Connecting with horses
Does Your Horse Feel Like a Puzzle You Can't Solve?
Learn to read their signals, ease their stress, and build the calm, connected partnership you both deserve.
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Does your horse walk away when you approach? Learn the 5-step method to create calm, safe greetings, so your horse chooses to connect, not escape.
Understand. Gain trust. Create calm.
Something feels off and you can’t quite put your finger on it.
You love your horse. You’ve tried the groundwork, the lessons, the clinics.
And yet, things don’t feel as easy or natural as you hoped.
Maybe your horse resists being caught, saddled, or ridden.
Maybe they seem tense, shut down, reactive, or unpredictable.
They bolt, freeze, or pull away and you're left feeling confused, frustrated, or even a little afraid. And underneath it all, you’re left wondering:
Am I missing something? Am I doing this wrong?
Often, what’s happening isn’t a lack of effort or care
it’s a lack of understanding.
Horses communicate constantly through their bodies, their movement, their breathing, and their responses to pressure and pace. When those signals go unnoticed or misunderstood, tension builds for both of you.
Here’s what I want you to know:
You’re not broken. And your horse isn’t either.
You don’t need to be firmer, louder, or more dominant.
You simply need a different way of seeing what’s already there.
My Intention.
This work began with a deep love for horses and it grew into something so much more.
Over the years, I’ve seen how horses respond when we slow down, soften, and truly listen. When we meet them with presence (not agenda) things begin to shift. Not through force or fixing, but through understanding.
At Herd Essence, we slow things down. We learn to read body language, stress and calming signals, and nervous system responses in both horse and human. We work with what’s present, instead of pushing past it.
Because when you understand what your horse is communicating, and feel safe enough to trust your own observations, calm and connection stop being something you chase. They begin to grow naturally.
My intention is to create a space where both you and your horse feel safe to be exactly as you are. Where there’s room for curiosity, softness, and going at your own pace. Where the goal isn’t perfection, but mutual trust and deeper understanding.
I bring a trauma-informed, heart-led approach that blends nervous system awareness with equine body language. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all methods. I believe in learning to see clearly and responding with care.
Whether you’re here to understand your horse more deeply, reconnect with your own inner knowing, or simply feel less alone on this path:
I’m really glad you’re here.
Hey, I'm Francine (and this is Peaches)
For over 20 years, horses have been my greatest teachers. They’ve taught me that real partnership isn’t built through control or technique, it grows through presence, listening, and learning to understand what’s actually being communicated.
I know how unsettling it can feel when things don’t make sense with your horse, when you’re trying your best, yet nothing works. I’ve been there too. What changed everything for me was slowing down and beginning to really observe: body language, stress responses, subtle signals: in my horses, and in myself.
Over time, I saw how much clarity comes from understanding rather than pushing. When we work with what’s present, instead of overriding it, trust begins to form naturally.
These days, my favourite moments are still the quiet ones sitting with my herd, watching, breathing, and noticing the smallest shifts. It’s there that horses show us how much becomes possible when we take the time to truly see.
I created Herd Essence as a place for horse lovers who want a calmer, more respectful way forward. One rooted in awareness, understanding, and care for both horse and human.
Because when we learn to see more clearly, everything else begins to soften too.
Ready to move forward?
Whether you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or simply longing for a calmer, more trusting relationship with your horse, these offerings are here to support you — gently, and at your own pace.
Each option meets you in a slightly different place, but they all share the same foundation: slowing down, learning to understand what’s really going on, and working with what’s present rather than pushing past it.
Self-Study Course
Understanding your horse
A Gentle Practical Introduction to Reading Signals, Easing Stress, and Building Trust
Perfect fit for you if:
⚙︎ You're new to reading body language and stress signals
⚙︎ Your horse shows tension or resistance and you want to understand why
⚙︎ You prefer learning at your own pace
Learn to recognize what your horse is communicating so you can respond with clarity instead of guesswork.
Coming Soon!!
1:1 Coaching:
Deepen Your Bond
Private Mentorship (online)
for You and Your Horse
Perfect fit for you if:
⚙︎ Your situation feels unique or complex
⚙︎ You're dealing with fear, trauma, or longstanding patterns
⚙︎ You want devoted one-on-one support
Get tailored guidance that honors your unique relationship and creates lasting change.
Group Journey: Reconnect
8-Week Online Journey: Rebuild trust and understanding with
Perfect fit for you if:
⚙︎ You feel disconnected and want step-by-step guidance
⚙︎ You're ready for transformation with the support of others
⚙︎ You want live teaching with group accountability
Move from confusion and tension to calm, mutual understanding together.with like-minded people
Not sure where to start?
I would suggest you begin with the self-study course
it will give you the clarity and foundation to move forward with confidence.
Still not sure? Start with my free guide or send me a message.
...to learn to observe the horses and then to be able to work with them -
to not only understand the horse better, but also yourself...
- CHRISTOPHER
FREE DOWNLOAD
Start with a gentle shift.
Creating Calmness with your Horse in 5 Easy Steps.
Does your horse walk away when you approach? Learn the 5-step method to create calm, safe greetings so your horse chooses to connect, not escape.
A calming, practical starting point for horse lovers who want more ease, trust and true partnership - without force, formulas, or rushing.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Headline that hooks people in, gets them excited and makes them want to sign up.
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