Natural Answer

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

I have just reintroduced the mares to the geldings. It’s lovely to have them all together as a herd, but in the past it has caused some problems. As I’m usually on my own and they can’t stay out 247 on Spring grass it’s tricky getting them in. When they are in separate fields I lead two together, Dotty just follows loose as do any sheep or goats. The trouble having them all together is Ryaaz can chase the sheep or goats so they can’t go in the same field and it’s hard to get through the gate with one or two horses without them all wanting to come. Day one went really well with the reintegration, but getting in was a challenge. They didn’t want to be caught and who can blame them. Scarlet needs restricted grazing so wasn’t in the field the first day but managed to escape the sand paddock and come blasting down which set them all off. Willow still wouldn’t be caught but I managed to catch Wraheem so gathered up Scarlet on the way out and took those two up to the yard. Willow and Ryaaz did not like at all that their pair bonds had gone without them so all of a sudden couldn’t wait to be brought in. Just as I was getting them in the goats right on cue clambered up the bank behind the muck heap snapping branches and spooking them. There were sheep pinging about too so it wasn’t the best experience however we all managed to get into the right enclosures for the night in the end.

I’m pleased to say though they do all seem really settled and day 2 I was able to bring Willow and Ryaaz in to be ridden and all was calm. Today bringing them in I got the boys first and the girls did wait back and not crowd the gateway. It’s great to see them all interacting and being so social and harmonious. There was a lot of posturing when I first put them in together mainly from Wraheem and Willow. It’s so interesting to watch how they relate to one another and see who makes the decisions to move, go to the water etc.

03/05/2026

Later this month I will be offering this Introduction to Flower and Vibrational Essence workshop.

Join me for a relaxing and informative day, introducing flower and vibrational essences for wellbeing. Hosted by Jane Gilbey, Essence Producer and Practitioner. Features An introduction to Flower and Vibrational Essences How they are made Their Application and uses How they can support us through th...

21/04/2026

What a beautiful weekend for our belated Spring Equinox workshop. A day of connection and friendship, feeling into the uplifting, energising energy of Spring and the New moon. Thank you to Gill Leach from Fenland Holistics and the lovely group who attended. A magical day.

14/04/2026

It was a pleasure to spend four days with these lovely ladies as host and co facilitator with Michaela Flurry to deliver this externally accredited Athena Level 2 Foundation Certificate Course. We were blessed with nice weather for our outside work with the horses, all of whom were wonderful with their feedback and way of being, enabling some amazing insights and learning for each participant in both client and facilitator role. Our Walnut Barn served as a great space for the topic delivery, reflections and lunches and one learner stayed on site in our Ryeland hut. It’s great to have been able to host this course at Oaksbrook Retreat.

Thank you Jennifer Geach and Graeme Green for all your support and entrusting myself and Michaela to deliver this wonderful foundation course in Equine Facilitated Services.

A big thank you also to our two wonderful volunteers Gill Leach and Caitlin Ross who worked hard behind the scenes, your efforts were much appreciated and helped enable the smooth running of the course.

We are so proud and grateful to continue to be busy supporting people from far and wide with their journeys into

🎉 we recently celebrated this group of ladies completion of the externally accredited Athena Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Equine Assisted Services in Essex hosted at Natural Answer and delivered by Jane Gilbey and Michaela Flury.

06/04/2026

🌍 From 🦘Australia to Essex… this is what global practice looks like.

This April, the Athena Foundation Certificate in Equine Assisted Services lands in Essex — and it’s bringing together practitioners not just from across the UK… but from as far as Australia.

📍 Essex, UK
📅 9–12 April (inclusive)

This isn’t just a course. It’s a coming together of professionals committed to doing this work properly — with structure, ethics, and real-world application at its core.

✔ Trauma-informed, client-led approach
✔ Delivered by active practitioners
✔ Designed to support progression into recognised professional practice
✔ Part of a wider regulated framework — not a standalone model

When people are willing to travel across the world to be in the room… it tells you something.

Standards matter. Community matters. Doing this work well matters.

If you’re joining us — we can’t wait to welcome you.
If you’re watching this space — now is the time to step forward.

🌐 athenaherd.org

06/04/2026

Join me for an Introduction to Essences workshop. Save the date. 31st May.
Experiential workshop, come and learn how flower, gem and environmental essences can help support us through life’s ups and downs. Learn about their origin and how they are made. Explore plant consciousness, connect with the trees and flowers on our plant connection walk. Make up your own bottle to take away and try.
With Jane Gilbey Essence Producer and Practitioner. 🌸

06/04/2026

The barn is all set up ready to welcome 5 lovely ladies later this week for the Level Athena Foundation Certificate in Equine Assisted Services. This externally accredited qualification serves as both an excellent standalone introduction and the essential prerequisite for advancing to the Level 4 and Level 5 Diploma programmes.

Excited to be Co Facilitating this four day course with my colleague Michaela Flurry.

06/04/2026

Upcoming workshop for this Spring. A day of relaxation, reflection, nature connections and creativity.

05/04/2026

Easter blessings to all.

05/04/2026

Our memorial grove for the animals.