Frequently Asked Questions

A walksublime is a unique wellness journey curated for you by our founder Mel, your guide. The ultimate connection in nature with one of her dearly loved horses by your side - your dedicated walking partner.

A very personal, memorable experience for 1 or 2 guests max.

Designed for those with absolutely no experience (yet with something special to offer even an experienced horse person) you’ll be fully supported to reach the 'sublime synchrony' Mel radiates.

Everybody's journey is different. Your guide will support you on yours.

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.

No! Walking with Horses™ is 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.

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 farm is located on the outskirts of the little town of Meadows, and the spectacular Fleurieu Peninsula coastline.

Locations available for Walking with Horses in nature™ include:

• Kuitpo Forest, Meadows SA
• Normanville Beach SA (seasonally Oct 1 - Apr 30)
• Silver Sands Beach SA (seasonally May 1 - Sep 30)
• The Shiraz Trail, McLaren Vale SA
• Mel's Farm - At home with the WalkSublime horses, Meadows SA

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! Many of our guests receive Walking with Horses in nature™ as a Gift Certificate for their birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day or Valentine's Day. A walksublime is a gift that stands out and is remembered for life.

We offer Gift Certificates for each of our experiences, either in full or to the dollar amount of your choice. Please contact Mel directly to arrange a gift for your special someone.

Walking with Horses™ Gift Certificates are valid for six months from the date given to the recipient, who can then book the time and date of their choice. Please note: Gift Certificates are non-refundable.

Yes! Young adults 12 years and over are welcome to participate in the company of an adult. Walking with Horses™ is a memorable and meaningful hands-on developmental experience, a fun way to develop self confidence.

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

Under 12: If you feel your child or grandchild aged 7 to 11 years 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 us with a brief description of the child including their age, and be sure to include your mobile number for a good old-fashioned phone call with Mel to determine suitability.

2 - 6 years: Alternatively, or for younger/smaller children, we offer the essence of a walksublime with Farm Visits to Mel's private property.

These are private sessions in a more controlled environment, tailored to you using our purpose built post-and-rail horse yard. We start outside the fence to create a feeling of safety and to give your child choices - they are in control of when and how they would like to meet their horse.

To date, kids as young as 4 have brought their parents and grandparents much joy as they watch their little one confidently lead their horse, assisted by Mel, in the yard at first, then further afield around the farm as they choose.

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 and is the origin of WalkSublime.

No, however our guests with privately managed NDIS Plans claim Walking with Horses in nature™ under Access Community Social and Recreational Activities.

We welcome NDIS clients in the company of their carer or support worker and proudly offer our proprietary Ability with Horses service - 1.5 hour sessions tailored to achieve specific outcomes for individual guests.

Please contact Mel with enquiries or booking requests.

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. We offer a highly personalised experience - the maximum number of guests we cater for is 2.

At the heart of a walksublime is feeling a real, tangible, dirt-under-the-fingernails-type bond with the horse we select for you as your walking partner.

Whether this makes you think of The Man From Snowy River or The Horse Whisperer, each guest's experience is very personal to them. Call it what you will.

Yes, Mel specialises in training and socialising the WalkSublime horses. She developed The Sublime Way based on her knowledge and understanding of the sentient nature of horses.

WalkSublime's proprietary training program has proven to build safe, healthy and willing relationships between horses and humans, with no imbalance of power.

Mel invests in both her horses and herself for ongoing professional training and horsewomanship skills. We are blessed to have access to the highest calibre of professional horse trainers here in South Australia - Power Equestrian and Yoann Levesque Equestrian - selected by Mel because their philosophies align with her own.

Our work introducing people with little to no experience around horses, to walking with them on a public trail in the company of 'their horse’, is an example of the ripple effect these hugely talented trainers have on this world.

No. While four of the six WalkSublime horses are ridden horses, occasionally taken out for a private ride on the same trails we walk, our horses are not offered to the public for horse riding in any capacity.

It's just not what we're about.