In 2009, my journey into rewilding began as I sought to transform not only the lives of my horses but my own as well. The adventure started in 2007 with the purchase of a pony for my then 7-year-old daughter. We managed a traditional livery yard on our farm, under the guidance of my sister-in-law.

Background — Rewilding Horses and Ourselves I have always had a passion for horses, but owning one provided a new depth to that relationship. My daughter's enthusiasm for horses reignited my own interest, allowing me to embrace my inner horse-girl at nearly 40. That year, I became pregnant with my third child and found time to research horse care while the pony resided at my sister's farm, where she had more experience.

When my youngest son was born, my fascination with horses intensified, leading me to buy my first horse. Initially, this horse also lived at my sister's farm. Our own livery yard did not align with my vision, and I recognized my need to learn more about proper horse management.

In 2009, we relocated our horses to our farm, where my sister and I established a small riding school, aptly named Little Horse School. We shared our knowledge of horses, teaching not just riding but also holistic care.

The more I learned about horses—beyond just riding and training—the more I struggled with traditional methods of management. My writing on equine biology and welfare has been published in various articles and presentations, reflecting my ongoing exploration in this field.

Letting My Horses Roam Freely Embracing this new understanding, I made the decision in 2009 to allow my horses to live outside year-round. Over the next decade, I focused on creating an environment that supported their natural behaviors, unknowingly embarking on a journey of self-rediscovery.

This parallel journey took time for me to fully recognize.

Going Barefoot — A Shared Experience Around 2011, I switched farriers while managing our Little Horse School alone. With a herd of about 15 horses, I was responsible for their care daily. Initially, I followed a traditional shoeing regimen, but after a year with my new farrier, many of my horses suffered from lameness. This prompted me to learn about hoof care and holistic land management.

As I rehabilitated my horses, I also transitioned them to barefoot living. I discovered how both equine and human footwear affects posture, sensory input, and emotional health. I found myself becoming more attuned to my natural self alongside my horses.

Horse Whisperer and Alternative Care I gained recognition as a horse whisperer, a label I didn't embrace fully. This reputation brought scrutiny, resulting in frequent inspections of our farm. The backlash from some community members led me to silence my thoughts on horse welfare for a time, but eventually, I found my voice again.

My own journey included un-shoeing myself, as I opted for barefoot living as much as possible, although the climate made it challenging. I became increasingly aware of how footwear impacted my physical and emotional well-being.

A Partial Rewilding Experience While I couldn't provide my horses with a completely wild experience, I was fortunate to live near a nature reserve. The diverse land allowed my horses to thrive, and I documented our time together through photography.

Though I no longer live on that farm, the memories linger within me. Leaving was heartbreaking, yet it opened doors for me to explore other rewilded areas.

Understanding Rewilding Rewilding encompasses various aspects, including developing empathy for non-human beings. It emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of all life forms. Renowned zoologist Marc Bekoff describes rewilding as a path to kindness and compassion, advocating for a deeper understanding of our coexistence with nature.

In his book, Rewilding our Hearts, he discusses the need for empathy and social movements focused on compassion and proactive change. Rewilding also involves allowing nature to flourish without human interference, challenging our instinct to control and manage.

Author Isabella Tree explores this concept in her book, Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm, illustrating how human interventions often distort the natural environment. She advocates for minimal intervention, allowing nature to reveal its true self.

Applying this philosophy to our own lives means breaking free from societal constraints and trusting our innate potential. How many of us embrace this freedom?

Rewilding Yourself At MiMer Centre, we introduced the concept of "Rewild Your Heart," inspired by Bekoff's ideas. I emphasize the transformative power of empathy and connection with nature for personal growth.

This deep work fosters significant change in how we perceive ourselves and relate to others. Unlike many growth modalities focused on societal functionality, our aim is to help individuals resist conforming to unhealthy societal norms.

As Jiddu Krishnamurti wisely stated, “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.”

Finding the Courage to Be Yourself Choosing an alternative path in life can be daunting, especially in a society with rigid expectations. We often feel pressured to follow a prescribed route—education, career, family, and eventual retirement. Deviating from this norm can lead to feelings of inadequacy and mental health challenges.

A study highlighted in the Journal of American Medical Association indicates that a significant portion of the population experiences mental health disorders and faces socioeconomic difficulties.

Rewilding, ecotherapy, and ecopsychology offer paths to healing and reconnecting with ourselves and the environment. My own journey through trauma has been enriched by practices rooted in rewilding and animal-assisted therapy.

This exploration helps me discover my true desires and purpose, allowing me to contribute authentically to society. It may appear self-centered, but it also empowers me to advocate for the values I believe in, regardless of societal perceptions.

Through rewilding, I have found the freedom to be authentically myself. If you're interested in joining this journey, we invite you to our online course beginning October 8, titled "Rewild Your Heart Intro Course."

Welcome to your own rewilding adventure!

For more insights on mental health, ecology, and the interconnected web of life, follow Fourth Wave. If you have stories or essays focusing on women or marginalized groups, we encourage you to submit them!