When McLaren launched Walk Sublime in 2022, she envisioned a place where people could find peace and perspective through nature — no horse experience required. What she built has become much more than a health service. Her approach, described as ‘collective wellness’, focuses on humility, gratitude, and giving back to the horses that once served in racing.
McLaren combines the calming rhythm of mindful walking with the powerful presence of rehomed Thoroughbred racehorses and other rescued horses. “Forever” rehomed after their final race, her horses each have a story — one faced euthanasia after developing a spinal condition from eight years on the track, while another, physically sound, needed long-term care to manage anxiety-based behaviours.
Three years on, the results are remarkable. More than 350 participants, aged 4 to 84, have joined McLaren’s nature walks, leaving glowing five-star reviews. For the horses, the transformation has been equally profound.
Strolling calmly through Adelaide’s Kuitpo Forest with the guests McLaren carefully pairs them with has proven deeply therapeutic — for both humans and animals.
McLaren’s mission extends beyond changing how people see horses. Her work invites a shift in perspective — from viewing horses solely as animals for riding or competition, to recognising them as sentient beings offering wisdom and reflection. During each walk, she observes “hearts slowly opening and the letting go of chronic emotional burdens” as guests feel accepted by their equine partners, experiencing insight in a “gentle, non-judgmental way.”
What’s especially striking is the diversity of those drawn to her program. Supporters of the racing industry — including racehorse owners and syndicate members — have joined the walks, finding connection and healing alongside the animals they once cheered on.
“I’m an educator, not an activist,” McLaren emphasises. Her goal is inclusion — inviting everyone to experience the quiet power of walking eye-to-eye, as equals, with rehomed horses in nature.
To learn more, visit walksublime.com.au or follow @walksublime
