The Power of Equine Meditation: Connecting with Horses for Inner Peace

Until one has meditated with a horse, a part of one’s soul remains asleep.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of calm and clarity can feel like a rare luxury. That’s where meditation steps in as a powerful tool for nurturing our mental and emotional well-being.

Beyond its ancient roots, meditation has gained widespread recognition for its ability to reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote overall inner peace. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or someone curious about dipping your toes into mindfulness practices, exploring the benefits of meditation can lead to a profound transformation, supporting you in navigating the complexities of modern life.

My personal journey with meditation spans over 15 years, during which I’ve explored various techniques and styles as a meditation teacher. However, nothing has moved me into alignment with my soul more quickly than meditating with my mare Skye and her herd. I started meditating with the horses when Skye was on her rehab journey. Watching her daily pain began my practise of tonglen meditation, a style of mediation where you take in the pain of others and send them relief while breathing out. It was all I could offer Skye during that time of healing. However, I always left the paddock with a sense that I had  received more love and support from her herd in return, then I ever gave Skye in those sessions.

Horses are the “masters of mindfulness.” They live in the present moment with keen awareness and no-judgmental presence. They are also attuned to their environment and to their bodies simultaneously. This unique way of being is vital for the survival of a prey species.

Horses have an intuitive nature and calming presence. Stand or sit with a horse and your nervous system will be soothed by the gentle rhythm of their slow breathing. Their grounded presence will naturally guide you to focus on the present moment, making letting go of distractions and slowing down your racing mind easier. Heightened awareness of body sensations, breath, and surroundings becomes a focal point when you are in the company of a thousand pound prey animal. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the self and a deeper awareness to our connection to the natural world.

Meditating with horses moves you into a heart-centred practice, gently opening your heart chakra and fostering expanded feelings of love, compassion, and gratitude. This energy exchange between the horses and meditators can facilitate self-discovery and emotional healing.

To share this transformative experience, Skye and I are excited to offer meditation circles with her herd at Second Chance Cheekye Ranch. Engaging in meditation with horses not only allows us to tap into their innate qualities but also fosters a deeper sense of connection within ourselves and with others, when we meditate in community.

Our sixty-minute sessions blend guided meditation, breathwork, and somatic practices to soothe the nervous system and expand calmness. With limited spots available, we invite you to join us on this journey of self-discovery and healing. You can learn more and our mediation circles and reserve your spot here.