By Olivia Williams
A loose rope forms a gentle J-shape between you, a quiet symbol of shared independence and connection. In this moment, you are not the leader or the follower. You are equals, bound by trust and an unspoken understanding.
This isn’t your typical outdoor activity. Walking with Horses in Nature, a concept created by Adelaide Hills local Mel McLaren, offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with nature, yourself, alongside one of her majestic, rehomed horses. Whether in the forest, along the beach, or with a cup of tea in hand at Mel’s tranquil farm, this experience is part wellness journey, part soulful retreat.
Each session begins with an introduction to your horse. Arabian mare, Kite, and I met over a grooming session, where I was encouraged to observe her responses and let trust build naturally. “It’s not about control,” Mel explains. “It’s about connection and moving in harmony.”
The horse you’re paired with isn’t chosen at random. Mel’s intuitive approach matches each participant with a horse whose energy aligns with their own. Kite, bred for endurance racing but retired due to her petite size, proved a perfect companion for me.
Walking together through the forest, I began to understand the delicate interplay between us. Kite trusted me to guide her path; I trusted her steady presence. This mutual reliance—footsteps to hoofbeats, heartbeat to heartbeat—became a meditative rhythm that left me feeling grounded and renewed.
The magic of connection
Mel’s own story of resilience and reinvention is woven into every walk. After leaving a corporate career, she purchased a neglected farm in the Adelaide Hills and welcomed her first two horses, Koszi and Saxon. Each horse she’s since rehomed has its own journey of healing and adaptation, much like Mel’s own.
After enduring profound personal loss, she found solace in a life rooted in connection—to the land, to animals, and to her own sense of purpose. Her farm became a sanctuary for rehomed horses, each with their own story of resilience.
Mel sees her work as a way to share the profound lessons she’s learned. “The magic happens when you let go of expectations,” she says. “Horses teach us to be present, to trust, and to find strength in vulnerability.”
Whether you’re walking through a forest, along a shoreline, or savouring a quiet moment with tea, these experiences offer more than relaxation. They provide a way to reconnect—with nature, with others, and with yourself.
An invitation to walk
Walking with Horses in Nature offers an experience that is deeply restorative. It’s an opportunity to slow down, tune into your intuition, and rediscover a sense of balance alongside these extraordinary creatures.
If you’re seeking more than just a walk—if you’re looking for connection, trust, and a touch of magic—this is your chance to find it. In the quiet company of these gentle beings, you may discover not only the peace of the horses but also the resilience within yourself.
Walking with Horses in Nature walks
Tranquil Forest Walk
Where: Adelaide Hills at Kuitpo Forest
What to except: Begin your journey with a cup of tea alongside your guide, quietly observing and bonding with your horse during a gentle grooming session. Once you and your horse feel comfortable together, set out on peaceful loop trails at your own pace. Walks range from 1–8 km, with plenty of opportunities to rest and connect with nature.
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Sublime Beach Walk
Where: Fleurieu Peninsula – Normanville Beach (summer), Silver Sands (winter)
What to expect: Start by grooming your horse to establish trust, then stroll along the shoreline at your own pace. On warm days, you can even wade into the water with your horse by your side.
Duration: 2 hours
Tea & Chill with Horses
Where: Mel’s private 80-acre farm near Meadows, Adelaide Hills
What to expect: A relaxed, hands-on session enjoying natural tea in the company of free-roaming horses. Accessible to all, including those with limited mobility.
Duration: 2–2.5 hours
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