05/08/2026
When I was five years old, my parents took me to Little Hobby Hills Farm in Gawler.
We wandered through the farm meeting geese, chickens, goats, lambs, rabbits, cats, dogs, donkeys and, finally... the horses.
The moment I saw them, something stirred deep inside me.
Even at five years old, I felt drawn to them in a way I couldn't explain. It felt like I had found a place where I truly belonged.
The farm was run by a remarkable woman named Pip.
She devoted her life to caring for animals, rescuing orphaned lambs, bottle-feeding them and even putting tiny jumpers on them to keep them warm. Her kindness wasn't just something she gave to animals—it touched every person who visited her farm.
I begged my parents to let me start horse riding lessons, and they finally said yes.
Every week, they paid $10 for a lesson that became so much more than learning to ride.
Pip taught me patience, responsibility, resilience, compassion and quiet confidence. She showed me that horses aren't just animals—they're incredible teachers.
Looking back now, I realise she wasn't simply teaching people how to ride. She was teaching us how to slow down, connect, care deeply and be present.
Without realising it, she planted the seed that would one day grow into Equine Essence.
Her influence didn't end when I grew up. It became part of my own family too. When my daughter was born, I gave her the middle name Marie in Pip's honour—a small way of carrying forward the kindness, wisdom and love she shared so freely.
Years later, after my own experiences with life's challenges, I found myself returning to what had always brought me peace—horses and nature.
That's when the vision for Equine Essence became clear.
I wanted to create a place where people could step away from the noise of everyday life.
A place with no pressure.
No judgement.
No expectations.
Just the quiet wisdom of horses, the healing power of nature, and space to simply breathe.
Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, motherhood, grief, or simply longing to reconnect with yourself, my hope is that every session leaves you feeling calmer, lighter and more connected than when you arrived.
Thank you for following along and supporting this little dream of mine. It truly means more than you know.
With gratitude,
Sarah 🤍
