Inspired by Kindness, Rooted in Nature: The ATHENA® Herd Foundation Story

The ATHENA® Herd Foundation is more than an organisation; it's the result of a journey—a heartfelt quest for a more harmonious way of life for people and animals alike. Our story is one of transformation, inspired by nature and built on a foundation of kindness.

A Search for a Better Way

It all began in 2014 with our founders, Jennifer and Brent. A growing sense of disillusionment with the well-being of their horses on traditional livery yards sparked a desire for change. They knew there had to be an alternative—a way of life that would not only improve the health and happiness of their horses but also enrich their own lives and the lives of all their animals. This was a search for true sanctuary.

Their quest led them to a 16th-century farmhouse nestled in Paddock Wood, Kent. With its commutable distance to London, it offered a practical escape, but it was the land that captured their hearts. Seventeen acres of established hedgerows, mature trees, natural water sources, and native wildflowers offered a wealth of natural benefits. It was the perfect canvas on which to build their dream: a peaceful, tranquil lifestyle where they could spend quality time as a family, surrounded by nature and animals living in harmony.

The Birth of a Philosophy

It was here, amidst the quiet beauty of the Kentish countryside, that the philosophy of ATHENA® truly took root. The name was chosen to honour the Greek goddess Athena, a powerful symbol of caring, wisdom, and kindness—values that sit at the core of our mission. In a moment of beautiful serendipity, shortly after moving to the farm, they welcomed two new horses, both from a mare coincidentally named Athena. It felt like a sign, affirming their path forward.

This "back to basics" approach became our guiding principle. We began to explore how people and animals could not just coexist, but truly thrive together in partnership with the natural environment. Today, the ATHENA® Herd Foundation proudly holds the Registered Trademark for ATHENA® in the UK, EU, and Australia, a mark of our unique and principled approach.

From a Herd to a Foundation

What started as a personal journey quickly grew into something much larger. The success and resonance of the ATHENA® philosophy led to exponential growth, and in 2021, the ATHENA® Herd Foundation was officially launched.

This evolution allowed us to expand our mission and formalise our work:

• Learning & Development: Our highly successful Training Programmes in Equine Facilitated Interactions form the learning heart of the foundation, sharing our methods with a new generation of practitioners.
• Professional Standards: We became a respected hub for professional excellence, establishing Organisational and Training Centre Memberships and an Accredited Practitioner Register.
• Community Impact: We deepened our commitment to social benefit by developing community-funded projects. We actively partner with local charities and community interest groups, securing funding to make our therapeutic work accessible to those who need it most.

The ATHENA® Herd Foundation has been, and always will be, a labour of love. It has evolved by observing, listening, and learning from every member—both human and equine—that has been part of our story. We remain committed to our founding vision: to be a natural place to learn and be heard.