The Quiet Herd

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The Quiet Herd

When my horses first came to me, they carried fear, stress, & overwhelm, a mirror to what was within me. Today, we help people & horses do the same.
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With patience, gentleness, & presence, we healed & found peace. The Quiet Herd – Meeting the Horses Who Hold Presence

When my horses first came to me, they carried fear, stress, and overwhelm. They mirrored what was within me too. With patience, gentleness, and presence, we all healed and found our way to peace. Today, we live calmly every day, and together, we help people do the same. Many who arrive in the field, or even on this page, are carrying anxiety, stress, or overwhelm. In the presence of horses, and with me alongside you, you’ll find space to reconnect with your own calm and presence. My horses and I came in fear and now live in peace, and together we helpg people and horses on that same journey. Learn more about me, the herd, or want to book a session either in person or online get in touch below:

📞 07957 160333
📧 thequietherd@outlook.com

10/10/2025

Some days there’s no light.

Just the long tunnel, the endless waiting, the weariness that seeps into the bones.
You tell yourself to keep going, to trust the process, to have faith that things will shift but it’s been so long now.

Too long.

And hope feels like something far away, flickering at the other end of a road you can’t quite reach.

We’ve been waiting for the glimmer, the release, the turning of the tide.

And I’m tired we’re all tired.

There are no easy words for this part of the journey, no fix, no shortcut through the ache.

Sometimes all you can do is breathe through the heaviness and keep moving gently forward.

And then, out of nowhere, something small begins to hum. Literally.

I catch myself humming around the house, humming to the horses, humming without even noticing.

And when I realise it, I smile because somehow my body remembered what my mind forgot.

Humming quiets the noise.

It stills the thoughts, softens the anxiety, and brings my nervous system back to centre.

When I hum, my horses sigh, lick, and yawn they find that peace too.

It’s simple. It’s free. And in a world where everything seems to cost so much, that feels like a small kind of grace.

So yes, I’m still in the tunnel.
The light hasn’t fully returned.

But maybe, just maybe, the sound of my own humming is a reminder that even in the dark, life keeps whispering through us guiding us gently home.

09/10/2025

Sometimes I forget what I already know and somehow, my body remembers before my mind does.

Lately, I’ve found myself humming.

Humming around my home, humming on the way to see clients, even humming when I am baking, and humming as I move quietly among the horses.

And not just humming smiling too.

It wasn’t until this morning that I actually noticed it and wondered why.

When I checked in with myself, I realised that humming stills the overthinking, quiets the ruminating, and soothes my nervous system.

It softens the edges of anxiety and brings my whole body into ease.

And the beautiful thing?

When I start humming around my horses, they begin to sigh, lick, yawn their bodies melting into the same calm.

Like diaphragmatic breathing, humming is simple, powerful, and completely free.

When everything else seems to be rising in cost, these small acts of self-regulation don’t cost a thing and yet they change everything.

So if you see me out and about, humming to myself and smiling come say hello.
Maybe stay a minute, and hum along with me.

08/10/2025

Some honesty today.

It’s been a long time more than two years of waiting for the glimmer of light, for things to ease, for something to shift.

And yet the tunnel just keeps stretching on.

We keep showing up.
We keep breathing.
We keep doing our best for each other.
But if I’m honest, we’re all tired. Bone-tired.

There’s no quick fix, no roadmap, no promise that it’s about to change.
Just the day-to-day reality of walking through something we never asked for, trying to hold faith when there’s nothing visible to pin it to.

Maybe this isn’t a post about hope.
Maybe it’s just about truth about naming the heaviness so it doesn’t keep swallowing us whole.

Sometimes that’s all we can do: tell the truth, keep going, and trust that even in the darkest tunnel, something deep within us still remembers the way back to light.

08/10/2025

It's true I'm a featured writer 💙

https://reikihealingassociation.com/enrol/universal-life-magazine

07/10/2025

“A gentle piece I was honoured to write…”

My article for Universal Life Magazine was published today by the Reiki Healing Association.

A year or two ago, I might have shared this with excitement, hoping it would bring interest, new connections, or momentum for my work.

Today, I share it from a quieter place. With gratitude for the words themselves, and for the reminder they carry: that healing with horses, breath, and presence is not something I do, but something I live.

If you feel drawn to read it, you can find it here Link: https://reikihealingassociation.com/enrol/universal-life-magazine/register/

With love,
Chonti

06/10/2025

A little something about how I see horses and people ✨

Sometimes, when I’m with a horse (or a person), I don’t just see what’s on the surface.

I get gentle impressions — like old, grainy photographs or short films — that seem to hold parts of their story. Often it’s not about what they eat or do, but about their relationships, their emotions, or the dynamics around them.

I don’t see this as “magic” or “spooky.” It’s simply how my nervous system listens — years of attuning to horses and humans have given me a way of noticing what often goes unspoken. I offer what I sense gently, as an invitation, never a judgment.

Sometimes this depth can feel surprising for people. I understand that. For me, it’s just another way of listening.

I’m sharing this now because it’s a part of me I’ve never spoken about openly, and it feels right to let people know. 💛

05/10/2025

The Old Mare’s Rest — A Guided Meditation - Stress Relief for Horse Owners

A quiet remembering for the body, the heart, and the spirit that has carried so much.

You may like to sit or lie down, wrapped in something soft. If your horse is nearby, feel free to do this in her company — or let her spirit join you in the field of your mind.

Begin by breathing.

Not deeply, not forcefully.

Just a breath that says: “I am here. And that’s enough.”

Feel the ground beneath you — solid, unhurried.

Imagine the warm, worn earth of a summer pasture.

Soft. Spacious. Familiar.

You are the mare in this field.

Not the sprightly foal.

Not the showy stallion.

But the old mare — weathered, wise, and whole.

You do not need to perform here.

You do not need to walk tall or hide your limp.

This land knows you. It remembers your younger strides, your mothering heart, the weight you’ve carried and never complained about.

The aches in your joints?

They are medals of devotion.

Every sore muscle tells a story of showing up — even when no one saw it.

Let your body rest in this knowing:

“I do not need to prove my worth. I have already become it.”

Now feel the sun on your back.

Warming the tight places.

Soothing the worn ones.

You are not broken — you are simply tired from mattering.

And here, in this space,

you are allowed to rest without apology.

Let the earth hold you.

Let the breath move through you like wind through tall grass.

Let your heart soften, like old leather warmed by time.

And when you are ready, whisper to yourself — or to the mare within you:

“Thank you. For every step. For every scar. For staying.”

“I honour you, even when the world forgets.”

“You are not past your prime — you are the keeper of the field.”

Rest here as long as you need.

No pressure.

No pace.

Only presence.

And when you rise, let it be gently — with the knowing that there is nothing to fix. Nothing to earn. Only a life to live from the quiet power of who you already are.

05/10/2025

Empowering People Through Reiki with an Equine Partner

Do you ever feel rushed, pressured, or unheard? Imagine how your horse might feel if you unintentionally bring that energy to your interactions. Building a strong, trusting relationship with your equine companion requires patience, understanding, and the ability to hold space for their individual needs. This isn't always easy, especially in our fast-paced world. But what if there was a way to cultivate calmness, enhance your presence, and deepen your connection with your horse?

You can, through the powerful practice of Energy Healing / Reiki.

Reiki, a gentle and non-invasive energy healing modality, offers profound benefits for both you and your horse. It's about tapping into universal life force energy and channeling it to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support natural healing processes. But even more significantly, sharing Reiki creates a unique opportunity for connection and understanding.

Think of it this way: are you someone who appreciates being rushed or spoken to harshly? Probably not. Your horse deserves the same consideration. Empowering horse owners through Reiki means learning to approach your horse with a calm, grounded presence. It means cultivating the patience to allow them to process information at their own pace, to meet them where they are, and to truly listen to what they're communicating – verbally and non-verbally.

Practicing mindfulness exercises with your horse, alongside Reiki sessions, further enhances your ability to be present. Notice the way they breathe, the subtle shifts in their posture, the gentle nuzzle of their head. Pay attention to your own energy and how it impacts their behaviour.

Energy Healing / Reiki in the presence of horses offers a unique path to self-discovery as well. As you learn to quiet your own mind and connect with your horse on a deeper level, you'll gain valuable insights into your own patterns, triggers, and areas for growth. You'll learn to be more present, more grounded, and ultimately, a more compassionate and understanding partner for your horse.

This journey of connection is a gift. It's an opportunity to move beyond traditional training methods and embrace a more holistic approach to horsemanship. It's about empowering horse owners through Reiki to create truly harmonious and fulfilling relationships built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. So, take a deep breath, quiet your mind, and open your heart to the profound possibilities that await you and your equine companion.

05/10/2025

Can I guide you through a very simple somatic exercise right now to let your body feel seen, not just your mind — something gentle you can do alone that reconnects you to your own presence and value, something you can do when you feel invisible...

“I Am Seen” Ritual (5–10 minutes)

1. Choose a space

Find a place where you feel safe. It could be your garden, a field, a quiet corner of your home, or outside in the sun.

If you’re with your horses, let them be present naturally no expectations, just noticing each other.

2. Connect with your body

Take 2–3 slow breaths. Feel your feet on the ground, your body supported, your spine tall but relaxed.

Place a hand over your heart (and optionally one on your belly). Feel your own warmth and presence.

3. Speak to yourself

Whisper, out loud or silently:
“I see you. I feel you. You matter.”

You can add:
“All of me tired, strong, quiet, messy, brilliant is worthy of attention and love.”

4. Include your horses (optional) if you have one.

If they’re present, watch them notice you, even in small ways a look, a breath, a gentle nudge. Imagine that their calm awareness is acknowledging you.

You can even say:
“Thank you for seeing me.”

5. Anchor with your senses

Notice 1–2 things around you: the smell of hay, the sound of birds, the feel of a gentle breeze, the warmth of your hands.

Say silently: “I am here. I am alive. I am seen.”

6. Close with gratitude

Thank yourself for taking these few minutes. It’s a quiet, powerful act of recognition.

Optionally, write a word or short phrase in a small notebook each day: “seen,” “safe,” “enough,” or whatever comes naturally.

The key is consistency, not duration or perfection. Even 5 minutes a day can start rewiring your nervous system to feel acknowledged, held, and valued, independent of anyone else..

This is something my clients love to do in the presence of my horses when they feel unseen and unheard. Hope this helps 🙏

04/10/2025

How the 5 Reiki Precepts Can Enhance Your Horsemanship, Your Horse Relationship, and are Empowering Horse Owners

Have you ever considered how the principles you live by can influence your relationship with your horse? Beyond training techniques and stable management, there’s a deeper level of connection available, one that can be cultivated through the practice of Reiki. While many are aware of Reiki as a healing modality, especially with practices like Reiki with Horses gaining popularity, it’s the core philosophy behind Reiki that holds profound potential for empowering horse owners and enriching the bonds with their equine partners. Here, we'll explore how the 5 Reiki precepts can guide you towards a more mindful, harmonious, and fulfilling horsemanship journey.

Reiki, at its heart, is a system for promoting well-being through energy work. But before we delve into how you can harness the power of Reiki with Horses, understanding the foundational pillars – the 5 Reiki precepts – is crucial. These precepts aren't just for energy practitioners; they’re life lessons that, when embraced, can transform your perspective and actions in all aspects of life, including your time with your horse. Let’s look at each of them and see how they can impact your horsemanship:

1. Just for today, do not anger: This precept encourages you to approach each day, and each interaction with your horse, with patience and calm. We all know those moments when frustration boils over. Maybe your horse is refusing a jump, stubbornly refusing to load onto the trailer, or simply not cooperating with your cues. When you feel that anger arise, take a moment to breathe and centre yourself. Losing your temper with your horse never yields positive results. They react to energy, and your anger creates an environment of fear and mistrust. Instead, strive for calm communication. This precept reminds you to respond rather than react, leading to clearer interactions and a deeper bond. Think about those moments you're feeling stressed, and instead of reacting, take a step away, breathe, and come back when you've found your centre.

2. Just for today, do not worry: Horses are incredibly sensitive to their surroundings and your emotional state. When you approach them with worry or anxiety, they’ll feel it. Think about it: they’re flight animals, naturally attuned to subtle shifts in energy that could signal danger. This precept reminds you to relinquish fear and trust in the process when working with your equine partner. Worrying about a training session, or an upcoming competition, can translate into the horse feeling your anxiety, causing them to act out, tense up, or become resistant. When you foster trust, not fear, in those moments, you set them (and yourself) at ease. In turn, they become more willing and cooperative. This encourages you to focus on the present moment, where true communication and understanding can blossom.

3. Just for today, be grateful: This precept shifts your focus to the positive, fostering appreciation for your horse and your time together. Notice the small successes, the progress made, and the special moments of connection. Maybe it’s the soft nuzzle into your hand, a perfectly executed transition, or simply the peaceful feeling of grooming your horse in the sunshine. Each time you step into the stable, or the field, embrace the opportunity and practice gratitude. This creates a positive energy field around your horsemanship, making your time together more rewarding. When you are grateful for your horse, you are more likely to treat them with respect and kindness, further strengthening your bond.

4. Just for today, do your work honestly: This precept challenges you to approach your horsemanship with integrity and authenticity. Be truthful about your skill level, and your horse’s abilities and needs. Being an Empowering Horse Owner means acknowledging your limitations and seeking help when needed. Be mindful that you are always learning, as is your horse. Avoid shortcuts and focus on building a genuine relationship based on respect. This also applies to the quality of your care. Ensure that you are providing the best environment for them, that you are honouring their needs, and not compromising on their wellbeing. This honesty creates a foundation of trust, fostering an environment where you can both thrive. Reiki with your horse is often rooted in this principle of honest intention, ensuring that your energy work is aligned with their highest good.

5. Just for today, be kind to every living thing: Kindness is the cornerstone of a compassionate life, and it's especially vital in your interactions with horses. They respond to gentle hands and a patient heart. Kindness transcends any training method, creating a safe and loving environment for your horse and your shared space. Remember to extend that kindness to yourself, too. Learning to ride or train a horse can be challenging, and it’s easy to become self-critical. If you are feeling judgmental of your skills, then remember to be kind. This precept encourages you to treat every being with the same gentle compassion, fostering a deep connection to the world around you and making Reiki With Horses even more potent.

By consciously incorporating these five precepts into your daily horsemanship, you're not just improving your riding or training; you're fostering a profound connection with your horse and empowering yourself along the way. As you become more aware and sensitive to the energy flowing between you and your horse, you’ll find that your training becomes more effective, your bond deeper, and your time together more enjoyable. You’re creating an environment where each horse and owner can feel safe, respected, and loved. You begin to experience Reiki with your horse as a shared experience, a journey of mutual growth and understanding.

The 5 Reiki precepts offer a roadmap, guiding you towards a more fulfilling personal journey as well as enriching your relationship with your horse. You will find that applying these principles elevates not just your horsemanship but also brings more harmony and joy to your relationships and life.

04/10/2025

The Invitation of the Field - A client's personal story

The morning air carried the scent of damp earth and fresh grass as Jo-Hana stood at the edge of the field, her breath shallow, her thoughts tangled. She had arrived carrying a weight that had become all too familiar, the invisible burden of expectations, the relentless pull of responsibilities, the quiet ache of something missing.

Beside me, Gandalf and Bear grazed in the stillness, their presence grounding and unwavering.

“Horses are masters of presence,” I said, my voice gentle, though I knew the truth of it ran far deeper than words could capture. “They live in the moment, responding to the energy around them without pretense or judgment.”

I guided my client, Jo-Hana, through a simple mindfulness exercise, inviting her to feel the earth beneath her feet, to notice the rhythm of her breath, to let the noise of the outside world settle into the background. She closed her eyes briefly, then exhaled, a long, steady release.

The moment she softened, Bear lifted his head and turned toward her. His ears flicked forward, reading her energy in a way only horses can.

“He sees me,” she whispered. “Not the version of you shaped by expectations or titles, but the part of you that exists beneath all of that.” I replied.

A flicker of hesitation crossed her face. “It’s… unsettling,” she admitted. “Being seen so clearly.”

I understood. Horses don’t acknowledge the masks we wear; they respond to what is, not what we pretend to be. And in that moment, Bear was offering her an invitation to be fully present, to step beyond the thoughts and anxieties that had followed her into the field.

“Don’t try to be anything,” I said. “Just be here.”

She inhaled again, this time with more ease, and Bear took a step closer. Not demanding, not expecting just present. The invitation was hers to accept.

Personal Reflection: Seeing Ourselves Clearly

There is something deeply unsettling about being truly seen. Without our masks, without the carefully curated roles we play, who are we? Horses don’t care about our titles, accomplishments, or the armour we’ve built to protect ourselves from the world. They respond only to what is present in the moment our energy, emotions, and intentions.

When I first began this work, I wasn’t prepared for the honesty horses demand. They don’t judge, but they also don’t lie. If I entered the field carrying stress or doubt, they knew. If I tried to hide my emotions, they felt the tension. And when I allowed myself to be fully present, to soften, to breathe they responded in kind.

It took time to realise that self-awareness isn’t about control. It’s about recognition. Recognising the emotions we carry, the thoughts that shape our experience, and the energy we bring into every interaction. It’s about understanding where our influence ends and where acceptance must begin.

03/10/2025

Reiki with Horses, Leads to Self Love

"How do I learn to love myself?" It's a question I hear often, whispered with vulnerability, during the quiet moments I share with my horses and the people who come to learn from them. Even the strongest among us sometimes need a little boost, a helping hand (or hoof, in this case!) to get back on their feet.

Self-love isn't always a walk in the park, especially when you're feeling lost, uncertain, or like you've reached your limit.

That's where connection comes in. And for me, that connection is with my horses.

You see, horses are masters of authenticity. They mirror our emotions back to us without judgment, holding up a mirror to our inner selves. They don't care about our past mistakes or future anxieties. They are completely present in the moment, responding to our energy and offering an unspoken invitation to do the same.

This is where Reiki with horses leads to self-love.

Reiki, a gentle energy healing technique, combined with the intuitive wisdom of horses, creates a powerful space for healing and self-discovery. During a session, we might simply stand quietly with a horse, allowing their calming presence to soothe our nervous systems.

Or we might engage in gentle touch, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of our own physical and emotional boundaries.

The magic happens when we start to notice the subtle cues from the horse. Are they relaxed and receptive? Or are they pulling away, signaling a need for more space and self-compassion? Learning to listen to the horse is learning to listen to ourselves.

It's in these moments, bathed in the unconditional acceptance of these majestic creatures, that the seeds of self-love begin to sprout. We start to see ourselves through their eyes – as worthy of kindness, respect, and connection. We begin to understand that self-love isn't a destination, but a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, guided by the gentle wisdom of nature.

The truth is, we all need a nudge sometimes—a comforting reminder that we're not alone in this. Reiki with horses leads to self-love by offering that nudge, that connection, that reminder that we are inherently worthy of love and belonging. Finding self-love doesn’t have to be a solo journey.

What's one thing that's helped you keep going when life feels heavy? Share your story—it might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. ♥️

Address

Hartford
Northwich
CW8 1RW

Telephone

+447957160333

Website

https://www.thequietherd.com/

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