We meet Tam and Ants Bennett to find out about Collacott Farm, their Devon retreat which focuses on the restorative connection that horses have to offer
“We’re passionate about creating a space where you can slow down and reconnect”
Hi Tam and Ants, tell us a bit about Collacott Farm
Ants: We run self-catering family holidays in north Devon. Guests can stay in a cosy cottage and will enjoy Horse Connection experiences, craft activities and outdoor pursuits. Last year we also held some individual connection retreats, which have proved hugely popular.
That sounds like a dream. How did it come about?
Tam: Ants grew up in Somerset surrounded by animals and I’d enjoyed idyllic childhood holidays in Cornwall. However, we’d both ended up in corporate careers in London, juggling the endless distractions of urban living – we hankered after a slower pace of life. In 2019, we took a road trip around Devon and Cornwall and were captivated by north Devon. Then 2020 hit and we discovered a new appreciation for long walks in nature. That was the catalyst for bringing our countryside dream forward and, in 2022, we took charge of a riding stables and several holiday cottages.
That’s a big leap! How’s life changed since then?
Ants: We realised that the riding stables needed a lot of investment and care, so we launched Horse Connection with the sole aim of connecting humans with horses.
Tell us more…
Ants: Previously, customers would turn up and get straight on a horse, often without much understanding. Nowadays, our guests first learn about the history of the horse, horse language and communication, safety, and how to connect with them. This provides for those who simply want to connect with horses without getting on one, but also for those keen on riding.
Tam: Horses are wonderfully sentient animals – did you know that they can hear your heartbeat from up to four metres away? It’s just one of the ways they sense and respond to human emotions.
That must be incredibly rewarding
Ants: It is – the world can be challenging, but the more we’re able to help people reconnect with themselves, the better. Too often we look externally for support and solutions, when everyone has what they need within them to thrive rather than just survive, once they reframe how they see the world. I’ve qualified in the IFEEL Method in Equine Facilitated Human Development, while Tam, a real people person, has studied coaching, breathwork, Human Design, Gene Keys, nutrition and holistic medicine. Together, through Horse Connection experiences and our new brand, MY Connection, we offer a unique way to support wellbeing.
You must be so proud
Tam: Absolutely. We’re passionate about creating a space where people can slow down and reconnect – not just with nature, but with themselves and their loved ones. We want our guests to take a break from the demands of modern life, to switch off and lose themselves in simpler pleasures, like curling up with a good book or simply enjoying the surrounds. On clear nights, the stars are spectacular and its always a joy when guests get to experience a truly dark sky for the first time.
So, what’s next for Collacott Farm?
Ants: We’re currently exploring further opportunities to work with corporate businesses to assist with leadership training, and from this we hope to set up a bursary to support vulnerable young people, offering similar experiences. The future is very exciting.
For more information, visit collacott.uk or follow on Instagram: @collacottfarm
