Embodied Awareness and Reflection Through Horses

3rd–5th September 2026

The Horse Sanctuary, Little Swinton, TD12 4HH, Scottish Borders

£990 per person

Connection with horses · Equine sculpture · Embodiment yoga · Attune to nature

Hosted by The Herd, Sue, Jeanie, Alexandra and Marianne

Each day begins at 9am and ends at 5pm. Lunch and tea provided. Full schedule to follow.

Three days with a herd of horses in the Scottish Borders. When given the opportunity, horses create a safe and supportive space that helps humans on their journey toward wholeness. They respond to the energy we bring to each interaction, reflecting our beliefs, thoughts, emotions and intentions, offering honest and immediate feedback that deepens self-awareness and fosters meaningful transformation. All experiences are non-ridden and no prior horse experience is required.

Connection with Horses

When given the opportunity, horses create a safe and supportive space that helps humans on their journey toward wholeness.

They 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, horses attune to the subtle messages we communicate, offering honest and immediate feedback. This unique connection deepens self-awareness, fosters 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. 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 unique experience is co-facilitated by the horses who hold space for reflection and help to shape the insights and growth needed for meaningful personal development.

Sculpture

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 out of non-toxic plasticine/wax and wire of your chosen horse. All materials will be provided.

We will sculpt outdoors amongst the herd. This will be a beautiful and impactful way to study their form. You will be encouraged to touch them, to run your hands round their fetlock to understand the landscape of their form.

We will be capturing a moment shared between you and your subject. A tangible creation of your connection. Jeanie will teach you her method but the focus of it will be to lead with intuition, to explore, experiment and have fun.

All levels welcome.

Yoga

We offer the unique experience of practicing 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 Horse Time, a charity dedicated to ensuring that those who need therapeutic support can access it, regardless of their circumstances.

Guided by a deep commitment to the wellbeing of both people and horses, Sue developed a unique and effective approach that blends psychological therapy with applied equine ethology to help people overcome adversity and recover whilst completely respecting the needs of the horses.

By facilitating experiences that honour the horse’s agency, choice, and wisdom, Sue has witnessed how the transformative power of authentic connections with horses can help people reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and discover new possibilities for growth and healing.

Jeanie

Jeanie is an equine and portrait sculptor based in Edinburgh. She has a masters in art history from Glasgow and a sculpture diploma from Heatherleys Fine Art.

The focus of her most recent work, the Shakti series, is to connect the power of the feminine and the horse together. Her work presents the embodying of the Shakti as synonymous with the vitality to reconnect with nature.

The act of creating a sculpture is in itself a medicine; a cathartic, slow and tactile process that invites presence, patience, and deep attention.

The sculptural process fosters connection, introspection and empathy to the subject. In a world that moves quickly, sculpture offers an opportunity to slow down, listen, and engage with the living essence of another being, transforming both maker and subject through the act of creation.

Jeanie’s work is exhibited in private and public collections internationally and can be seen via her website, jeaniemerry.co.uk

Alexandra

Alexandra is a yoga teacher, retreat curator and holistic health coach. First introduced to yoga at age 11, she trained to teach under her mentor, Dr Liz Lindh, in the lineage of T. K. V. Desikachar. She has a global reach including co-hosting teacher trainings in Costa Rica and most recently, a residency on Mustique Island in the Caribbean.

Her trainings in Greece with Angela Farmer, world renowned pioneer of yoga for the feminine, have influenced a rich emphasis on embodiment in her teaching. Alexandra’s teaching aims to help people reconnect with the unique language of their inner world through deep presencing and using ‘inner imagery’.

Alexandra created Shieling Retreats in 2019 and has since been offering immersive experiences that weave together holistic practices, beautiful environments, deep rest and joy. All aspects of the retreat aim to contribute towards vitality and energy enhancement. More information 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, Marianne retrained as an equine-facilitated trauma specialist. Working in partnership with her herd, she supports adults, children, families, and asylum seekers through both in-person and online sessions, enabling her to work with clients locally and internationally.

Marianne’s approach is rooted in the belief that humans have an innate connection with the natural world and can benefit greatly from the calming, restorative presence of animals and nature.

Time spent outdoors and in the company of animals can help create emotional safety, reflection, perspective, and opportunities for healing.

Marianne is passionate about promoting not only recovery from mental health challenges but also positive wellbeing, helping people build resilience, connection, purpose, and the capacity to flourish.

Practical Information

Accommodation is not included and guests are welcome to book any local accommodation. The nearest stations are Berwick-upon-Tweed and Tweedbank. Full accommodation, travel and taxi suggestions are on the booking page.

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

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