Our first in-person gathering is now available to book!
Into The Wild
An equine behaviour retreat in the Scottish Highlands
Join us for an immersive experience in the Scottish Highlands from the 1st-5th May 2026
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Thank you for your interest in our first Horse Play Highlands retreat. We have created a transformational and unique experience especially for you.
An Exclusive Experience: Why We Limit Capacity to 10
This is not a large clinic. This is a small, intimate, and intensive residential experience designed for deep transformation. We intentionally cap our attendance at just 10 students to ensure you receive unparalleled personalised attention, direct feedback on your specific equine behaviour scenarios, and dedicated time for discussion and practical application.
Our horses' happiness is always paramount; by limiting numbers, we can create the best possible environment for horse and human.
This small group size also creates a uniquely supportive and focused environment, allowing you to forge meaningful connections with your peers and fully absorb the high-level material. This is your opportunity to learn directly and without distraction.
Early Bird Price
£1150
Ends 8th November 2025
Full Price £1300
Secure your place today with a £350 non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance can be split into 3 easy payments.
See agency in action with horse-led adventures
Pony Led Free Walk & Beach Exploration
Behavioural Concepts Explored:
- Agency in action - Studies have shown that when we allow our horses agency in their interactions with their environment, other animals and humans, rather than them choosing to avoid, they choose to participate more. A free walk with the ponies on these deserted, stunning beaches is the perfect place to observe this.
- Building observational skills and personal reflection - No two pony adventure days are the same, being highly observant to ensure we're recognising the tiniest changes in communication, enables us to maintain a safe and calm environment for all involved.
- What is the impact of enabling choice, control, and challenge in an open environment? - As the horses have developed in confidence, we have seen behaviours emerging that have not been witnessed before. This poses the question, what else are we missing?
Experience the joy of connection during these unmounted walks with the ponies observing equine behaviour in a natural setting.
Temperate Rain Forest Adventure
Concepts Explored:
Balancing horse, human and environmental needs. As carers, we have a responsibility to our horses, ourselves and the environment we manage. We'll be exploring how these components come together in this unique setting and reflecting upon what can be achieved in your own space.
Immerse yourselves in the serene beauty of one of Britain's few remaining temperate rainforests. With the ponies as your guides, allowing for natural interactions, we'll wander through the ancient oak woods and across the heather-strewn hills.
The woodlands support rare wildlife, these ancient, native broadleaved woodlands are a sanctuary for creatures. What makes them particularly special is their extraordinary biodiversity - mosses, lichens and ferns grow in abundance in the lush coastal climate. A rare survival of oak forests that once carpeted the Atlantic coast from Norway to Portugal
Humans and Horses Sharing A Life
Behavioural Concepts Explored:
Developing affiliative behaviours in horse/human relationships. We have found that, when given the choice, horses often decide to be with us. We'll be listening to what the herd has to say on the matter!
Here, the ponies are very much a part of our family life, see how we work and play together, managing the land, building connections, and even popping to the shops!!
Exploring how affiliative behaviours increase as horses feel heard, leading to shared, enrichment for all.
Understanding the neurology of enrichment. Why and how enrichment can be the key to unlocking your horses' true potential.
Unwind and be inspired by the Highlands
Take time to nurture body and mind. Each day we'll take some time to soak up the unique environment around us.
The awe-inspiring Ardnamurchan Peninsula allows you to step away from external distractions and reconnect with nature.
Being calm, happy and connected is a key component to nurturing ourselves and our horses. Enjoy time to breathe in the amazing air in our half-day reflective excursions to:
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Extinct volcanoes,
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White sand beaches with optional wild swimming
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Historic castles
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Evening fires under star-filled skies.
Our beautiful steading accommodation
Spend evenings relaxing, wildlife watching and reflecting on concepts discussed during the day around the campfire, under star-filled skies or on cosy sofas at the beautiful Ardnamurchan Bunkhouse.
The bunkhouse offers a unique experience in one of Britain’s most breathtakingly unspoilt landscapes, the Ardnamurchan peninsula.
What's Included?
- 4 nights full board accommodation
- All meals and snacks
- All pony adventures
- All half-day excursions
- Transport during activities
- Transfers from and to Fort William on arrival and departure.
What's not included?
- Transport to/from Fort William outside of retreat dates.
- Additional excursions before or after the retreat begins (for those wishing to stay longer, we can recommend many amazing excursions).
- Additional accommodation outside of retreat days (although this can be booked separately, subject to availability, if you'd like to extend your visit).
Early Bird
£1150
Full Price £1300 Ends 8th November 2025 Secure your place today with a £350 non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance can be split into 3 easy payments.
Book NowAbout your host
Hi, I'm Nicky Ross
From an early age, I have been fascinated by horses. I wanted to know how they thought, what they were saying, and how I could be part of their world.
I have spent my life immersing myself in this quest for knowledge, studying equine behavioural science, observing free-living equids, working with abused and neglected horses, and investigating my own herd's communications and motivations. It has been an amazing adventure into horses' minds—one that I will be on forever.
My mission is to make the most recent, accurate, and beneficial behavioural research available to owners, carers, and professionals in a fun, relaxed, and easily applicable way, empowering them to make informed decisions that positively impact the lives of their horses.
Getting to Ardnamurchan Peninsula
Location: The westernmost point of the British Isles, situated in one of Scotland's last remaining Highland wildernesses.
By Air:
- Nearest airports: Glasgow or Edinburgh
- We offer collection service from Fort William (please arrange in advance)
By Car:
- Drive towards Fort William, then take the Corran Ferry onto the Ardnamurchan Peninsula
- Continue west for approximately 1 hour to reach the accommodation
- Follow the Google Maps link below for detailed directions
Journey Time: 1 hour from Fort William to the accommodation
Ferry Information: Corran Ferry operates regularly, no booking required.
For collection arrangements from Fort William or travel queries, please contact us directly.
Kate Blackmore
If you ever get chance to be with the horses up in the Highlands, you've got to do it. There's something very magical and therapeutic about the whole experience.
Katie Castro
What a gorgeous experience! We could have walked with the ponies in that stunning forest all day. I highly recommend this experience to anyone, pony person or not!
Jackie Hooper
Thanks so much to Nicky for an incredible experience. The morning started in quiet mindfulness followed by a dream-like walk through the forest with the herd. So much thought provoking conversation and realisations. An overall wonderful experience in such a beautiful part of the world.
