A lady in a hat leading 3 brown horses along a trail on a property

Horse Wisdom: Equine-assisted Healing in Byron

Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
20 Sep 26

Step into the peaceful sanctuary of Heartwood Farm in the Byron Bay Hinterland for a gentle morning of connection, presence and inner knowing.

Guided by equine-assisted therapy practitioner, trauma-informed yoga teacher and counsellor Maxime Willems, Horse Wisdom is a 3-hour experience that offers a unique opportunity to experience the calming, intuitive presence of horses – without riding or pressure.

Through guided ground-based interactions, mindfulness, breath awareness and gentle nervous system regulation, you’ll be invited to slow down, reconnect with your body and notice what emerges in the moment. Surrounded by nature and the quiet wisdom of the herd, this immersive experience creates space for emotional insight, reflection and a deeper connection to your intuition.

No prior horse experience is required – simply arrive as you are and allow the horses to guide you back to a more natural state of being.

Highlights

  • Meet and spend time with a herd of highly intuitive horses in a peaceful, natural setting.
  • Learn how horses communicate through body language, energy and presence and discover what their responses may reveal.
  • Explore a trauma-informed approach to equine-assisted healing with guidance from Maxime Willems, an experienced practitioner, counsellor and yoga teacher.
  • Enjoy a nourishing light snack and time for integration following your experience in the peaceful grounds of Heartwood Farm.

Making a difference

  • The team at Lionsgate Wellness and Heartwood Farm are deeply committed to caring for the land that holds their retreats and gatherings – working in harmony with the natural environment and maintaining the property with respect for the surrounding ecosystem, wildlife and waterways.
  • They also prioritise working with local practitioners, facilitators and suppliers to support the local community.

A word from your host

Nicole Spencer, Founder
“At Heartwood Farm we create space for people to slow down, reconnect and return to themselves. I love witnessing the moment when guests arrive carrying the busyness of life and gradually soften into the rhythm of the land. Sharing this beautiful place and creating experiences that support wellbeing, connection and transformation is deeply meaningful to us.”

Getting there

This experience is held on Bundjalung Country.
Federal is approximately 30minutes from Byron Bay and Ballina. Heartwood Farm is located at 498 Binna Burra Road, Federal NSW.

Price

AU $188+gst per person.
Spaces are intentionally limited to create an intimate and supportive experience.

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