30/01/2026
🐴 When the herd shows us how to move through fear 🐴
During a recent session, a client witnessed something powerful.
The horses were resting together under a tree when a branch suddenly dropped.
In an instant, the whole herd responded as one — they galloped off together, creating distance from the danger. Then, just as beautifully, they spun and stopped, turning back to assess what had happened.
Once they realised the threat had passed, they returned halfway together, blowing out deep breaths. Oriana calmly wandered over and had a drink from the trough — a clear sign her nervous system had settled.
What struck my client wasn’t just the reaction… it was what happened after.
🧠 A little psychoeducation
Both horses and humans are wired to react to sudden threat. That surge of adrenaline is protective — it’s not the problem. The problem comes when we don’t let it move through us.
The horses:
Reacted quickly and appropriately
Checked for ongoing danger
Discharged the stress through movement and breath
Returned to calm without holding onto the fear
For people, “letting go” after a fright can look like:
Taking slow, intentional breaths
Talking through what happened with someone safe
Moving the body (walking, stretching, shaking it out)
Crying, sighing, or even laughing once the danger has passed
When we don’t express fear or stress safely, it can get stored — showing up later as anxiety, tension, irritability, or overwhelm. Horses remind us that regulation isn’t about avoiding emotion, but about allowing it to rise, move, and settle.
Watching the herd self-regulate together was a quiet, embodied lesson in resilience, safety, and trust — one that words alone can’t teach.
If you or your child would benefit from learning these skills experientially, sessions are now open.
📅 Book here: bellviewconnection@gmail.com
Sometimes the most powerful therapy… is watching how horses do what our nervous systems are designed to do too 🐴✨
