01
Biomechanics
Notice where your body moves unevenly, where you brace, and where you hold tension.
EQUINE SEXUAL SOMATIC INTEGRATIONThe method
The method
ESSI.
ESSI is a pioneering equine-assisted approach that draws on physiology, neuroscience and energy work, bringing the body, nervous system and mind into one integrated practice.
I'm Ksenia Ginosyan
Preventive and anti-ageing medicine specialist, somatic psychotherapist and sexologist
8 yearsof pelvic floor work
20 yearsof experience with horses
01
HORSE & HUMAN
A horse opens the door to new possibilities for personal growth
Horses can be remarkable companions in self-discovery. They have no interest in fixing us or telling us what we want to hear.
They respond instinctively, without judgement. In that encounter, feelings can surface that are hard to put into words — sometimes feelings we had no idea were there.
Reflection and other forms of therapy may lead to similar discoveries. A horse brings something different: an immediate, living response that can help us reach those insights sooner.
THE ESSI METHODFour dimensions.
Four dimensions.
One embodied experience.
01
A DIMENSION OF ESSI
Biomechanics
Notice where your body moves unevenly, where you brace, and where you hold tension.
EMG study · Schäfer and Pannek, 2009 ↗02
The psyche
Explore the patterns beneath conscious awareness and begin to see what is happening within.
03
Pelvic floor
A horse's movement engages the pelvis in three planes. A study using vaginal EMG in 14 participants recorded differences in pelvic floor muscle activity at different gaits. These observations concern muscle activity; they do not, on their own, demonstrate improved sexual function or an advantage over mat-based exercise.
EMG study · Schäfer and Pannek, 2009 ↗04
Interoception
Interoception is your ability to sense what is happening inside your body. Developing it can help you recognise arousal, personal boundaries, desire and discomfort before they become pain or tension. It is the practice of listening inward.
ESSI is a wellness practice. It does not diagnose conditions or replace medical or psychological care.
WHAT TO EXPECTFrom first encounter
From first encounter
to genuine connection.
Meeting your horse
We watch for a horse that shows interest: approaching, sniffing, staying close and allowing touch. Your equine guide knows the horses and helps you begin that connection safely.
Briefing and mounting
You can get into the saddle from your first session. We begin with a briefing on approaching a horse, keeping a safe distance, mounting and riding. No previous experience is needed.
A ride or a practice
What comes next depends on your chosen experience: we may head out on a ride or begin the practice straight away. Bareback work and dynamic meditation on horseback have a special place in ESSI.
Two kinds of support
Your equine guide looks after the horse and monitors safety throughout. Your ESSI practitioner observes your body and responses, helping you find a workable connection.
Listening to the horse
During practice, the horse will often quietly eat grass or hay. We frequently notice that as a person relaxes, the horse settles too — lowering its head, standing quietly nearby or beginning to yawn.
Making sense of the experience
Afterwards, we take time to talk about what surfaced, the responses you noticed and what shifted. Your ESSI practitioner shares their observations and helps you connect the experience to everyday life.
WHAT YOU TAKE WITH YOUYou don't need to come
You don't need to come
to fix yourself.
You can come simply to meet horses, ride for the first time, explore a trail or feel the strength of a remarkable animal. Wanting a day that feels different from everyday life is reason enough.
For one person, ESSI brings a powerful sense of achievement. For another, it reveals a familiar pattern in relationships, work or decision-making. For someone else, it is simply one of the most beautiful, memorable days of their life.
This is an experience your body remembers: movement, fear, trust, pleasure, strength — and the moment you and your horse find a connection.
A lasting memoryA new way to moveA moment with yourself
ESSI EXPERIENCESFind your way
Find your way
into the experience.
You don't need to know exactly what you want to change. Start with the experience that draws you in.
1.5–2 hours · private
Private practice
You, an ESSI practitioner and a horse. A personal session exploring what matters to you through body awareness, connection and interaction.
Choose a private session when you want space to explore personal questions without an audience.
Explore →2 hours · once or twice a week
Regular practice
Make ESSI part of your week. Build an ongoing relationship with your body and your horse through consistent practice.
Physical training and nervous system awareness in a single session.
Single sessions & packages →1.5–3 hours · group
Equine Embodiment Experience
A group experience that reveals how you act, respond and relate — through direct interaction with a horse.
Self · Contact · Direction. We can tailor the theme to your group's needs.
Discover more →4–7 days · all levels
ESSI Immersive Journey
Time to immerse yourself in ESSI: horses, somatic practices, nature and space to make sense of what unfolds.
Open to beginners and experienced riders alike.
Explore journeys →4–7 days · experienced riders
Horse Expedition
A real journey on horseback, where the connection with your horse becomes part of the adventure.
Days on the move, changing landscapes and ESSI experienced out on the trail.
Explore the routes →A few hours to a full day
Private & Custom Experiences
Bespoke experiences for private groups, birthdays, teams, photo shoots and special occasions.
We also host themed events: horses and a steam bath, yoga with horses, and film-inspired rides. The horse is always a partner, never a prop. Connection and shared experience remain at the heart of it all.
Create your experience →UPCOMING EXPERIENCESMake time
Make time
for something different.
Private and group sessions are arranged individually. For longer adventures, explore our upcoming departures.
Riding adventure · Kazbegi
Beginners welcome · 1.5–2-hour rides · $2,500
Immersive riding expedition · Manglisi
Confident riders · 3 days · up to 8 guests · $2,000
BODYFUL EXPERIENCE · Kazbegi
The Four Elements · women-only embodied experience · 4 days · $1,250
ESSI Immersive Journey · Batumi
4–7 days · register your interest
ESSI Immersive Journey · UAE
4–7 days · register your interest
“Through nature, we remember our own.”
FAQBefore we
Before we
meet.
Do I need experience with horses?+
No. Every practice begins with a briefing. An equine guide stays nearby, monitoring the horse and your safety.
Will I ride a horse?+
ESSI programmes include riding from the first day, following a briefing. The exact session depends on the format and takes both the person and the horse into account.
Is ESSI a form of therapy?+
ESSI is a wellness practice, not medical treatment or psychotherapy. It does not diagnose conditions or replace care from qualified healthcare professionals.
Can men take part?+
Yes. The method was developed primarily with women in mind, but men are welcome too. We discuss the right format with you before booking.
How do you manage safety?+
A dedicated equine guide looks after the horse-related side of the experience. They know the horses, lead the briefing and monitor their behaviour throughout.
How do I choose the right experience?+
Select “Help me choose” when you enquire. We'll ask about your experience, expectations and available time, then suggest a suitable option.
Are there any participation restrictions?+
Some health conditions require prior discussion or may prevent participation. Before your visit, we ask for relevant information and may recommend consulting an appropriate healthcare professional.
LET'S BEGINWhere would you like
Where would you like
to start?
Choose an experience or let us help you decide. We'll get in touch, answer your questions and share upcoming dates.
ESSI — Equine Sexual Somatic Integration
✓ENQUIRY SENT
Your first step is taken.
The ESSI team has received your enquiry and will get back to you using the contact details you provided.