PEOPLE dealing with stress, anxiety, depression or eating disorders were given the chance to get up close and personal with a herd of horses.

Hopethruhorses threw open the gates of its paddock to give more than 60 people the chance to meet its herd of 19 horses and ponies on Saturday.

The “hug a horse” open day in Garsington also allowed guests to hear about the therapeutic lessons horses can provide to people living with mental health problems.

Founder Jo Corfield said that because herds of horses always work as a unit, people who spend time with them can feel more calm and more grounded.

She added: “Horses in the wild need to work as a unit, they need to work for the greater good of the herd to keep each other safe.

“They are releasing energy, releasing fear, releasing tension in order to maintain their health.

“When we get into the herd, because it is free-roaming, they automatically draw you into their energy, they ease your tension, calm you and ground you.”

Guests were also offered hot mulled wine and mince pies, and Ms Corfield said it was a great success.

She added: “It was really, really busy, a lot of people showed interest and a lot of them want to book a session, so it was well worth it.”

* Visit hopethruhorses.com.