Horses and Humans Form a ‘Healing Bond’ at Mane Chance Sanctuary

Jenny Seagrove is a notable name in the film industry. The exceptionally actress has now turned her course towards helping animals. Through Mane Chance Sanctuary she’s established an equine haven and a real home for the animals.

''Mane Chance came about in desperate circumstances in 2011 when a friend rang to say she couldn’t afford to feed her large collection of animals, many of which she had rescued.’’

''It was one of those life-changing moments when you find a real purpose. Setting up a charity – a massive adventure.” She described how a phone call changed her life forever.

''I called a friend who found Monkshatch Garden Farm, where the owner let us rent the 47 acres we needed. A year later, we were offered it for sale.’’ Setting up the farm had its fair share of hurdles.

''I had to sell my flat in London and ask Simrin, who has been amazing, to chip in.’’ Seagrove said she can’t thank philanthropist Simrin Choudhrie enough for her help.

Mane Chance has also collaborated with pioneer of trust technique, James French and his partner Shelley Slingo. The duo gives therapy sessions to horses to form a close relationship with them.

''When all this began, I knew the horses would need therapy,” she says. “I asked James French, who I had known through his work as a reiki master for 20 years, and who is a renowned animal communicator, to help out.’’

''It’s about getting the limbic system – the part of the brain associated with emotions and memories – of horse and human - in sync,’’ says Seagrove.

The association soon noticed that the horses have healing capabilities as they created positive aura on some of the volunteers. ''We had groups of children and volunteers here, some of whom had their own issues, and a rapport and trust was building between some of the horses with the humans who seemed to need them most.’’ Differently abled children have become regulars at the place.

Now Mane Chance is promoting the horses as a “healing herd” and students under the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme.

Read more about Simrin Choudhrie.