I didn’t get around to writing about this sooner because I was busy diving headfirst into the A to Z Challenge (which, by the way, was so much fun this year!). But this experience stayed with me… and honestly, it deserved its own little moment. A few weeks ago, a friend asked if I fancied doing something a bit different — walking with rescue horses. I didn’t even hesitate. Of course I said yes. Rescue horses? I mean… come on. That said, I was also a bit nervous. I don’t really know much about horses beyond the obvious: they’re beautiful, powerful, and incredibly intelligent. My only real experience with them was when I was very young, staying with a friend who had riding lessons. I tried it once, got off the horse “wrong” (still not entirely sure how… I mean, I didn’t fling my leg over its head or anything dramatic!), everyone laughed, and that was that. Horse riding career over before it even began. But I’ve always loved them from afar. There’s something so regal about them, isn’t there?
There used to be a horse just down the road from us that I’d see when walking the dog. Sometimes he’d wander over and let me stroke his nose. He always seemed so lonely, though. Plenty of land, but no real connection. I never saw anyone spend time with him. That always stayed with me. His story didn’t end well, sadly — he escaped one night and ran into traffic. It broke my heart. I still think about him sometimes, and I like to imagine he’s out there now, somewhere among the stars, finally free and surrounded by others. It’s funny how certain animal connections linger, isn’t it? Almost like they imprint on your soul in some quiet, unspoken way.
Anyway… back to this experience of walking with rescue horses. We arrived at State of Being, tucked away in the peaceful countryside near Barão de São João, and it immediately felt different. You know when you step somewhere and your whole body just softens without you even realising? It was like that. We were greeted by the loveliest host, Sakshin, who introduced us to the horses — all rescues, all with their own stories. There were eight of them in total, each one absolutely stunning in their own way. She explained their personalities, where they’d come from, and who the “leader” of the group was. Her name was Maya. And of course… Maya ended up being my horse.
Before meeting them properly, we were taught something really important — not just how to handle the horses, but how to handle ourselves. Horses are incredibly sensitive to energy. They feel what you feel. If you’re anxious, they’ll pick up on it instantly, but if you’re calm, grounded, breathing slowly… they respond to that too. So it wasn’t really about controlling the horse — it was about regulating yourself. Which, when you think about it, is such a powerful life lesson. It reminded me so much of the kind of soulful awareness I talk about in my book (you can have a little look here if you’re curious: The Enchanted Midlife) — that idea that everything starts within, and the energy we carry shapes the experiences we have.
When we finally walked down to meet them, I’ll admit… I was nervous. They’re big. Like, really big. But I focused on my breathing — a bit of pranayama to steady myself — and something shifted almost immediately. That warm feeling people talk about? It’s real. It’s almost like their presence gently pulls you out of your busy mind and back into your body. I started by brushing Maya, and even though I could tell she was very much the boss, I also felt this quiet connection forming. Not forced, not dramatic — just… there. A mutual awareness. A kind of silent agreement.
Then we began walking with rescue horses around the field, learning how to guide them, how to stop, how to communicate without words. It sounds simple, but it felt oddly profound. Like you’re having a conversation, just not in the way we’re used to. There was something almost magical about it, like stepping into a different rhythm entirely — slower, calmer, more intuitive. Michael’s (below) experience was… slightly different. He did ride horses when he was younger, but given the choice between a horse and a motorbike, he chose the motorbike — which pretty much sums up his relationship with anything that has a mind of its own! He enjoyed it, in his own way, but I don’t think he’d rush back. Me, on the other hand? I’d absolutely do it again. Not for the riding — that still doesn’t appeal to me — but for the connection. Because that’s what this really is. Connection, in its purest form.
After walking with rescue horses through the fields and trees, we brought the horses back to the paddock for water. Then we sat down with them… and meditated. And honestly, that was the moment for me. Sitting there with Maya beside me, feeling her presence, her calm, her heartbeat… it was something I can’t quite put into words without sounding a bit woo-woo (though you know I don’t mind that!). It felt like our energies softened into the same space for a few quiet minutes. Grounded, peaceful, open. The kind of moment where you’re not thinking about anything else — you’re just there. Completely present. And in a world where we’re constantly distracted, that feels pretty magical.
The whole walking with rescue horses experience costs around €45 per person, which, when you think about the care, space, and dedication these animals need, feels more than fair. If you’re in the Algarve and fancy something a little different — something gentle, grounding, and genuinely heart-opening — I’d highly recommend it. You can find out more here: https://stateofbeing.pt/ and have a look at their Instagram too: https://www.instagram.com/stateofbeing.sanctuary/. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you… and quietly shifts something inside you long after you’ve left.
