The Role of Equine Reiki in Supporting Horse Welfare and Yard Management This article has been put together by Lisa Orme of The Reiki Ranch, a qualified Reiki Master-Teacher and experienced horse owner. Drawing on years of experience in both the care and equestrian sectors, Lisa shares how Reiki can be integrated into everyday routines to promote calm, trust, and balance in horses and their environments. Supporting Equine Wellbeing Through Energy and Empathy In today’s equestrian world, there is growing recognition of the importance of holistic wellbeing in maintaining a healthy, balanced, and happy horse. Alongside good nutrition, veterinary care, and exercise, many owners are now exploring complementary therapies that help horses cope with the emotional and physical demands of modern life. One such approach is Equine Reiki – a gentle, non-invasive energy therapy that promotes relaxation, balance, and connection between horse and human. Understanding Equine Reiki Originating from Japan, it is a practice based on the principle that energy flows through all living beings and that imbalances in this energy can contribute to physical or emotional discomfort. In horses, Reiki is applied as either a hands-on or non-contact practice, allowing energy to flow where it is most needed. There is no manipulation or pressure involved, making it ideal for even the most sensitive animals. During a Reiki session, many horses exhibit clear signs of relaxation — softening their eyes, lowering their heads, licking, chewing, and even dozing off. These responses indicate a release of tension and a shift toward a more balanced, peaceful state. The Benefits of Reiki for Horses Reiki can offer numerous benefits when incorporated into regular horse management routines. It supports the body’s natural healing processes, helps manage stress and anxiety, and can assist horses recovering from injury, illness, or trauma. Because horses are highly sensitive, empathetic animals, they often mirror the emotions of those around them. Reiki can help restore emotional balance not only in the horse but also in the people who work closely with them. A calmer, more centred handler encourages the same in the horse, improving communication, focus, and cooperation. Over the years, Lisa has seen some fantastic results “I have personally seen horses transfer their emotional state from being unsettled to consenting and accepting Reiki, becoming the most settled of minds during times of need both physically and mentally.” For yard owners, Reiki can be a useful addition to overall welfare management. Regular sessions can help maintain herd harmony, reduce tension in busy or competitive environments, and encourage horses to feel more secure in their surroundings. It also complements traditional healthcare, contributing to a happier, more relaxed atmosphere across the yard. Many yard managers find that when stress is reduced, behaviour and performance naturally improve. Reiki also helps owners to connect more deeply with their horses, promoting empathy, awareness, and patience — qualities central to good horsemanship. “Reiki isn’t just for healing — it’s a mindset of care, calm, and connection.” Consent, Respect, and Connection An essential part of Equine Reiki practice is respecting the horse’s consent. Horses communicate clearly when they are comfortable or uncomfortable. If a horse does not wish to engage, it will move away or turn its body. When it stays, relaxes, or leans into the practitioner’s hands, this is a sign of acceptance and trust. Lisa sees the different ways that horses accept the treatment “I will often see a horse relax after 5 minutes of the Reiki flowing- their body twitching, licking their lips, resting their hips or fall asleep. Some horses will turn their head around to watch me, looking deep into my eyes as if to say “I am not sure what you are doing to me, but I rather like it” If a horse did not wish to consent to Reiki they will simply walk away” This two-way communication underpins the philosophy of ethical horsemanship — working with, not against, the horse’s natural instincts. By honouring the horse’s autonomy, Reiki not only supports healing but also nurtures emotional safety and understanding. Thinking about Reiki for Your Horse? Reiki is not intended to replace or act as an alternative to conventional treatments provided by the vet. Before the first Reiki session, the owner or loaner of the horse will need to gain veterinary approval that Reiki can be offered. This is usually just a phone call to the Veterinary Practice and should be made prior to the first session of Reiki being offered. Reiki is safe and will work with other forms of complementary treatment. A Reiki practitioner will not diagnose or recommend any form of medical treatment. Lisa Orme’s Journey and The Reiki Ranch Lisa Orme’s journey with Reiki began in 2001, introduced by a trusted spiritual advisor who recognised her openness to energy work and her deep empathy for others. With a background spanning over 40 years in managing complex care services, Lisa brought a deep understanding of emotional wellbeing to her practice. After achieving her Master-Teacher qualification in the Usui Shiki Ryoho system of Natural Healing, Lisa began applying Reiki to horses. The transformation she witnessed was profound — anxious and withdrawn horses became calm, trusting, and willing to connect. One of Lisa’s most memorable experiences involved a rescue pony named Storm. Traumatised after early separation from his dam, Storm arrived fearful and defensive, reacting with aggression. Through patience and Reiki energy work, Lisa helped him release tension and rediscover a sense of safety. Over time, he began to approach her willingly for energy work — a testament to the healing power of calm, patient connection. This experience inspired Lisa to establish The Reiki Ranch, a dedicated practice promoting equine wellbeing through ethical, evidence-informed energy work. Her approach blends intuition, behavioural understanding, and scientific awareness to support both horses and their humans. Lisa’s Model: Horse and Humanity Lisa’s philosophy, known as “Horse and Humanity,” is rooted in the belief that the relationship between horse and human is one of mutual learning and emotional growth. When a horse accepts human connection, both beings grow in trust, empathy, and awareness. Her model is built on the principles of respect, sociability, empowerment, loyalty, and acceptance, recognising that horses — as sensitive prey and social animals — mirror the energy and emotions of those around them. Through Reiki, handlers are encouraged to become more present, emotionally balanced, and self-aware, fostering genuine partnership rather than dominance. Conclusion Equine Reiki offers more than a method of healing — it’s a philosophy of care and awareness. By integrating Reiki into routine management, owners and yard managers can help their horses stay calm, connected, and emotionally balanced. Through The Reiki Ranch, Lisa Orme continues to share her experience and promote compassionate welfare practices. Her work demonstrates that when we listen, slow down, and connect with our horses on an energetic level, we nurture not only their wellbeing — but our own. About the Author Lisa Orme – Founder, The Reiki Ranch Lisa Orme is a qualified Reiki Master-Teacher (Usui Shiki Ryoho system) with over 40 years’ experience in the care sector and a lifelong passion for horses. She founded The Reiki Ranch to support equine welfare through ethical, evidence-informed energy work. Lisa specialises in helping horses overcome emotional trauma, rebuild trust, and develop calmness through energy connection and compassionate communication.
