What to bring, what to expect, and how to show up as you are, boots, nerves, and all.

At Standfast, our healing with horses workshops are gentle, grounding, and welcoming. But we get it. Stepping into something new (especially when it involves large four-legged animals) can feel like a big deal.

Maybe you're not a “horse person.” Maybe you’ve never done anything like this before. Maybe you're wondering if the horse is going to psychoanalyse you (spoiler: they won’t). That’s all okay. This guide is here to help you feel ready — in body, mind, and gumboots.

**1. What to Wear**

You don’t need to dress like you’re going to a rodeo, but please don’t show up in jandals either.
**Covered shoes or boots** (essential, horses don’t sidestep toes)
**Clothes you can move in** — leggings, jeans, or trackies are perfect
**Weather-ready layers** — we’re coastal, which means anything from sunshine to sideways rain
**Rain jacket** — unless you like dancing in the rain
Bonus tip: Wear something you won’t mind brushing horse hair off at the end of the day.

**2. What to Bring**

**Water bottle** — hydrated humans are calmer humans
**Journal or notebook** — we’ll have prompts, but your thoughts deserve their own page
**Any medications or personal items you need**
**Your whole self** — messy, unsure, overthinking... all welcome
We’ll take care of the rest: **morning tea, a light lunch**, and the kind of space you didn’t know you needed.

3. But What If the Horse Doesn’t Like Me?

Ah, the classic worry.

Let us reassure you: horses don’t do “like” and “dislike” the way we do. They’re not here to judge your fashion sense, your anxiety levels, or whether you have a big nose or a small nose.

They’re reading your energy, not your résumé. And what they’re mostly looking for is honesty.

You don’t need to be confident, just real. If you’re nervous, the horse will notice... and most of the time, they’ll soften in response. Horses don’t want perfection. They want presence.

In fact, some of our calmest, deepest connections happen with people who feel the most unsure.

So no, the horse won’t hate you. Promise.

**4. What to Expect (Emotionally)**

This isn’t a therapy session where you have to spill your soul to strangers. There are no group circles where you’re forced to talk. And no, you don’t have to hug a horse (unless you and the horse agree it’s the right time).
What you *can* expect:
Space to breathe
A bit of quiet
A few surprising emotions
And likely a moment where you say, “...oh. wow, that’s me.”
It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to laugh. It’s okay to do neither. The horses won’t mind.

**5. What Happens With the Horses?**

We won’t be riding or doing obstacle courses (unless you count stepping over your own emotional baggage). This is about connecting, not controlling.
You’ll experience:
Observing the herd and how they respond to you
Grooming (with the horse’s consent, not just yours)
Quiet time beside them
Breathwork and body awareness exercises
And the occasional horse fart that reminds us not to take life too seriously

6. Will I Be Safe?

Yes.
You’ll be supported by facilitators who understand both humans and horses and don’t worry, the horses won’t throw shade if you’re nervous. Everything we do is trauma-informed, slow-paced, and guided with care.

You don’t need experience. You just need to turn up and trust we’ve got you.

7. What If I’m Afraid of Horses?

You're not alone. Horses are big, powerful animals, it’s completely natural to feel nervous, especially if you’ve had little or no experience with them.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be fearless to show up. You just need to be willing.

At Standfast, we honour fear as part of the journey. You won’t be rushed or pushed. Everything we do is guided gently, at your pace, with experienced facilitators and calm, well-handled horses.

You can observe from a distance. You can simply be near the paddock. You can say, “I’m not ready yet,” and we’ll respect that fully.

Often, we’ve seen the most powerful shifts come from people who began the day unsure and left with a deep, quiet sense of connection. Not because they forced themselves through fear, but because they were supported through it.

Let the horses meet you where you are.

8. Come As You Are

Come with your busy mind, your aching shoulders, your too-full heart.
Come with curiosity or hesitation, it’s all welcome.
Come even if you’re not sure why you’re coming. Sometimes your body gets there before your brain does.

Healing With Horses Workshop
📍 Standfast Stables, Te Kaha
🕘 9:00am–3:00pm
☕ Morning tea and light lunch provided
🎟️ Bookings essential | standfaststables.com
📩 Email kiaora@standfaststables.com to reserve your spot

Book into Workshop