E.A.R.T.H Equilibrium Retreat

Connection with the herd

Horses respond to the energy we bring to each interaction, reflecting our beliefs, thoughts, emotions and intentions. Whether we are consciously aware of them or not, they attune to the subtle messages we communicate, offering honest and immediate feedback. This connection deepens self-awareness and makes room for personal growth and meaningful transformation.

The herd and our equine specialists will guide us through practices that deepen our connection with ourselves and the horses, creating a safe space to step into the flow and connect to the creator within. All experiences are non-ridden and no prior horse experience is required.

The herd

Our mixed herd live harmoniously together in a paddock paradise nestled within the beautiful Scottish Borders. We keep our horses as close as possible to a natural lifestyle, supporting them to embody wholeness, self-organise and collectively make choices that support their wellbeing.

They choose when to move, where to go, when to eat, sleep, rest, play and connect — not only with each other and their environment, but also with the humans they encounter in their daily lives. This experience is co-facilitated by the horses, who hold space for reflection and help shape the insights and growth needed for meaningful personal development.

Sculpture and yoga

Sculpture with Jeanie

We will spend time connecting with the herd through sculpture. Jeanie will teach you how to make your own armatures so that we create a 1:10 maquette of your chosen horse in non-toxic plasticine, wax and wire. All materials are provided.

We will sculpt outdoors amongst the herd — a beautiful and impactful way to study their form. You will be encouraged to touch them, to run your hands round a fetlock and understand the landscape of their form. We are capturing a moment shared between you and your subject: a tangible creation of your connection. Jeanie will teach you her method, but the focus will be to lead with intuition, to explore, experiment and have fun. All levels welcome.

Embodiment yoga with Alexandra

We offer the unique experience of practising yoga in a protected circle within the harmony of the herd. Each session is designed to cultivate a deep sense of embodiment — drawing on grounding, imagery and attentive listening to your inner landscape to prepare you for a profound connection with the horses.

Moving at a slow and mindful pace, all sessions are open to every level of experience.

The team

Sue

Sue is an equine-assisted trauma therapist specialising in PTSD. She is the founder of The Trauma Therapy Centre in the Scottish Borders and of Horse Time, a charity dedicated to ensuring that those who need therapeutic support can access it, regardless of their circumstances.

Her approach blends psychological therapy with applied equine ethology, honouring the horse’s agency, choice and wisdom, and helping people overcome adversity, build resilience and discover new possibilities for growth and healing.

Jeanie

Jeanie is an equine and portrait sculptor based in Edinburgh, with a masters in art history from Glasgow and a sculpture diploma from Heatherleys Fine Art. The focus of her recent Shakti series is to connect the power of the feminine and the horse.

She describes the act of creating a sculpture as a medicine in itself — a cathartic, slow and tactile process that invites presence, patience and deep attention. Her work is held in private and public collections internationally and can be seen at jeaniemerry.co.uk.

Alexandra

Alexandra is a yoga teacher, retreat curator and holistic health coach. First introduced to yoga at eleven, she trained to teach under her mentor Dr Liz Lindh in the lineage of T. K. V. Desikachar, and her studies in Greece with Angela Farmer have shaped a rich emphasis on embodiment in her teaching.

She created Shieling Retreats in 2019 and has since offered immersive experiences that weave together holistic practices, beautiful environments, deep rest and joy. More at shielingretreats.uk.

Marianne

Marianne brings over 30 years of experience in acute mental health care within the NHS. Alongside her clinical career she has lived and worked with a mixed herd of horses, ponies, donkeys and goats, developing a deep understanding of both human psychology and animal behaviour.

Following her retirement from the NHS she retrained as an equine-facilitated trauma specialist. Working in partnership with her herd, she supports adults, children, families and asylum seekers, both in person and online.

Practical information

Accommodation is not included. Guests are welcome to book any local accommodation. A few suggestions nearby:

The Wheatsheaf Hotel & Restaurant, Swinton, TD11 3JJ — 01890 860257
The Victoria Hotel, Bar & Bistro, Norham, TD15 2LQ — 01289 783374
The Plough Inn, Leitholm, TD12 4JN — 01890 840408

Nearest stations are Berwick-upon-Tweed and Tweedbank.

Taxis — renting a car is recommended if you haven’t driven. Otherwise, from Berwick-upon-Tweed: Woody’s Taxis 01289 547009 or West End Cabs 01289 303050. From Tweedbank: PIN Cabs 07301 898555 or Tweedbank Ace Taxi Cabs 07929 232923.

Carpooling with other guests may be possible and can be organised closer to the date.

The price of £990 per person does not include accommodation or travel.

For any questions please contact sue@littleswinton.co.uk.