As I learned to be more horse on a wild sussex retreat

On a farm in West Sussex I stand next to a good -looking Piebald -Irish COB. Jenny is almost 16 hands, with stocky feathered legs, a flowing mane and a gentle behavior. I am quite careful with horses, but when I watch your stomach slowly expanded while breathing and notices her long eyelashes and velvet nose, I feel enthusiastic and completely relaxed.

I am in a new cabin in Westerlands, a regenerative farm in Graffham, in the South Downs National Park, for a back-to-nature experience and try out a “riding wellness” session. The monthly workshops by Wellness trainer Gemma Peterson, who is managed by Stable Manager and Equine Behaviourist Elly Middleton, offer people the opportunity to spend time with horses, slow down and charge (they can also be cut and booked privately).

“We can learn a lot from horses, they are masters of mindfulness and deeply intuitive,” says Elly. “The entire ethos of the farm is about healing in nature. Only being with a horse, can have therapeutic advantages and teach us well -being techniques, e.g. how you are at the moment.”

The two -hour session begins with breathing work, meditation and journal, led by Gemma, before we meet the horses and be encouraged to combine with “touch, feeling and smell”. When I stand quietly on Jenny’s side and stroked her neck, her head bends to mine – and I feel physically and my mind is still. It is a simple but strangely powerful experience. We end with restorative yoga Nidra through an open fire and I practically hover back into my cabin.

Westerlands is a former Racehorse Stud Farm (and seasonal home for Polo ponies) and has belonged to the Jamison family since the 1980s. In recent years it has started to handle a “regenerative farm” that has been managed for nature with the aim of increasing the biological diversity and protecting the environment. It is a family matter, with Antonia Jamison and her husband Oliver at the top, together with the sisters Emma (an artist who is a studio with her mother Pamela, also painter) and Mel (a herbal knowledge that leads feed walks).

The family also has adjoining land on the top of the downs, including the nature reserves managed by the Graffham Down Trust. On the direction of the south, it is a melodious chalkedownland and forests, with old owls, meadows and panoramic views of the sea. It is all part of the WALD to Waves Initiative to create a 100-mile-natural restoration corridor throughout Sussex from the Hohen Wald to the coast.

In order to restore soil health, the number of sheep and cattle is limited on the farm, and only eight horses remain in the Equestrian Center for trekking and horse connection experiences. Beekeeping (honey is for sale), plants and repetitions and recovery plans as well as the organization of events and encouragement of visitors to explore.

“We are a lot on a trip to restore the country and create community to give people more opportunities to combine nature,” says Antonia. “By giving the natural space, we have seen many changes in a short time, with more insects and bird life. Westerlands is a place of peace, and we want it to be accessible to everyone.”

At the center of the new model is a growing range of accommodations, from huts and huts to converted barns. Woodfire campsite works out of one of the cabbage shops, whereby the kitchen is being created outdoors of meals outdoors where all guests can join.

I stay in the latest cabin – Holzland – in a huge field. The cabin is built sustainably with local wood and is four and is outside the gear, with a view to the landscape and a covered bathroom outdoors (the downs is a dark sky reserve and there is also a telescope for rent for clear nights).

This is a beautiful part of the world with numerous walks and great pubs (the cricket players at Duncton are a favorite). Footpaths lead to the village of Graffham, Lavington Common Nature Reserve is in the north, Petworth is 10 minutes away from the car and Ebikes can be set to explore further. But I don’t dare how there is a lot to do on the farm.

After the coffee in the Horsebox Cafe (in a reuse of Horsebox) I go to the Wildspa, a recent addition to the sauna and spring fed plumper in a private garden and in the rose room in a cottage from the 17th century for reflex zone massage with Louise (treatments are sufficient from massage to Reiki and Life Coaching). It’s blissful. There is also the Wildfit Outdoor Green fitness studio with regular courses, from circuits to kettlebells (and the opportunity to book private courses from yoga to strength training).

Horses are in the heart of Westerlands and the next morning I combine with Jenny for a hike through the farm and the landscape. The drivers of all levels and old age are provided (three are the minimum age), while non-drivers can register for 45-minute horse connection sessions. Owners can even bring their horses on vacation. I didn’t drive for a while, but it is a pleasure to meave through the forests in spring.

Back in the stables, I learn from medical herbs that are fed the horses and see the “herbal café” in which you choose the plants you need to thrive. “Horses have the ability to recognize what they need for therapeutic purposes,” explains Elly:

The peace of Westerlands will soon be his magic and I leave the feeling that tapered and inspired by the transformation that takes place. I remember the teachings from the workshop – the advantages of slowing down and the present – and Elly’s advice ring in my head: “Basically more horse.” I think that will be my motto from now on.

The trip was provided by Westerlands. Shepherd hat (sleeps four) costs from £ 75 per night; Woodenland (sleeps four) out of £ 139 One night. Collect, reflect, connect Equine Connection workshops for two hours £ 49 -PP. Roman of £ 35 for 30 minutes

Trot on: tips for New driver

1 Choose an organization approved by the British Horse Society (or your equivalent abroad) to ensure a good standard for horses and trained employees.

2 Be honest with your driving experience. A good center suits you with the right horse.

3 Keep calm. Many people arrive in a state of excexpection, but staying calm and calm is the best approach.

4 Go to the horse on the shoulder and greet it; It is a partnership, you will work together.

5 Wear sensible, weather -appropriate clothing such as leggings or trail suites, no shorts, vest or hoods. Boots should be iodine boots or riding boots with a flat sole and a small heel, no coaches. Always wear a riding helmet and a hi-vis vest.

6 Sit deep into the saddle with a straight back and relax your legs. The aim is to activate the core and at the same time maintain smooth shoulders and hips. You should stand in line from shoulder to hip to heel. This helps you to balance so that the horse can move well. Press out of the lower calves to move forward.

7 Be soft with the reins because you connect directly to the horse’s mouth. Keep your shoulders soft and your hands relaxed. If you cannot stay relaxed in your arms and hands, hold the front of the saddle.
Elly Middleton, Westerlands Equestrian manager