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

In the spring of 2019, Michelle Bannink of Be Stable, started 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 let this herd field grow even further. Hold Your Horses lives on in its own form.

During Herd Heart, we dive into 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 beginning: in rescue centers and sanctuaries. There, you learn to feel and understand the stories behind the animals, and discover how presence, love, and attuned attention can form a foundation for change. Join us on this journey—reach out today to take your first step, or to learn more about how you can participate and help make a difference.

The Herd Heart 4-day training begins with two intensive group training days. Safety is central 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 charged history is involved. We delve into subtle communication, body awareness, and energetic work. At the same time, an open field emerges in which everyone’s talent, sensitivity, and strength are welcome. Herd Heart is not a fixed method, but a shared movement in which we strengthen one another.

After these training days, we move to a boarding location, where theory and experience come together in practice. Over the course of two days, you work with what you have 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 contacted. From this mutual attunement arises an encounter that is pure and honest — and often deeply transformative.

Herd Heart is a project stemming from a sincere desire to make healing and connection more widely available. That is why you only pay for the two training days. The two practical training days at the shelter are offered from the heart. In this way, we contribute together to the change we want to see — for both humans and animals.

The Herd Heart 1-day retreat is themed around one of the four seasons each time, about returning home to the herd time and again, but above all about staying connected to the large herd field that we are allowed to carry in connection with Herd Heart. One field of healing frequency, connection, and love from the heart.

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