Westerlands Equestrian

WELLNESS

Connecting with Horses

Join us at Westerlands for our Equestrian Wellness Series. We have workshops for horse owners as well as individuals, families, teenagers and children which are run by experienced and qualified wellness and equestrian professionals

Our Instructors

  • Elly Middleton

    EQUESTRIAN MANAGER

    Elly manages Westerlands Equestrian and has over 30 years experience taking care of horses and teaching riders of all ages and abilities. She also specialises in natural complimentary equine therapies. Her qualifications include: BHS Accredited Professional Coach, BHS Stage 3 in Complete Horsemanship, Q Equine Behaviourist, Certified Reiki Practioner, Safeguarding Officer and Fully qualified First Aider.

  • Gemma Peterson

    HEALTH, WELLNESS & MINDSET COACH

    Gemma is an experienced and qualified wellness professional with experience in Equine-Assisted Learning. Her qualifications include BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Health Psychology, Strategic Life Coaching, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP). Gemma is also qualified in Reiki, Mindfulness, and Meditation and has Level 3 Qualifications in Equine Psychology, Mental Health, Personal Training, Nutrition and Counselling Skills. More info >

  • Denise Cheese

    EQUINE MASSAGE THERAPIST

    Denise is an experienced and qualified Equine Therapist. As well as treating horses she runs workshops for horse owners wishing to learn equine massage and kinesiology to care for their own horses.

    Denise is a qualified and registered member of the International Institute of Animal Therapists (IAAT). More info >

  • Sunday 1 December

    GATHER, REFLECT & CONNECT

    Focus: Equine Connection
    Instructors: Elly & Gemma
    Location: Trekking Centre
    Time: 11am to 1pm
    Age: 18+
    Introductory Price: £45 per person

    Horses are deeply spiritual animals that can sense our thoughts and emotions, encouraging us to embrace our authentic selves. By connecting with them, we can escape daily stresses and foster mindfulness, allowing them to help bring balance to our hearts and minds.

    In our workshop, you’ll engage in journaling, breathwork, and relaxation techniques while learning to connect with the horses. You can set personal intentions or simply let the experience unfold. The horses provide a non-judgmental space, perfect for seeking solace or enhancing your well-being.

    Join Elly and Gemma to discover the transformative power of this connection.

  • Sunday 2 February

    LESSONS IN LOVE

    Focus: Self Love
    Instructors: Elly & Gemma
    Location: Trekking Centre
    Time: 11am to 1pm
    Age: 18+
    Price: £65 per person

    Join Elly and Gemma and the horses at Westerlands for a morning of Self Love. Horses are deeply reflective and can sense our thoughts and emotions, supporting us in embracing our authentic selves. This beautiful well-being event focuses on journal reflections where you will feel supported by the horses to encourage deep reflection on your self-care and to gain clarity on your needs. There will be time to focus on your strengths, capabilities and cultivate self-acceptance, allowing you to understand yourself better and your patterns of self-talk.

    We will practice gratitude reflections and mindfulness through therapeutic coaching where the horses will provide a non-judgmental space.

  • Sunday 23 March

    EQUINE MASSAGE & PILATES

    Focus: Horse Therapy
    Instructor: Elly & Denise
    Location: Trekking Centre
    Time: 9am to 3pm
    Age: 18+
    Price: £TBC

    All horse owners can help their horses relieve tension, feel more comfortable and perform at their best. This Horse Owners Workshop is a fun and informative day spent with like minded horse owners and friendly horses to practice on, all to help you gain lots of confidence and enthusiasm to help your own horse. Workshop includes:

    🐎 Understand how riding and care can effect your horses body 
    🐎 Learn massage therapist techniques the how, why and when
    🐎 Recognise potential problems 
    🐎 How to check your horse for discomfort 
    🐎 Yoga for your horse 
    🐎 Learn some basic anatomy 

    This workshop is a UK Rural Skills Accredited Course & is British Horse Society approved CPD.

  • Sunday 27 April

    EQUINE KINESIOLOGY TAPING

    Focus: Horse Therapy
    Instructor: Elly & Denise
    Location: Trekking Centre
    Time: 9am to 3pm
    Age: 18+
    Price: £TBC

    Why do we use Kinesiology with our horses and what benefits can we expect? There are many different ways that 'K Tape' can be applied to achieve different results. On application it acts like a second skin. Here are some of the main benefits:

    🐎 Increases circulation
    🐎 Reduces muscle fatigue
    🐎 Relieves pain and soreness
    🐎 Helps with fascia restrictions and keeps fascia healthy
    🐎 Reduces inflammation and swelling
    🐎 Supports and stabilises joints, tendons and ligaments
    🐎 Helps the removal of toxin build up
    🐎 Improves range of motion
    🐎 Facilitates healing
    🐎 Can help relax or activate muscles
    🐎 Helps with proprioception and re-educating the neuromuscular system

    This workshop is recognised by the BHS for use as CPD for Equine Professionals.

Further reading

Westerlands Life