A BORN IDENTITY WITH HORSES
A Retreat of Inquiry
Exploring our Birth, Early Childhood & Adult Identity supported by Horses
This two day retreat with horses, guided by Adam Shereston, explores one of the most overlooked foundations of human life, the moment we enter the world through birth and how those earliest experiences shape the nervous system we live from.
Horses play a unique role in this exploration. As highly sensitive herd animals they respond directly to the nervous system rather than the stories we tell ourselves. In their presence people often become aware of subtle patterns of tension, vigilance, withdrawal, or connection that normally remain unseen.
What Is A Born Identity with Horses
Every human organism arrives through birth. In that moment the body moves from internal regulation in the womb to seeking external regulation from the mother. The nervous system reacts to pressure, separation, support, or the absence of it. These first sensations are recorded directly in the body as a survival configuration long before any language, belief, or personality develop. Over time a psychological identity forms around that original configuration. Many of the behaviours, reactions, and choices we experience in adulthood may be intelligent survival responses that began in those earliest moments of life.
A Born Identity with Horses is not therapy and it is not a process of fixing or healing. It is an exploration. Over two days we gently observe our current lives, reflect on our early childhood experiences, and consider what we know about our own birth. The intention is simply to see what may have quietly shaped the way we experience life today. Often, through the simple act of recognising these patterns and early configurations, a natural and organic healing begins to unfold on its own.
Read Adam's personal story of Birth, Early Childhood, and the Adult Identity It Created
Why Horses Are Such Powerful Teachers
Horses are prey animals whose survival depends on reading energy, intention and emotion in their environment. They feel what is real beneath the words. When you step into their field, they naturally reflect your inner state. If you are anxious, shut down or dissociated, they will often show it. If you are grounded, honest and present, they relax, connect and trust.
This honest feedback is not judgment, it is a blessing. With the right support, the responses of the horses support your inquiry:
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Notice what your nervous system is doing, even when your mind is confused
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Recognize old survival patterns that keep you in fear or separation
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Feel what it is like to stand in your body with more presence, softness and truth
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Experience connection that is not based on performance, but on authenticity
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is for those who feel curious to explore the deeper foundations of their identity and how their earliest experiences may still be shaping their lives. You may recognise yourself here if you are:
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In a period of change or uncertainty and beginning to question the patterns that organise your life
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Someone who has always sensed there may be deeper roots behind behaviour, reactions, or relationship patterns
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A person interested in understanding how birth, early childhood, and the nervous system may influence the way you experience safety, connection, work, or stress
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A therapist, coach, facilitator, creative, or seeker who is curious to explore the origins of the patterns you observe in yourself or others
No previous experience with horses is required. What matters is a willingness to observe honestly and remain open to what may arise through the exploration.
All sessions with the horses take place on the ground. There is no riding involved. The inquiry unfolds quietly in the presence of the herd, where the sensitivity of horses often reveals patterns within the nervous system that usually remain outside our awareness.
What You Will Experience
Across the retreat you will move through a simple rhythm of guided exploration, time with the horses, and space for quiet reflection. A typical retreat includes:
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An evening Introductory session exploring how birth and early childhood shape the nervous system and the patterns we later experience as identity
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Guided time with the horses, observing how the body responds in their presence and what patterns begin to reveal themselves
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Somatic awareness that helps participants notice tension, vigilance, withdrawal, or openness within their nervous system
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Small group conversations where insights and observations can be shared in a respectful and confidential environment
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Time in nature to walk, rest, reflect, and allow what has been seen to settle
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Quiet periods of observation and integration between sessions
Each interaction with the horses unfolds gently and on the ground. You may stand quietly near a horse, walk beside one, or simply observe the herd from the field. Horses are highly sensitive to the nervous system and often respond to subtle changes in posture, tension, and attention.
Through these interactions participants often begin to recognise patterns within themselves that normally remain invisible. Together we explore what may be revealing itself, how the body organises around certain responses, and how these patterns may connect back to our earliest experiences of arriving into the world.
What You May Receive
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A clearer recognition of how your birth and early childhood may have shaped the nervous system patterns you live from today
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Insight into behaviours, reactions, or relationship dynamics that may be intelligent survival responses formed early in life
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A deeper awareness of how your body responds to stress, connection, pressure, or uncertainty
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A more honest relationship with yourself as previously unseen patterns come into view
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A quiet sense of grounding that can arise when the body begins to recognise and understand its own history
The presence of the horses often brings these patterns into awareness in a direct and surprising way. Their sensitivity to the nervous system allows participants to see aspects of themselves that are usually hidden beneath thought and identity.
This work is not about fixing, analysing, or forcing change. It is about seeing clearly. Often when a pattern is recognised in its original context, the body naturally begins to reorganise itself without effort. The horses simply provide an honest mirror that helps bring these early configurations into view.
About Adam Shereston
Adam Shereston is a writer, filmmaker, and facilitator whose life and work explore how our earliest experiences shape the identity we later live from. His inquiry has grown from decades of lived observation, beginning with his work as a royal gamekeeper and continuing through more than twenty years working closely with horses.
Throughout this time Adam became increasingly fascinated by the way the nervous system quietly organises human behaviour. His work now focuses on exploring how birth and early childhood shape the physiological foundation from which adult life is experienced.
Horses have played a central role in this exploration. Their sensitivity to the nervous system and their honest responses to human presence often reveal patterns that normally remain invisible. Working alongside them, Adam facilitates a calm and grounded environment where participants can observe these patterns within themselves with curiosity rather than judgement.
In A Born Identity with Horses retreats, Adam brings together decades of experience with horses, careful observation of the body and nervous system, and a simple approach rooted in nature and presence. The work is not about fixing or diagnosing anything. It is an opportunity to look more closely at the foundations of identity and the early configurations that may still be shaping how we move through life today.
Location, Dates and Investment
A Born Identity with Horses retreats are hosted in quiet natural environments where horses live and people can spend time outdoors in a relaxed and reflective setting. Each retreat is organised in collaboration with a host venue that provides the space and horses for the exploration.
The retreat runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. The Friday introduction takes place from 7.00pm to 9.30pm, followed by two full days of exploration on Saturday and Sunday.
The retreat cost starts at £395 per participant. Payments are made through the donation button on the A Born Identity page of Adam Shereston’s website. Generally, participants bring their own lunch each day and the host provides tea and coffee. Overnight stays and full board are available when the venue allows.
Each participant will be given the specifics of their retreat on enquiry.
How to Book Your Place
If something inside you resonates, that sensation is often the beginning of the journey. To enquire or reserve your place, complete the contact form below with your name, email and a short message about what is drawing you.
You will receive a personal response from Adam to explore your intention, answer any questions and ensure that you feel comfortable attending this retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be working directly with the horses?
Yes. All sessions involve direct interaction such as being in their presence, observing their responses or participating in guided exercises. Everything takes place on the ground, not ridden.
Do I need any previous experience with horses?
No. The retreat is designed for people from all backgrounds. You will be supported gently and clearly throughout the process.
What if I feel anxious around large animals?
Many people arrive with some nervousness. Sessions move at a pace that respects your comfort, and nothing is ever forced. Most participants find their confidence grows naturally through the work.
What kind of inner inquiry does the retreat involve?
You will explore your birth, early childhood and the connection between your adult identity. The focus is experiential rather than conceptual.
How many people are on each retreat?
Group size is carefully limited to create a personal and attentive experience. Exact numbers vary between 4 -10 participants.
What should I bring with me?
Bring comfortable outdoor clothing, weather-appropriate layers, sturdy footwear and a journal. All session materials are provided at the retreat.
How physically demanding is the retreat?
The work is gentle. Most time is spent standing, walking or being in stillness with the horses. No strenuous activity is required.
Can I attend alone?
Yes. Many participants come on their own. The environment is warm, respectful and welcoming for individuals.
