Claire Cole on Horses, Healing and Holding Space

There is something that feels quietly grounding when you arrive at The Centre. The space feels calm and settled, and the horses are present but unassuming. At the heart of it all is Claire Cole, whose work brings together equine assisted healing, shamanic practice and a deep respect for letting people move at their own pace.

We met up with Claire to find out more about the work she does at her 'healing heart space'. Here's what she shared…

 

 

"I decided to step back and set something up for myself. That decision changed the direction of my life."

 

A Lifelong Love of Horses

Horses were always in my life when I was little. I was mad about them. Owning a horse was not an option, so I did the next best thing. I spent as much time as possible at local stables, helping out after school, at weekends and during the holidays. Basically, whenever I could, I was around horses.

After finishing my education, I moved from Guernsey to London and worked in TV production. It was something completely different, but horses remained part of my life. I often rode around Richmond Park and Wimbledon, finding ways to stay connected. London is also where I met my husband. Eventually, the pull of island life won and we returned to Guernsey to raise our family here.

I spent several years as a full-time mum before taking on part-time work with a friend’s design agency. But with family commitments, it wasn’t really working for me. So I decided to step back and set something up for myself. That decision changed the direction of my life.

 

 

"With time and experience, my understanding shifted. Now I recognise it as a 'breakthrough' rather than a breakdown."

 

Discovering Equine Assisted Learning

In 2019, I trained as an equine assisted learning practitioner. I wanted to do work with horses where I could help people too. I went along to a taster weekend and just thought, sign me up. This is what I want to do.

The training took place over around nine months and was intense, combining in-person sessions with independent work. Around that time, I was introduced to a woman in St Peter’s who had several horses. I began working with one of them, Archie. That was the start of BEAT, my first equestrian business. Archie is still with me now and has naturally become the herd leader, much to his delight.

During my training, I witnessed powerful emotional responses in others. People would be breaking down emotionally, left, right and centre. I remember thinking, what is going on?

With time and experience, my understanding shifted. Now I recognise it as a 'breakthrough' rather than a breakdown. It’s what you hope for when you’re doing therapeutic work with people.

 

Holding Space with Clean Language

In the early days of my equine therapy work, I collaborated closely with Guernsey Mind and trained in a process called Clean Language. It’s a simple but powerful way of helping people explore what comes up for them when they’re working with the horses, without leading or interpreting their experience.

Rather than analysing or offering answers, I reflect people’s own words back to them and ask gentle, open questions. This allows them to stay immersed in what they are feeling, rather than being talked out of it. Often, people begin to notice patterns in their thoughts or emotions that show up elsewhere in their lives. Even though my work has evolved over time, Clean Language still underpins how I listen and hold space.

 

 

"It’s up to you to shape your practice and take it in the direction that works for you, and I found myself drawn to shamanic work."

 

A Pull Towards Shamanic Work

Alongside equine assisted learning, I was introduced to a range of approaches during my training, including Native American symbology and shamanic drumming. It’s up to you to shape your practice and take it in the direction that works for you, and I found myself drawn to shamanic work.

I am currently training in the Medicine Wheel, a two-and-a-half-year deep dive into shamanic practice that involves intensive personal work alongside learning healing methods and ways of working with energy and the elements. It’s really intense, but it’s also incredibly grounding.

 

What Horses Teach Us

Horses are central to my work, not because they are symbolic, but because of how they respond. Horses don’t lie, and they don’t let you lie to yourself. They reflect your energy, your presence, your truth.

Without judgement or ego, they respond to what is real. They notice when someone is anxious, disconnected or guarded, and they respond accordingly. In that space, patterns can become visible, not through criticism, but through gentle, honest reflection.

The deepest healing comes from feeling. So come and meet the teacher that doesn’t speak, yet says exactly what you need to hear. There is no pressure to analyse or explain. The work unfolds through presence, sensation and relationship, often revealing far more than words alone.

 

 

"One of the most profound moments in my journey came with the sudden loss of my horse, Rebel. It was all very quick and unexpected and the shock of losing him so suddenly tipped me into deep grief."

 

Grief, Loss and the Wisdom of Horses

One of the most profound moments in my journey came with the sudden loss of my horse, Rebel. It was all very quick and unexpected and the shock of losing him so suddenly tipped me into deep grief. A close friend Ben, who has been instrumental in bringing shamanic training to Guernsey, came to support me and performed a death ceremony for Rebel.

We took the therapy bed outside. Archie came in and literally put his head over my throat chakra, then moved to my heart. He always does that with people experiencing grief. He stayed, breathing steadily, allowing me to process what I was feeling. I’ve since seen him do the same for many others. The horses are not trained to do this. They can all do it if they choose to. They just need the right environment to be able to work like that.

 

Meet the Herd

Each horse at The Centre works in its own way. Archie is my go-to for grief work. He will come and hold you. Flo, a young horse from Dartmoor, often works with people who need to reconnect with their inner child, particularly those who experienced emotional wounds earlier in life. Beanie, the miniature Shetland pony, brings a soft, nurturing energy. She’s gorgeous and sweet.

Nellie, a striking black and white mare, had a difficult start in life. Rescued after being starved, she later surprised everyone by giving birth to a foal, Nugget. Despite everything she’s been through, her heart is still open. She’s incredibly loving.

Then there is Chip, the quarter horse. He doesn’t work with clients very often. With Chip it’s like, come to me clean or don’t come at all. He demands full presence and grounding, offering powerful lessons for those who are ready.

 

 

"Horses naturally command attention, which can quieten a busy mind."

 

When Horses Lead

I do a lot of grief work and also support neurodiverse clients with autism or ADHD. Horses naturally command attention, which can quieten a busy mind. Simple tasks such as grooming or leading help create focus and a sense of accomplishment.

I have also worked with Apollo, a charity supporting young people who are slipping through the cracks of mainstream services. One six-week programme, funded by Walkers, involved five young people with very different needs. At first, we weren’t sure it would work, as the youngsters were reluctant to engage. They began with simple activities like walking with a horse on a lead rope and grooming. By the end of the programme, they were riding bareback. The change in their self-confidence was unbelievable. At the start they didn’t want to look at you or speak. By the end they were opening up and chatting away.

I have also worked with people experiencing burnout, depression, anxiety and PTSD. With the combination of horses and shamanic work, if something is affecting you, we can work together and see what wants to shift.

 

Healing Techniques 

I work intuitively, responding to what each person needs. If a horse becomes deeply involved, I step back, holding the space and allowing the horse to work. In some horse healing sessions, clients lie on a therapy bed in the field or in the stables, depending on the weather, and connect with their horse. The horses do some incredible things with people when they’re on those beds. It’s extraordinary.

One shamanic process I offer is Hucha Rumi, which uses stones to cleanse heavy or stagnant energy. Clients choose stones aligned with their needs, which are placed on the body as part of a ceremony supported by the horses. It’s teamwork. The stones clear heavy energy, which is released back into the earth.

Some people come for a one-off session, particularly around grief. For shamanic healing, I recommend a series of three sessions, allowing the process to unfold. I also offer longer programmes, including Rewilding The Soul, an eight-session journey with the horses designed to support anxiety and deeper reconnection. Sometimes people come simply to learn horsemanship, or to spend quiet, grounding time with the herd. Horses make you feel safe.

 

The Wider Benefits

While every experience is unique, there are common benefits from working with horses. Time with them can help lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation, while naturally encouraging mindfulness and presence.

Many people notice improvements in confidence, self-esteem and communication, alongside greater trust and empathy. Physical benefits include improved coordination, regulated heart rate and blood pressure, and the grounding effects of being outdoors and connected to nature. For neurodiverse individuals, equine work can enhance learning and engagement, offering a calm, focused environment where progress feels achievable.

 

 

"I live with rheumatoid arthritis, which can flare in damp, cold weather, so I do have to look after my health."

 

Caring for the Carer

Looking after a herd of five horses, especially through winter, is physically demanding. I live with rheumatoid arthritis, which can flare in damp, cold weather, so I do have to look after my health. I prioritise nutrition, regular healing sessions, Reiki, monthly massage and sleep. I go to bed early. Sleep is really important to me.

Riding my horses remains my greatest joy, alongside spending time with my family. I also value my monthly ‘herd’ time with like-minded women, creating space for connection and shared learning. Guest practitioners have included Joni from Kooky Lifestyle, Jolie Rose and Ben the Shaman.

 

Get In Touch

At The Centre, healing happens quietly. It is not rushed or forced. If you have something that’s affecting you, get in touch and together with Claire and the team you can work out the best way forward to meet your needs.

You can join Claire and the team for a one day immersive workshop - The Path of the Horse - and follow The Centre on Instagram.