Have you ever noticed how simply being near horses makes you feel more relaxed? There’s something truly special about their quiet company that has captivated people for centuries. People often ask us at Tula Vida (after experiencing what feels like a full body reset just hours after arrival): what is it about horses that brings us a sense of peace? Let’s explore why these majestic animals have such a calming effect.
A masterclass in non-verbal communication
Horses communicate through subtle body language, not words. Standing near them, you subconsciously become aware of their gentle movements and attentive presence. Horses live in the now—they don’t carry grudges or dwell on the past. When you are with them, you often find yourself mirroring their calm energy, feeling grounded and centered, almost like you’re learning a new way to be present. Of course some people are a little scared of horses to start with (which is natural if you don’t know what their body language is “saying” as they are large, powerful animals). But we find that within a very short time, with support and some shared understanding, even those of you that arrive with some nervousness start to feel the warm hug of calm and connection that is actually being offered by the herd. It’s just about tuning in.
Nature’s living mirrors
Another unique trait of horses is their sensitivity. They’re often called “emotional biofeedback” because they can pick up on our feelings or nervous system state and reflect them back to us in their behaviour. We experience this firsthand all the time: on stressful days, horses show concern and curiosity, responding to how we feel. Their empathy encourages us to slow down, breathe deeply, and let go of tension. It’s almost as if their calmness is contagious. Which actually it is! They have 56 million years on earth, spreading calm and connection amidst their herd, to increase their chances of survival by working well together. There are now numerous studies showing the biological (let alone mental, emotional, spiritual) impact that being around horses has on us – including slower heart rate, higher relaxation, increased oxytocin, higher heart rate variability (a good thing) and more….
Sounds too good to be true? We wouldn’t believe it unless we had lived it. Tula Vida’s horses are waiting to teach you! Come meet them and experience a different kind of full body calm. Book an exploration call to find out which retreat or experience may be for you.
The power of rhythm and routine
There’s also something soothing about the everyday rhythms of horses. Observing them as they graze, hear the gentle sounds of their breathing, or watch the sway of their tails, you sense a comforting predictability. Horses thrive on simple routines and a peaceful environment—a lesson we are reminded to bring into our own lives for more calm. There is calm all around us if we can build the habit to look for it like horses do.
Connecting to something bigger
Ultimately, spending time around horses connects us to the larger world of nature. Their strength and beauty are humbling but inviting, helping us shift our focus outward instead of being stuck in our own head all the time. This connection to a being so attuned to its surroundings gently reminds us of the peace that can be found in simplicity and presence. And allows us to soak all the goodness that nature has to offer.
Nervous System reset
It’s more than just a nice, peaceful experience. It is training your nervous system and rewiring your brain. Horses have incredibly sophisticated nervous systems – they use danger signals to mobilise but they “go back to grazing” when the danger is over. Whereas we get into so many busy, stressful habits and mental loops that our body and brain get stuck in them and we find it hard to switch off and relax – we never go back to grazing. Instead we feel compelled to numb them out (food, phones, alcohol etc). When we don’t get real “rest and digest” our body starts to show signs of wear and tear, so we drink a coffee and start the whole loop again.
Working with horses teaches us what a flexible, resilient nervous system can look and feel like. One that can get activated and also go back to grazing. They respond differently to us when our nervous system is calm and regulated, letting us know when we are on track so that we can find out how to get ourselves there again and again. The key is knowing what you are looking for, as then you can find it again when you go home. It’s a practice, and it starts here with these mindfulness masters, who can show you how it’s done and what it actually feels like in your body (rather than just what your brain tells you that you “should” do). This kind of embodied experiential learning with horses can create sustainable change. So you can get off the mental hamster wheel even when the horses aren’t around…
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