The Natural Horse Gathering

A day dedicated to sharing, learning, networking and discovering a wide variety of aspects of the equestrian world that might be labelled "alternative" and/or "complementary".

Our first experiences with horses were at the local riding school where we were presented with a tacked up horse each week on which we sat and tried to do what the instructor was directing with varying degrees of success. We often found ourselves wondering what the horse thought of this experience, especially when we were told to "use more leg" or "back it up with the stick". After Lorraine was bucked off and knocked out by a horse that was fed up with this (presumably), we started to explore some other options and over the years have discovered a myriad of professionals around the country teaching partnership, communication, listening and effective gentleness in a variety of ways with horses. Having been interested in complementary medicine and wholesome living for many years, when we took on our own horses for the first time, it was natural to us that this should be our preferred way of keeping them.

Through the natural HORSEMANSHIP magazine and our own personal connections, we are now connected to a worldwide network of like-minded individuals which is a great treasure for us on our journey.

However, we recognise that there are many folk who feel isolated with their "different" ideas. The natural HORSEMANSHIP magazine goes some way towards building bridges but the Natural Horse Gathering physically brings people together for a day and has been acknowledged as a unique and rich day of opportunity for everyone - professionals and horse owners/lovers alike.

There are exhibition marquees and stands around the site hosting companies and individuals with ideas, products and services of interest to horse owners.

The healing centre hosts a range of professionals offering taster sessions and presenting a more holistic approach to healing of animals (and humans).

There are demonstrations and lectures throughout the day intended to give you, the visitor, ideas and show practical application of healing or training techniques which you may have read about on the internet or in a magazine/book.

We haven't forgotten the need to go shopping at events like this and whilst this aspect of the day is secondary, there are things to buy too! To cap it all, we also ensure that the food that is available for humans throughout the day is wholesome and delicious.

The event has grown from a small beginning with 30 exhibitors and some 300 visitors, to over 70 exhibitors and an excess of 700 visitors in 2005.

You can find out about the 2007 event here.