At the Heart of What We Do
Meet Our Beloved Herd of Horses
"Our horses are more than just animals—they are our partners, teachers, and healers. At Random’s Retreat, they play an integral role in everything we do, offering a unique connection to nature, self-discovery, and personal growth"
The Power of Equine Therapy
For centuries, horses have been known for their ability to connect with humans on a deep emotional level. Modern equine-assisted therapy builds on this ancient relationship, using the horse's intuitive nature to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Research and practice have shown that spending time with horses can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety: The calming presence of a horse can help soothe the mind and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
- Build confidence: Working alongside horses fosters a sense of achievement and self-belief.
- Enhance communication skills: Horses respond to non-verbal cues, teaching us the importance of clear and respectful interaction.
- Support physical health: Activities like grooming, leading, or riding promote gentle movement and coordination.
- Encourage mindfulness: Being with horses helps us stay present, tune into our surroundings, and enjoy the moment.
Horses have the unique ability to reflect our emotions, offering instant feedback that helps us understand ourselves better. This is why they are central to our therapeutic programmes, benefiting people of all ages and abilities.
Random joined us in 2013 as a young colt. He was a friend for my 18yr old daughter living with GAD & PTSD and having a difficult time. Random brought calmness and focus to our lives, joined the others easily and had fun learning with Skye in his younger years.
Random has been +R trained from day 1 and never had traditional tack or shoes. He loves to play games and show off his tricks, he has a vocabulary of around 45 words and a box full of toys. Random does ride with us but doesn’t often choose riding as his human interactions. He LOVES to play football and chase.
Haides came to us at 6months old in 2012, he was a scared, unhandled, neglected foal who needed lots of tlc to support him getting back to full health. Aisha has trained and loved him from day 1 and they have grown an amazing bond over the years. He is fab for young children to learn to ride he has a great personality and will stand for hours to be groomed and played with
Apollo came to us as a yearling in 2015, he stayed with us almost a year before we bought him from his owner. He was a beautiful young gelding my daughter had fallen in love with. Reaghan & Apollo grew together and began training to ride. Their dream was to be able to event together, Apollo's body decided this was not to be. After many hours of examinations, tests and veterinary treatments giving us no definite solutions, we decided a holistic, unridden life may be the best answer for him. There's always the chance someday their dream could happen.....
Star has been with us the longest and is our matriarch to the herd. She joined us in 2007 as a wild, straight from the welsh mountains 4month old foal. She has taught us everything we know about being part of a herd, shown us how a herd survive, interact, evolve, self heal, self select and generally care for each other.
Star has taught all my daughters respect and responsibility and of course how to ride ( with a sticky bum!!) She will push their physical abilities and show them they can adapt and learn from themselves. This pony may be small in appearance but her personality and ability to teach are huge
ROMEO
Romeo came to us as a beautiful Stallion who had never experienced human interaction. He had previously been injured and healed naturally leaving him with a deformation to his hock. He started a ridden career but quickly told us this wasn’t for him so he retired at 5yrs old and stepped up to lead the herd.
Romeo is a quiet, calm gelding who can support relaxation in everyone. His presence makes you feel safe and gives a true connection.
Romeo is the heart and soul of our herd and family.
Bambi joined us in 2019 as my daughters riding pony. They have never looked back and enjoy everything from hacks to cross country rides. Bambi is a lovely calming pony and loves to spend time with humans, if you go in the field he will follow you round everywhere!
Bambi loves to stand being groomed and will sleep while you do it. He joins most of our sessions and is happy to lead an obstacle course. He does have some tricks to show you and likes to play with the toys too.
Jigsaw joined us 2023 as a young colt. He was chosen to come along as part of a smaller pair to work with our smaller children and be able to come into the barn in the colder months for sessions.
He had no human handling before joining us and has started to learn from the herd straight away. He loves to be groomed and is starting to accept the halter and work within restraints.
He can play games, follow with +R training and will eventually be a riding pony for my grand daughter.
Lil Man joined us 2024 as a 4 month old foal. He came as a surprise after a traumatic start to his young life. He was very young, lost his mum and had a bad experience of humans before joining us. He was in quite a poor state but those who rescued him had started to support his recovery. he spent many weeks in our isolation wildflower paddock, gaining weight, strength and starting to trust humans again. He decided to join the herd and has been thriving ever since. He is learning so much from the herd. He loves to be groomed and is starting to accept the halter and work within restraints. He can play games, follow with +R training and will eventually be a riding pony for my grand daughter.
Rosie joined us in 2020 as her human carer went off on an adventure to build boats in Costa Rica!
She was planned to be with temporarily, she struggled with settling into herd life for some time but eventually found her place. Her mum visited as often as possible, when she returned from travelling she realised Rosie was at her happiest with the herd so she is with us forever. Rosie is a dominant, sassy, opinionated but respectful mare who doesn’t always choose to interact with us. Those who are chosen by Rosie will be given 100% of her dedicated and loving personality.
Steptoe joined us as my riding horse. I met many beautiful horses after losing my tb but never felt ‘that connection’ after a long search I met Steptoe and he stole my heart. He came home as a loan, his owner quickly realised we loved him unconditionally and let him stay with us forever. We enjoy our time together and although he doesn’t join many sessions he loves attention and grooming in the paddocks. He is a beautiful big friendly giant who will love everyone big and small, he plays with the younger horses and loves a good game of chase with the others.
Apollo joined us to grow up for his mum. He quickly stole my daughters heart and we bought him within the year. He began to train with +R and slowly started to learn to be ridden. We realised he wasn’t quite right and after 3yrs of medical treatment, rest, and turmoil we decided he shouldn’t be ridden due to a twisted pelvis. He has a happy pain free life and loves to learn new tricks. He is definitely his mums baby and doesn’t choose many other humans but will accept some grooming and interactions within the herd
Leia joined us in 2020 with her sister after a traumatic few years of losing her human family of carers. She travelled from Kent to live with our herd. She has always been trained using +R methods and enjoyed having the chance to make decisions in her life. Living naturally and being together was the most important thing for these girls and we promised to give them that for the rest of their days.
Leia is quiet, calm, and loves to learn new tricks. She enjoys joining our learning sessions for training.... as long as Pheadra comes along too
Pheadra joined us in 2020 with her sister after a traumatic few years of losing her human family of carers. She travelled from Kent to live with our herd. She has always been trained using +R methods and enjoyed having the chance to make decisions in her life. Living naturally and being together was the most important thing for these girls and we promised to give them that for the rest of their days.
Pheadra is sassy and fun to be around and loves to join our learning sessions.... as long as Leia comes along too
Inclusive and Tailored Experiences
Our equine-assisted programmes are designed to benefit everyone, no matter their age, experience, or goals. From children and teens to adults and seniors, the bond with our horses offers something special for all.
- For children and teens: Horses help young people build self-esteem, develop social skills, and learn resilience in a safe, nurturing environment.
- For adults: Whether it’s managing stress, improving mental health, or finding a moment of peace, horses provide an opportunity for growth and healing.
- For seniors: Gentle, hands-on interaction with our horses offers companionship, physical engagement, and a connection to nature.
What to Expect in a Session
Each session with our horses is tailored to individual needs and preferences. You might:
- Groom and care for a horse, building trust and connection.
- Learn about horse behaviour and communication.
- Participate in groundwork activities that encourage cooperation and focus.
- Simply spend time with a horse in a peaceful setting, enjoying their calming presence.
More Than Therapy: A Community of Care
Our herd is at the heart of a supportive community. They are cared for by our dedicated team and volunteers, who ensure their happiness and health. Every interaction with our horses also supports our mission to create a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and understood.
At Random’s Retreat, our horses are more than animals—they’re companions, teachers, and a source of endless inspiration. Come and meet them, and discover the transformative power of these incredible creatures.