Herd Heart was born out of a desire to reconnect people with the healing power of horses. This program is for anyone who wants to learn about healing, mindful connection, and the wisdom found within the herd. Herd Heart’s mission is to make this experience accessible to all who wish to restore their connection with nature, animals, and themselves.

In the spring of 2019, Michelle Bannink of Be Stable launched this project under the name Hold Your Horses; in 2026, the baton was passed to me, Sanne Heesbeen, allowing me, with great pride and passion, to help this herd field grow even further. Hold Your Horses lives on in its own form.

During Herd Heart, we explore the world of healing, recovery, and energetic awareness. We spend time not only in training but also in places where horses are given a new start: at rescue centers and sanctuaries. There, you’ll learn to sense and understand the stories behind the animals, and discover how presence, love, and attentive care can lay the groundwork for change. Join us on this journey—reach out today to take your first step, or to learn more about how you can get involved and help make a difference.

The Herd Heart 4-day training begins with two intensive group training days. Safety is paramount during these days—for yourself, for each other, and for the horses. You will learn how to connect with horses in a respectful and attuned manner, even when trauma or a difficult history is involved. We explore subtle communication, body awareness, and energetic work. At the same time, an open space emerges where everyone’s talents, sensitivity, and strengths are welcomed. Herd Heart is not a fixed method, but a shared journey in which we support and empower one another.

After these training days, we move to a boarding facility, where theory and experience come together in practice. Over the course of two days, you’ll apply what you’ve learned while allowing yourself to be guided by the horses’ signals and boundaries. Their autonomy always comes first. This means that they indicate whether and how they want to be approached. From this mutual attunement arises an encounter that is pure and honest—and often deeply transformative.

Herd Heart is a project born out of a sincere desire to make healing and connection more widely accessible. That is why you only pay for the two training days. The two hands-on training days at the shelter are offered from the heart. In this way, we work together to bring about the change we want to see—for both humans and animals.

The time is ripe for a new way of living with horses. For years, structures and systems have shaped our interaction with them, but new insights are increasingly prompting us to become more aware and to embrace change. Research, experience, and a growing sense of awareness show that we are part of the same life energy. When we restore that connection, we move not only closer to nature, but also to ourselves and to one another.

Herd Heart is an invitation to make that journey together

Coming soon…

• September 26 and 27, and October 3 and 4, 2026 (Dutch spoken)
• April 24, 25, and May 1, 2, 2027 (Dutch spoken)
• September 2027 (Dutch spoken)

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

The Herd Heart 1-day retreat is themed around one of the four seasons each time, focusing on returning home to the herd time and again, but above all on staying connected to the vast herd field that we are privileged to carry through Herd Heart. A field of healing frequencies, connection, and love from the heart.

We continue to work on the ever-expanding herd field, but the retreat is open to everyone.