The Relational Herd
Horse-Guided Experiences for Genuine Encounter
Exploring What Becomes Possible Through Relationship
Horses are social beings who live fully in the present moment. They respond honestly to what is happening in the here and now.
At The Relational Herd, horses are our partners. In this space we are invited to practice paying attention—to ourselves, one another, the horses, and the relationships between us.
As we spend time with the herd, slowing down and paying attention, we often begin noticing things we haven’t noticed before. Sometimes this opens space for:
New perspectives and possibilities
Greater awareness of themselves and their relationships
A deeper capacity for presence, trust, and discernment
New ways of navigating uncertainty, challenge, and change
A stronger connection to what matters most
No horse experience is required. Everyone belongs in the relational herd.
A Simple Practice
Our work with horses is grounded in three simple invitations:
Be Present
Practice not-knowing. Return to the present moment. Notice what is here.
Stay Curious
Linger with what is emerging. Become available to surprise. Trust that meaning will unfold.
Take a Step
Notice what now feels possible. Trust the next small step.
Together, we practice this through our encounters with the herd, one another, and the world around us. Each person’s experience unfolds uniquely through genuine encounter. Our role is not to direct what emerges, but to create the conditions in which new possibilities become available through relationship.
Join Us
Every encounter is an invitation.
We cannot promise what will emerge from an encounter.
We simply practice arriving with presence, curiosity, and a willingness to be changed by what we encounter.
We are always becoming. This is an ongoing practice.
Be present. Stay curious. Take a step.
Together, let’s discover what becomes possible through relationship.
Please note: Our sessions are designed for learning and growth.
If therapeutic support is needed, Sydney also offers equine-facilitated psychotherapy.
About Us
Kristin is a social scientist. She is a certified Professional Equine Facilitated Learning Facilitator with The HERD Institute and H.E.A.L. Certified in Equine-Facilitated Learning. She is a PATH Intl. member, has completed the PATH Intl. Fundamentals of Equine-assisted Learning course, and is in the process of completing the EAL certificate program. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Dominican University School of Social Work. Her life has been shaped by training with the Zen Peacemakers, whose practices of not-knowing, bearing witness, and compassionate action continues to inform her approach to relationship, learning, and community.
You can find Kristin working with communities, organizations and teams across the world and with the herd at Soul Barn at Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills, GA.
Sydney is a licensed clinical social worker. She is a certified Equine Psychotherapist with Eagala.
You can find Sydney in her private therapy practice in Houston, TX and with herds wherever she goes.
Friends and co-conspirators for over fifteen years, you can also find Kristin and Sydney together helping support programs to integrate trauma-informed and relational practices into their programs.
They are currently working with Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren to help them operationalize their program bringing grandfamilies and horses together for healing, learning, and growth.
You can see the learn more about the work they have been doing with communities at www.communitystrengths.org.
Click here to learn more about Kristin!
Click here to learn more about and connect with Sydney!
