About Us

Our Mission

The Positive Herd is a small non-profit organisation based in Cheshire, which aims to improve the welfare of horses, particularly those with complex behavioural problems. We have a very strong ethical code, and believe that all horses should be treated with respect, compassion and not subject to unnecessary pain, fear or suffering. Through our work we hope to change the lives of the horses we meet, and the perceptions of the people they encounter. With a better understanding of the horse's needs and motives we are able to better explain his behaviour, and ethically manage it. This improves the human-horse relationship and ultimately equine welfare.

We also create opportunities for people to spend time with our horses and benefit from being around our herd. The Positive Herd Project offers activities where both horses and people can heal, grow and learn together, in an environment that is positive, force-free and non-judgemental. These activities are safe and suitable for people who have no experience of horses.

Our Objectives

To provide a permanent sanctuary for rescue horses that cannot for whatever reason be re-homed.

To provide rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing where possible, to horses suffering maltreatment, neglect, abandonment or otherwise in distress, particularly as a result of behavioural problems.

To promote good equine welfare providing education on equine management, behaviour and ethical training, through lessons, workshops and consultations.

To provide and facilitate therapeutic activities for people in need while not compromising on equine welfare.

Adapted from The Positive Herd Project Constiutution (2019)

Meet The Team

The Positive Herd began as a small, family run organisation but is now operating as a social enterprise. We have a board of directors who ensure that all the work we do is in the best interest of the horses, and is meeting our objectives. Our current workforce is completely made up of volunteers, from the dedicated core team to the regular and invaluable help we receive.
Find out more about the core team here.

Rachel Randles

Founder
Rachel is a BHS affiliated instructor with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
She has spent her life trying to help horses, originally envisaging the project years ago. Rachel oversees the management of all the horses and actively participates in training.

Beth Gibbons

Managing Director
Beth is a qualified animal behaviourist who specialises in equine behaviour. She's studied at The Natural Animal Centre and to masters level at The Manchester Metropolitan University. She has a special interest in positive reinforcement based training methods.

Lisa Whitehead

Lisa is a BACP Accredited counsellor and trauma therapist. She is a long time volunteer a and is passionate about providing ways for vulnerable people to spend time around
horses. She has completed the MiMer Centre Equines in Therapy training courses and is interested in developing interventions for people to interact with the horses in ways that are mutually beneficial, positive experiences.

Yvonne Mutton

Director
Yvonne is a registered mental health nurse for patients with psychosis within the NHS. She has been a long term volunteer with The Positive Herd Project alongside her daughter.

Clare Gouider

Director
Clare is a long term volunteer and adopter of rescued cobs Takado and Star. She has extensive experience in customer care and administration which she brings to the board.

Molly's Legacy

Beth was only a teenager when she was introduced to Molly; a beautiful, black Appaloosa mare with a multitude of problems. She had been asked to ride her for a family friend, and naively ended up buying her. Only then was the full extent of her previous trauma apparent. She was constantly scared and vigilant, often rearing or barging people out of the way as they tried to carry out basic care. She was near impossible to handle and dangerous to ride.
Over the years Molly proved to be Beth's most valuable and influential teacher, clearly expressing when things were wrong and responding when they were right. The pair endured a dramatic and emotional journey together, which ultimately resulted in Beth become involved in equine behavioural science.
Molly's herd living peacefully on a hillside in Pott Shrigley formed the basis of what is now The Positive Herd Project. In 2018, just as the organisation was starting to take form, Molly unexpectedly got very ill and had to be put to sleep.
The Positive Herd Project would not have happened if not for Molly. We continue to honour her legacy by helping more horses like her. Read her full story here.