Frequently Asked Questions

Walk Sublime™ is a unique wellness journey curated personally for you by our founder, Mel McLaren, your guide. The ultimate connection in nature with one of her dearly loved, rehomed horses by your side as your dedicated walking partner.

A deeply personal, humbling and meaningful experience for just 1 or 2 guests. Everyone's journey of trust is different and entirely their own - Mel will support you on yours.

Designed for those with absolutely no experience - yet so groundbreaking we offer horse people a new dimension to connection - you’ll be fully supported to reach the 'sublime synchrony' Mel radiates with her horses. Signified by a loose lead rope forming a J-shaped curve in the space between human and horse, a connected pair in sync with each other.

Heart rates synchronising...

Footstep to hoofbeat...

Soul to soul.

Mindfulness comes naturally when walking in the company of a horse. An entirely different, more empowering experience than horse riding.

Free from concerns of controlling 'your mount' up there on their back, your mind can focus on the individual your horse is and how they might be feeling. Eye to eye with a majestic being, privileged to earn their trust.

Honoured when the realisation hits you: Your partner has your back.

Walk Sublime™ is unlike any other horse experience. The sense of freedom you feel when Mel places her trust in you, equals the freedom you give your horse to make their own choices. Slowly, you come to the realisation: Connection and flow transcend control.

Drawing parallels from other disciplines, the Principle of Emergence in systems theory is known for 'The whole is greater than the sum of its parts'.

Emphasising dynamic interactions and interdependence, this holistic framework has applications across fields as diverse as engineering, manufacturing, social work and ecology. It helps us understand intellectually why many people experience a profound magical feeling when fully immersed in nature beside a magnificent horse as their equal.

Put simply: Human on foot + Horse + Nature = Sublime

And feelings at this depth are remembered for life.

No! Walk Sublime™ is proudly designed for people with absolutely no experience.

Many of our guests remember their own strong attraction to horses as a child; some have had experience riding horses in the past; most haven't been around horses for years or decades - if at all.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or have yet to meet a horse in person, we're confident you’ll get more out of your session than you might expect and invite you to read some of what our guests have to say.

Yes, to be in the presence of Mel and her horses is to experience real life Horse Whispering.

When we humans are able to let go of the need to control a horse, something magical happens... A sense of connection emerges; not forced, but freely offered.

This is Horse Whispering at its most authentic: The tone of a two-way silent conversation set by the softness of your body language, eye contact, full awareness of your energy and intentional breathing. The ability to bring all of yourself into the present - finding stillness inside - to trust your intuition, and meet your horse in their calm state.

Earning your horse's trust through resonating with absolute clarity: You will keep them safe.

Yes! Our JUST BE and HEAL experiences are sought-after gifts, available to purchase as a gift voucher, valid for 12 months.

How to order: See GIFT VOUCHERS page to order online with ease.

Walk Sublime™ is a meaningful way to celebrate life's special milestones including 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th and yes, even 80th birthdays! For your wife or husband; for your mother, grandmother or adult children; for men who feel an affinity with horses, or perhaps a group present organised for a dear friend or colleague.

We offer gift vouchers for all experiences, either for the full session or to the custom dollar amount of your choosing.

Terms & Conditions

(1) Gift vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash.

(2) From July 1, 2026, gift vouchers are valid for twelve months (previously six months).

(3) Recipients book online at their convenience using the coupon printed on their voucher.

We are fortunate to live and work in South Australia and aspire to showcase the beauty of our local region to the world. We walk in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, not far from where Mel's property is located on the outskirts of the little town of Meadows.

Locations available for Walk Sublime™ experiences include:

• Kuitpo Forest, KUITPO, SA
• Our 80-acre horse sanctuary, Mel's private property located near MEADOWS, SA

Distance and time spent walking is determined by you on the day, typically 1 - 8 km at your comfortable walking pace.

This could be anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on collective energy levels and how you and your horse are enjoying being together on the trail.

We walk on peaceful loop trails chosen for you with plenty of opportunities for rest stops along the way, treating the horses to a spot of grazing, which of course, they love!

Yes, there are three fundamental requirements and one firm recommendation:

i) Basic mobility and stability on your feet are required as you will be on foot, next to your horse. Please be aware, the trails we walk can sometimes be on uneven, sandy ground.

ii) Basic level of cardio fitness required such that you’re able to maintain a gentle trail walk on flat ground with your horse. The distance and pace are set by you - there are plenty of opportunities to stop for rest breaks along the trail. How energetic you're feeling on the day, and the parts you're enjoying the most, will create your peronsalised experience.

iii) Attitude is everything with horses. A willingness to be open to suggestion is a must.

iv) A pair of sturdy walking or hiking boots are strongly recommended for good grip and toe and ankle protection.

Yes! Young adults 12 years and over are welcome to participate in the company of an adult. Walking with Horses™ is a fun, hands-on developmental experience - building self confidence, establishing the concept of mutual respect, and teaching kids how to keep themselves calm.

And richer than that: The horses show our young guests their own self worth.

7 - 11 years old: If you feel your child or grandchild aged 7 to 11 is capable of following directions and would enjoy Walking with Horses in Kuitpo Forest with you, we are happy to consider this on a case by case basis.

Please contact Mel before proceeding to book with a brief description of your child including their age, and be sure to include your mobile number for a short phone call to determine suitability.

No, the only therapists with us on the trail are the horses.

Nonetheless many of our guests have told us their experience Walking with Horses in Nature™ had profound therapeutic benefits. In some cases this simple, humble experience has been the catalyst for newfound inner strength, self confidence and the onset of significant positive changes in their lives.

This was the case for our founder, Mel McLaren, and is the origin of Walk Sublime.

Yes! Mel is a firm believer in focusing on ability over disability, and just like the horses, sees every human being as her equal. Since Walk Sublime's inception in 2022 we've welcomed many guests living with disability, in the company of their carer or support workers, for custom sessions Walking with Horses in Kuitpo Forest and Just Be(ing) with Horses at our Sanctuary.

We provide tax invoices for our specialist health and well-being services on request, however please note, we do NOT provide NDIS specific invoices.

If you would like to enquire about a custom session you're invited to send Mel a message via the CONTACT page.

We simply activate our Unpleasant Weather Policy:

We intend for our horses, guests and your guide to enjoy their walk! Should weather conditions be unpleasantly hot, wet or wild we will contact you via mobile 2-3 hours before your session time to recommend rescheduling, at our sole discretion.

No refunds are offered though the reschedule is to a day and time that suit you, as available (weekday / weekend per your reservation) within a six week period.

If you don’t hear from us prior to your scheduled meet time, we ask you to trust in your guide's judgment as your session is going ahead as planned.

To the delight of our guests, mobile devices are strictly left in the car on arrival. This enables you to get the most out of your experience - being fully present with your horse in nature - and gives your horse the same sole (soul) attention he or she will give you.

Your guide carries a fully charged mobile phone on the trail in case of emergency. Please contact Mel before proceeding to book if you'd like to accommodate a special need for carrying your phone on you at all times.

No. Mel prefers to specialise in providing wholly personalised health and well-being experiences with her horses, therefore the maximum number of guests we typically cater for is 2.

If you would like to book Walk Sublime for your family to appreciate horses in nature together, our CHERISH experience can be tailored for up to 5 guests. Please enquire with Mel through our CONTACT page.

No. It's just not what we're about.

While four of the eight Walk Sublime horses are ridden horses, occasionally taken out for a private ride on the same trails we walk, our horses are proudly not offered to the public for horse riding in any capacity.