Equine coaching in Custonaci, Sicily
Reconnect with yourself, among horses.
Seven horses live freely as a herd in the open fields of western Sicily. In their presence, I accompany people on their personal journeys: horse connection sessions, systemic constellations with horses and Reiki in the herd.
Life coach, counselor and equine therapist
About
My name is Marina. I am a life coach, counselor, neuro-pedagogy trainer, equine therapist, and Reiki master. Over the years, my work has brought together psychology, education, body awareness, and the healing power of nature.
At the heart of my practice are seven horses who live freely as a herd in the fields of Custonaci, in western Sicily. Their way of being—present, intuitive, and deeply connected to one another—inspires the way I accompany people on their personal journeys.
My work
I facilitate systemic sessions in which horses become gentle partners in exploring the inner world. Through their presence and natural sensitivity, they can help us recognize emotions, relational patterns, inner resources, and new possibilities for growth.
In a safe and respectful space, I guide individuals to reconnect with themselves, gain clarity, and restore balance in their lives. Each session is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and allow meaningful change to emerge naturally.
A space among horses and stars
Set among the open fields and wide skies of Sicily, my work invites you to experience a deeper connection—with yourself, with others, and with the living world. Here, among the horses and beneath the constellations, transformation begins with presence, awareness, and compassion.
Get closer to horses with calm and confidence
Horse connection sessions
A journey of sessions designed for anyone who feels a little apprehensive around horses or has no previous experience with them.
Through simple, step-by-step exercises, you learn to approach horses with more calm, safety, and awareness. You do not need any prior knowledge: we start exactly where you are, gently and without pressure.
Together, we will explore
- Observing horses and understanding their language
- Learning basic safety around horses
- Using the breath to calm your mind and body
- Learning about a horse's history and needs
- Approaching, touching, and grooming with respect
- Walking together and building trust
- Understanding flight instinct and herd dynamics
- Developing presence, healthy boundaries, and self-confidence
Horses help us slow down, notice what we feel, and communicate more clearly. Over time, this connection can become the foundation for riding with a different approach: more conscious, respectful, and based on trust rather than control.
You can book a single session or a package of 4 lessons.
Systemic constellations with horses
Equine Systemic Constellations
For inner harmony, in the fields of Sicily
A gentle, intuitive process where horses reveal your inner system — without words, without placing people or objects. Just meditation and the wisdom of the herd. Through their presence we explore themes such as family, relationships, boundaries, trust, choices and your own place within the system you belong to.
- No experience with horses is needed.
- No riding: all the work happens from the ground, with respect for the horses.
- The horses live free in a herd and are only brought closer for the session.
- Sessions take place in nature, in the fields of Custonaci.
How it works
- 1We begin with meditation
We sit together in silence and connect with your question, theme, or what’s alive in you — whether it’s family patterns, relationships, work, a decision, or an inner feeling you can’t quite name.
- 2The horses start moving themselves
After the meditation, something remarkable happens: the horses begin to move on their own. They walk, pause, turn toward or away from each other — forming a living, breathing constellation right in front of you.
- 3They mirror your inner world
Their positions, distances, and interactions become a reflection of your system. A horse standing alone might mirror a part of you that feels excluded. Two horses facing away might show a disconnection.
- 4You feel what’s true
You don’t need to analyze or interpret. Simply notice what their movements awaken in your body, heart, or energy. Where do you feel tension? Where does something soften?
- 5Inner harmony emerges naturally
Through this felt experience, hidden patterns reveal themselves and often shift on their own. You might feel lighter, clearer, or more at peace — as if your inner system has found a new, more harmonious order.
Why horses move this way
Horses are prey animals and herd beings who have survived for millennia by sensing danger before it arrives. As herd animals, they constantly scan the emotional "truth" of their group. If there's unspoken tension, exclusion, or imbalance, they feel it immediately and respond to restore order.
This is why they move spontaneously: after meditation, with no direction from us, they reflect what's alive in your field. A horse stepping forward might show a suppressed part of you longing to be seen. A horse turning away might mirror a disconnection you feel but can't name. They feel before you know.
This is not therapy or coaching in the traditional sense. It’s a dialogue between your system and the herd, facilitated by presence and stillness.
Their survival depends on:
- Extreme sensitivity to energy. Horses feel everything: your heartbeat, breathing, muscle tension, even the electromagnetic field of your nervous system. They detect subtle shifts that your conscious mind might miss.
- Intuition for group harmony. They survive by sensing the emotional truth of their group, tuning into what’s alive in you to restore order and balance.
- Response to your unconscious. When we meditate and open our energy field, horses tune into your most inner emotions — feelings, loyalties, or tensions you might not even know you carry. Their movements become a bridge between your unconscious system and your conscious awareness.
Constellation Games at the Table
Constellation Games at the Table are gentle, symbolic exercises to explore family and relationship patterns. Using small figures or objects on a table, we create a living map of your inner world and your connections with others.
These sessions support awareness and reflection, in a safe, non-therapeutic setting, suitable for adults and adapted for children and families.
Decoder energy work / Decoder game
By Mieke Spanhove
Reiki Treatments on the Massage Table in the Herd
Reiki Treatments in the Herd are offered lying on a massage table, right in the middle of the horses’ natural herd. I give you the Reiki treatment lying on the massage table, gently placing my hands to support deep relaxation, emotional balance, and a sense of grounding.
The calm presence of the horses enriches the experience, creating a unique moment of peace and inner connection.
* These treatments are wellness practices, not medical or psychological therapy, and are always offered with your informed consent.
Testimonials
Experiences with the horses
“This was a rich experience that brought out emotions in me that were previously locked inside. It helped me reflect on some important questions in my life and work through them with the help of Marina and her beautiful horse. I will definitely be exploring more methods like this in the future. Would definitely recommend!”
“I had a brief but powerful coaching session with Marina and her horses. Marina guided me with sensitivity, while the horses helped reveal deep truths about myself. I highly recommend these sessions and look forward to experiencing them again.”
“The horse coaching provided a new perspective on my trauma, complementing traditional therapy. The subtle behavior of the horse allowed a freer interpretation of my experiences. I felt safe, empowered, and gained a deeper understanding of myself. Highly recommended!”
“Horse coaching session was a great way to start exploring some things that were on my mind. It was really helpful to open up and just get things out there to improve my confidences and self awareness. I realy enjoyed this experience with Marina and would like to do it again.”
Get in touch
Message me for more information and availability, or to book a session.
- Telephone
- +39 392 4245602
- Message me on WhatsApp