With Animals In Mind

11/06/2024

I've had a cancellation Thursday afternoon. If anyone is looking for a session remote or in person in East Lothian please drop me a wee message! Thanks

11/06/2024

I see this again and again in the horse world and totally get what Guided Voice is saying here. To add to this, horses are herd animals. So many people give little to no thought to what a massive thing it is to remove a horse from it's herd, in order to move home when purchased. We are taking them away from all that they know; their family, their safety, often there are changes in the grass or routines too, all of which can be an added stress both physically and mentally.

So why is this important? I'm not saying this means no horses should ever move home.. although of course I'd love for people to treat horses with the same respect we do our family dogs, and at least aim to offer a home for life... realistically that's not the world we are yet living in. But please, if you are buying or moving a horse to a new home, take these things into account. Be aware of it from their eyes. The changes. The stresses. Do what you can to minimise these and be conscious of them. Talk to them about whats happening and become their place of safety 🥰🥰

My clients often tell me, “This is not the animal I purchased!”
My first thought is, of course it’s not! The energy that you are offering your animal is completely different from the energy that others were offering he or she.

Maybe your animal has changed much to your delight because perhaps they feel seen for the very first time. Perhaps you were able to see them for who they are rather than their past actions that didn’t align with another.

Maybe your animal has changed much to your dismay, perhaps they have deeper lessons for you. Perhaps they are inviting you to dig a little deeper in understanding the energy that you are attracting into your experience and why.

The animal you purchased is never going to be the animal that you saw on that very first day, because they were never meant to be.

They know exactly who you are , though, and you will soon find out the truth in these words.

Keep your heart open 💜

05/06/2024

I cannot recommend this book enough. 🥰 absolutely stunning artwork and the messages hit a place deep within 🥰

04/06/2024

Wow, what an amazing weekend down in Kent at Graveney Equine: Horse Track System running the Intro to Animal Communication Workshop with such an amazing group of people. I loved hearing everyones stories, what had led them to the workshop, all about their animals, and seeing everyone get those 'lightbulb' moments of exactly what they needed to get out of the day.

The whole weekend flew in, and a big thank you to Libby for joining me for the trip, which meant we were able to pack in an extra 2 flights and 4 meals worth of horse chat 😍😉😂

Huge thankyou to Lauren at Graveney for answering my call to the universe that I wanted to run a workshop at a track livery a little further afield... so nice to get to finally meet and absolutely heartwarming to meet all the herd, see their movement, happiness and health on the track system and how much Lauren loves and cares for each and every one of them. 🥰

All in all, a fab weekend. Can't wait for the next ones now both back in Scotland. For details check out my events page.

31/05/2024

Just about to head off for my flight to London and and this gorgeous book by arrives through the door..just in time to join me 🥰🥰

30/05/2024

This picture of Honey with a sharer I had in 2015 just came up in my memories. It makes my insides turn to see how overweight she was, knowing what I now know about laminitis risk, and truthfully, I considered not sharing it.

But as the saying goes, we all do the best we can at the time with the information we have. I was already a barefoot advocate and researching why certain foods made her footsore when everyone around me said, "Oh, she'll need shoes on, she's sore." I questioned and changed things, and she improved, and I kept her barefoot. I was already researching track life for horses but felt stuck for options and made do with what we had.

In May 2015, my first child had just turned one. Anyone with kids knows what a busy, crazy time in life this is, and the sleep deprivation... it's tough. I was barely riding and had sharers to help me out. I had the narrative, "She's never had laminitis, she's fine on grass, she just gets fat in summer... it's the part Gypsy Cob in her."

I didn't make the connection between footiness and laminitis risk, and I didn't understand that just because she was always fine before (mainly on old meadow grass) didn't mean she'd still be fine at this weight, barely moving around, on thick rye grass. It feels so naïve now, but I share this to encourage others not to overlook these things and presume it won't happen to your horse or pony.

We were at a large livery yard that had mostly ryegrass, and I'd say this was the largest she'd ever been. Knowing what I know now, Honey likely suffered from low-grade laminitis on and off for years. Her main signs were just an overall lethargy, being a bit footsore (which I put down to her not being in much regular work and needing to toughen up her bare feet), her sweet itch/itchiness that I now see directly relates to inflammation in the body, constant abscesses, brittle feet, and recurring thrush.

The picture in May 2017 was when she had her real 'laminitis' episode, which thankfully did not result in rotation, but was enough to make me reassess everything I thought I knew.

The picture in August 2017 shows her after three months off grass on mostly soaked hay, following the 'emergency protocol' found here [ECIR Horse Emergency Diet] https://www.ecirhorse.org/DDT+E-diet.php .

I think you'll agree it's an amazing change in such a short time. She got her spark back, she became the horse I knew and loved again and hadn't realised I'd been losing.

Since May 2017, Honey and I have been on an ever-evolving journey into my understanding of feet, laminitis, diet, lifestyle, etc. A journey that's involved setting up mini track systems at every yard I can, taking friends such as Melissa Cudmore and Catriona Umpleby, and more recently Cat and Amy, along on the journey and converting them to the benefits of tracks too. Continually moving closer and closer to where we now are: Honey coping out 24/7, muzzle-free with a herd 🥰

There's still a long way to go in my learning, and I'm sad at times for Honey and what she's been through because of not only my naivety but the lack of understanding in the whole horse world that provides such limited options in liveries for appropriate living environments. But I'm also incredibly grateful to Honey for taking me on this journey, as through her and my learning, I know so many more horses have and are yet to benefit.

You may notice both the pictures of her super overweight are from May... it's May now, folks. PLEASE don't be complacent.

If your horse is overweight, lethargic, getting footy, getting itchy, abscessing... any of the many signs of things not being right. Please take action so you don't have to reach the extremities of what this journey can be. 🥰

This weekend marks a significant highlight in my journey so far, as I travel down to the amazing Graveney Equine: Horse Track Systemo run an Intro to Animal Communication workshop. And it wouldn't be happening without Honey. This wee glimpse into our journey is just one of the many ways she's been a catalyst for change in my life, and I'm so thankful to her for this every day. Every day I strive to do better for her, learn more, and keep improving.

If you'd like to learn more about track living and the benefit of this way of life for your horses (especially those who struggle with being 'good dooers') there's some amazing pages you can follow: Graveney Equine: Horse Track System Harmony Fields Horse Track System Hardy Hooves Barefoot Track / Equicentral Living Gawsworth Track Livery Blairfordel Equestrian Falcon Meadow Track Livery to name but a few!

I hope to share more over the coming weeks about all the ways she's taught me and been part of who I am and what I do today 🥰 Thanks, Honey xx

26/05/2024

When an animal communicator holds a session with your animal, they are sending out the energy of what they want to say, and the animal in turn is sending back the energy of what they would like to share. Now I often hear people say- but animals don't understand English (or whatever language you speak).. and while this is true, they can communicate really quite clearly using energy- animals DO speak in energy, it's natural to them, as it is to us when we are born and before we have forgotten how to use it in this way.

When an animal send the energy of what they want to say during a session, a skilled animal communicator will be able to pick up that energy using their Clair senses. These spiritual senses, that we all hold to varying degrees, allows us to pick up the energy of what an animal is sending and translate that into images, words, feelings and sometimes just a sense of 'knowing' what the animal wants to say. We all receive these messages throughout our lives with our animals but learning to fine tune and trust this information takes time and practice.

Personally my main sense is my Clairaudience (inner hearing). So when I hold a session, it sounds like your animal is talking in my head... pretty cool right? That doesn't mean they know all those words, they are simply sending the energy of what they would like to say, and my brain (being largely clairaudient) translates that into words.. a communicator who had clairvoyance as one of their strongest senses could receive the same information as pictures!

24/05/2024

I remember my first group for the Introduction to Animal Communication workshop so well!

I won't lie I was more than a little nervous, but I'm no stranger to hosting training and workshops so I trusted that everything would be just as it should be. In my previous life as a youth worker, I often held training for the volunteers and it was always one of the things I loved to do, so I knew once I was in that space, it would flow.

I developed the program based on the key things that I felt had made the biggest difference in my own learning journey. There's a few things that really clicked for me over the years.. and in my head, if people truly understood these things.. it would all fall into place and they'd be able to communicate with animals as I do, albeit at a beginners level. I made no promises but knew it would be a super day regardless, and having never trialed it with anyone, I honestly didn't know what to expect.

Well to say this group (and every group since) outdid mine and their own expectations, is a total understatement. The energy in the group was buzzing and to see everyone get that high of hearing from their partner that 'yes' that information made sense and related to the animal they were practicing on... WOW it meant so much to me and filled me with so much joy. Knowing that I could spread this understanding and support people to have deeper connections to their animals, it fills me up time and time again🥰🥰🥰

It's only been 11 months since that very first group, and since then I've run the training 3 more times in person, once online, and with 2 more groups booked in this year.. as if that wasn't enough, the online material is now all super accessible in the With Animals in Mind APP for people to practice in their own time.

I feel so grateful to my first group, for being such an amazing bunch of people, all so open, and in trusting me to share my knowledge with them. I'm sure they'd all agree it was a special day 🥰🥰

If you'd like to join a future workshop you can check out my website for all the details, or if you think you'd like to host one in the future then please get in touch!

22/05/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Mhairi Reive, Debbie Alderson

Up until now I've not really done the 'welcome to new folks' posts..but do you know what? I'm going to start to celebrate this....

Because every new person following this page, is a new person that's looking to find ways to support their animals, to keep understanding them in new ways, to learn about the amazing energetic beings they truly are, how much they understand and how we can help support their understanding in their lives with us.

So welcome Mhairi and Debbie! Thanks for following 🥰

16/05/2024

Transitions can be hard for animals.

It's something we take for granted sometimes: life changes, there are ups and downs, moves, and big decisions to be made. A new home, a new yard, a new family member, holidays, or even a new job that means a new routine.

Not only do animals feel these changes just as we do, but often in the run-up to a big change, our energy changes too. There are plans to be made, lots to be done, and things can get busy, possibly even a bit stressful—and you can bet they notice that.

So how do we best prepare them for this?

It's simple, really.

1. Talk to them about it. You don't need to be an animal communicator to do this (although spoiler: we all are😘). Just pick a time when it's quiet and you feel calm, and tell them what's happening and why. Give a little detail about the change and when it's happening, what they can expect, and what you'll do to ensure they are okay throughout it. Let them know they're safe and will be looked after (and by whom if it’s a holiday, etc.). Now, I am not saying that animals know all these words—they don't speak English—they speak in energy, and your words have an energy behind them that animals DO understand. Talk them through the plans about a week or two ahead of time, not too soon, then again the day before the event.

2. Check in with your own energy. Keep tabs on how hectic things get in the run-up, and think of things that help you stay focused and calm, especially around your animals. If you notice them seeming stressed, check in with yourself first and see if you've been running around hectically. Things that can help with this might be doing a wee meditation or some deep breathing, taking 10 minutes out to just sit and hang with your animals, or writing a list of all the things you need to get done to help you focus. And again, chat to them about what's happening.

We just covered this topic in the Creating Sanctuary membership group if you'd like to learn more. Or reach out for support if you think you'd like some extra help, such as a 1-on-1 session.🐕😘🐎😊

11/05/2024

People book animal communication sessions for a whole variety of reasons. Sometimes there's a behavioral issue that they are struggling to understand; sometimes there's a big change coming up in the household that they'd like to prepare the animal for; and often I get people getting in touch because they are worried about a health concern and would like to hear from the animal themselves how they are feeling.

Charlie here is a gorgeous cocker spaniel who is adored by his family but unfortunately is unwell with cancer. While he's still enjoying his walks and being out and about with the family, they were keen to hear from him how he was feeling, if he's in any pain, and what he'd like to share with them. Of course, Charlie was keen to tell us he'd love more roast chicken 😊 and to share his favorite things to do, but more than that, he was able to set his mum's mind at ease about how he is feeling in his body, that, although slowing down, he still very much loves his walks and is not right now in any physical pain with his illness, which was such a relief to hear.

Animals are able to give some really detailed feedback during sessions that include a body scan about the different feelings in their body. Everyone works differently, but as I am mainly clairaudient (using my inner hearing), I use a conversation type of communication. So I do this by slowly working through the animal's body asking 'how does this feel' in each area, tuning in to both the physical areas and the energetic. If an animal shows me something, I can focus more on that area and ask 'what does it feel like' or 'is it all the time or only sometimes' and 'what makes it feel better.' These sorts of questions can really give us a great picture of what the animal would like to share. Of course, they can choose to not tell us things; this is their free will and of course, a vet should always be consulted when you have concerns, and communication/reiki is never a replacement for seeking medical advice. However, in cases such as Charlie's, where everything's already been done that can be, it's a great way to get a detailed picture of how they are finding their day-to-day life 🥰🥰.

17/04/2024

We are a social enterprise sanctuary for people and animals, providing well-being experiences and activities in nature with rescued animals! Established for 8 years, we are struggling to get back on our feet after our forced relocation. It's been almost 2 years of deep seated stress and panic which....

09/04/2024

Please share far and wide if you know anyone around the central belt looking for space to host their offerings 🥰

07/04/2024

I will be off work now until the kids go back to school on the 17th! (apart from my pre booked clients on Wednesday...you know who you are :-))

I will be trying my best to switch off and keep off my emails so you might be waiting longer than usual for a response.

I you'd like to book a session with me, come to an event or join the Creating Sanctuary membership group, this can all be done through my website 😊

Happy Easter hols and I'll see you on the other side!

07/04/2024

What an amazing week it's been!

Firstly, it was absolutely jam packed full of wonderful animals and lovely feedback from clients....

Midweek, a wonderful group joined me for the first learning discussion in the Creating Sanctuary membership group. It was so nice to connect with you all and great to hear all of your feedback too! It's such an amazing group of people, all just learning, growing as people and trying to do right by their animals. I'm so greatful for how it's all going so far!😊🕊️🐎

The week was topped off by another wee daytrip over to visit Harmony Fields yesterday with the lovely Nica Draws Nature. Plans were made, coffee was drunk and there may even have been cake at The Woodhouse Coffee Shop. ...

There are some HUGE things coming for Harmony in the future, now they have their access sorted, and I'm so excited to watch the developments roll in!

07/04/2024

Nica Draws Nature will be running creative connection circles at Harmony Fields and Equine Unlimited over 2024. They are sure to be truly amazing and at 2 wonderful venues! Why not check them out along with the 2 day event we are cohosting on the 6th and 7th of July!

02/04/2024

The first topic has just been announced for April's Learning Discussion in the With Animals in Mind App. We will be talking about the importance of grounding and connecting to the present moment when with our animals.

When we start developing our spiritual abilities, there is a lot of focus on our higher chakras and connecting out into the shared universal space. If we are not careful, especially for those of us who spend a lot of time in our heads anyway (which I would say is 99% of us!) we can forget how important it is with animals to be present, grounded and IN our bodies when spending time with them.

Also, I have a special treat for you… I decided there is no better teacher on this topic than my mare Honey. She is the queen of challenging me to be present. If I’m not focused and connected to myself and my actions when I’m with her, she just doesn’t want to hang around.

Honey has had a lot of trauma in her earlier years, and if I'm being totally honest, probably even some when I first had her, before I knew what I know now and was ‘learning through doing’ trying to retrain her to be ridden using natural horsemanship methods... a lot of which I have now moved away from. She is the perfect mirror to how I am acting on any given day.

So if you would like to hear directly from Honey, what if it feels like when someone is present vs not, or if you have any questions around this topic, then please join us in the Creating Sanctuary group! I have no idea what she will come out with as I’ve never directly asked her this before, but I’m sure we will all learn lots!😊🐎😂🐎

If you'd like to learn more about the app and the membership details, you can read all about it in the Creating Sanctuary page on m can read all about it here:

https://www.rachelsartain.com/creating-sanctuary-learning-hub

21/03/2024

I can finally say that the Animal Communication Learning App is fully live.

This has been a huge undertaking and has grown out of the huge enthusiasm from my amazing clients, who want to learn this skill and understand their animals even better in order to support them fully.

You can now find the app on:

APPLE > Anyone can access the preview content> Just search With Animals in Mind

Or access Through the web app at Passion.io > https://with-animals-in-mind.passion.io/

Google play will take a little longer, but you can still access on android through the Passion.io app and searching With Animals in Mind.

Everyone is free to log in and watch the welcome video even if you haven't signed up yet.

To sign up to the early bird and get full access to the Intro to Animal Communication Online Course AND the Creating Sanctuary membership, head over to my website:

https://www.rachelsartain.com/creating-sanctuary-learning-hub

I'm so excited for the launch event on zoom on Saturday.

Now I finally have all my crazy app admin out of the way ( I feel like I've been saying this for ages but it just keeps on going) I promise I will get back to sharing photos and videos of actual animals again 😍🐴🐰🐦🦆😆

A pre-recorded self study course that will guide you through modules to start learning to communicate with your animals yourself.

08/03/2024

What an absolutely amazing day yesterday visiting the beautiful Harmony Fields with Nica Draws Nature

I don't think any of us had quite anticipated how special it would be when we all finally came together 🥰

I was blown away by Cath and Ronnie's dedication and vision for the place and the clear connection Cath had with all of the animals.

A couple of ad hoc communications with Echo and Cookie, sat in the field, confirmed just how much the animals all care for Cath and how much they support what's next for Harmony Fields.

It was fascinating to see the rest of the herd move in and stand round us as we connected. Afterwards Echo, 37 and her son Wispa, 34 bombed up and down the hill several times, much to Cath's amazement as they hadn't moved like that in quite some time.

Merry and Cookie blessed us with a big lie down as wee left, again unusual for them in such close company of new people 🐴😍

A massive thanks to Cath for hosting us and to Nica for capturing such amazing pics and also a wee video that I hope to share in time.

Feeling Excited for what's to come!!

06/03/2024

After a week being sat at the laptop working on the App... I'm off to visit Harmony Fields tomorrow with Nica Draws Nature for a wee day out. I'll finally get some fresh air and find out about all the amazing things I'm sure they have planned now they finally have some access going in.

How exciting! I cannot wait 🥰

Updates and furry animal pics to follow I'm sure!

You can learn more about Harmony Fields and support their fundraising efforts here: https://www.harmonyfields.co.uk/membership

29/02/2024

I was so lucky this week to get some cuddles with this adorable mini lop eared bunny - Ralphy. It was so clear from the get go the amazing bond he had with his person and It was great to be able to put her mind at ease around a few things.

There's the possibility of a big move coming up, but only if it's what Ralphy wants. It was clear from him that he wants just what his person wants, to be able to spend more time together. He was dead set on this move being what he wanted too.

It was so great to be able to talk through the move, his change in living circumstance and double check he's happy with all this. It means they can both move forward with clarity and more importantly excitement about the next step in their journey together!

Every day I'm grateful to be able to share messages from peoples animals, to relive the worry we all feel over: 'are we doing what's right for them?'

Animals can communicate their wishes with us with such clarity, if we are simply willing to listen 🥰🥰🐰🐰

27/02/2024

It's official.. It's been a lot of late nights sat on the laptop being technical😅But I have officially finished the submission to Google and Apple of my very own learning APP which will go live on the 23rd of March!!

There will be 2 elements to this app:

1.Introduction to Animal Communication online course.

A pre-recorded self study course that will guide you through modules to start learning to communicate with your animals yourself.

Will also include a workbook, recorded meditations and practice sessions to guide you and help you practice your new skills.

2.Creating Sanctuary.

A monthly subscription group including

Monthly zoom teaching + support.

All sessions recorded to watch in your own time on the app if you cannot make the date.

These will take place on a Wednesday or a Friday Evening GMT once per month.

Monthly (opt in) distance energy clearing for you and your animals.

*You will need to have completed the Intro to Animal Communication course either online, in the app or in person at one of my workshops to join this group.

I'm offering the first chance to subscribers to sign up at the early bird, so I cannot post the sign up link on here today....BUT details will be out next week for anyone who would like to join but is not a subscriber!

If you are on my email list you can head over there now for full details and to grab your spot!

Thankyou all for your patience, my eyes hurt from being sat on the laptop for days.. But I know it will be worth it.

I'm away to walk Ellie and Honey and get a cuppa and some fresh air as my reward😍🐴😅

24/02/2024

Info coming out shortly on the new app via my mailer. If your not subscribed yet, be sure to do this via my website popup to hear the info before anyone else. xx

15/02/2024

I'm so excited to share that on the 23rd of March I will finally have launched the Introduction to Animal Communication course online as a self study course run via my very own app 😍🥰🐴🐮🦆🐦

I've really been working hard to figure out the best way to share this material for anyone wanting to learn and practice in their own time, without needing to attend an in person course.

So far the details I can share are that there will be 2 elements to this app:

1. The full Introduction to Animal Communication online course. This is a pre-recorded self study option that will guide you through modules and will also include a workbook and recorded meditations and practice sessions to guide you and help you practice. This will be purchasable by a one off fee that will give you lifetime access to the content so you can rewatch as many times as you like as well as using the recorded meditations to your hearts content.

2. Creating Sanctuary. Creating Sanctuary will be a monthly subscription group, for those wishing to meet regularly, learn and practice together under my guidance. There will be monthly zoom meetings hosted by me as well as other benefits. This part of the app will be accessed via a low-cost monthly subscription and you will need to have completed the Intro to Animal Communication course either online, in the app or in person at one of my workshops to join.

There will be some early bird discounted rates coming out through my emails next week along with details of how to sign up. If you'd like to be the first to hear the next steps, please insure your subscribed to my mailing list via my website popup.

Thanks for your patience. I know this has been a long time coming but I really wanted to insure I had the easiest, most user friendly way to offer this to you all and I'm glad to say I've finally found it.

Watch this space 😍