resource environments. I’ve also served on several national and regional boards in the equine and motorcycling sectors. In addition, I also work as an artist & illustrator with watercolour, charcoal and pencil mediums, as well as learning digital mediums (Rebelle).

Experience

  • Field Data Collector at Universitetet i Innlandet
    May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    University Research Project on Young Competition Horses in Different Pasture Systems - Systematic video recordings and ethological observations of equine behavior in pasture settings - Manage on-animal sensors and tracking devices for continuous data collection - Collect and process biological samples for laboratory analysis - Log observational data with standardized protocol - General data-handling & BORIS software - Collaborate with land managers and research team

  • Core Team Member at Hestevelferd.no
    May 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 2 mos

    Equine welfare research communications, including political advocacy, public presentations, and educational outreach.

  • (independent) (15 yrs 6 mos)
    • Freelance Artist
      2013 - Present · 13 yrs 6 mos

    • Singer | Songwriter
      2011 - Present · 15 yrs 6 mos

      Vocalist | Songwriter

  • Volunteer at Various Non Profit Organizations
    2008 - Present · 18 yrs 6 mos

    Animal care • Horse training • Live stock handling • Farm and Ranch Work • Shepherding • Aiding indigenous families • Mongolia • Nepal • Burma • Greece • Italy • USA • Australia • New Zealand • Norway

  • Executive Board Member at HEST OG HELSE
    Aug 2022 - Apr 2024 · 1 yr 9 mos