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Where Nature, Medicine and Education Combine

 

Herbal Shenanigans

 

Our Flagship Training in Seasonal Herbal Medicine for Horses & Dogs

 

Learn how to confidently use herbs to support your animals throughout the entire year, following the Seasonal Medicine Wheel and the changing needs of the animal, the plants and the environment.

Herbal Shenanigans brings together Western herbal medicine, seasonal physiology, innate botanical selection and the interconnected relationship between animals and nature — giving you the knowledge to understand which herbs to use, why they are needed and how that changes through each season.

 

Winter Stasis • Spring Detoxification • Summer Abundance • Autumn Catabolism

Follow the year. Learn the herbs. Understand your animals.

 

Our Entire Ethos is INTERCONNECTEDNESS

Because Your Animal Doesn't Exist Separately From Nature

Herbal Shenanigans explores the interconnected relationship between the animal, plants, seasons and environment.

Through seasonal herbal medicine, ethology, rewilding, zoopharacognosy and energetic connection, you'll learn to see your horse or dog as part of a living, changing ecosystem — and understand how their health, behaviour and needs adapt alongside the natural world.

Across all four seasons, we bring these relationships together, giving you a deeper understanding of your animal and the practical herbal knowledge to support them throughout the entire year.

Our training teaches you how to work with botanicals in tune with the seasons, understanding how the changing environment influences your animal’s physiology and how the plants growing around us can support those seasonal adaptations.

 

Animals don't experience health separately from their environment. Changes in temperature, daylight, forage, movement, stress, microbial exposure and plant availability all influence the body throughout the year.

Herbal Shenanigans teaches you to recognise these seasonal shifts and use herbal medicine alongside them, building your knowledge across an entire year rather than simply reaching for individual herbs when something goes wrong.

  • Learn which herbs emerge, become abundant and are selected throughout each season, and understand why timing matters.
  • Understand how your horse or dog's physiology adapts throughout the year and which body systems require greater support at different times.
  • Use seasonal herbs to support the body, emotions and nervous system while providing botanical diversity, enrichment and choice.
  • Learn how individual herbs work through Western herbal medicine alongside their traditional uses, energetics and relationship with the animal.
  • Build a deeper understanding of the interconnected relationship between animal, plant and environment.
  • Develop a practical herbal knowledge that you can use to support your animals every day of the year.
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Four Seasons of Herbal Medicine for Horses & Dogs

 

🌱 Spring Detoxification: Supporting the liver, digestive system, elimination pathways, lymphatic system and balanced blood sugars as nature moves back into growth.

🌞 Summer Abundance: Working with the abundance of seasonal herbs to explore the respiratory system, digestion, nervous system, stress, anxiety, relaxation and emotional wellbeing.

🍂 Autumn Catabolism: Moving into roots, fruits, berries and seeds while exploring endocrine health, immunity, kidneys and the urinary system as the body prepares for winter.

❄️ Winter Stasis: Slowing down, nourishing deeply and working with herbs for the heart, cardiovascular system, circulation and blood.

Follow the Seasonal Medicine Wheel and build the herbal knowledge to support your horse or dog naturally through every season of the year.

 

"This is way more than a course, this is a way of life!" Barbra 

 

Understanding Herbs the Way Your Animals Do

Immersive. Practical. Interconnected.

Build Your Knowledge of Forage, Western Herbal Medicine, Seasonal Herbalism & Herbal Energetics to Confidently Support Your Animals

Herbal Shenanigans is built around learning herbs through experience. Alongside Western herbal medicine, you'll explore wild and cultivated herbs, their traditional uses, medicinal actions, energetic qualities, seasonal relationships and the ways horses and dogs interact with botanicals themselves.

You'll learn with your animals, through the seasons, gradually building a working knowledge of herbal medicine that becomes part of everyday life.

  • An extensive herbal medicine resource library covering materia medica, body systems, common health conditions, herbal strategies, anatomy and practical animal herbalism.

  • Seasonal herbal tastings where you can experience the plants yourself and observe your horse or dog's preferences, selections and responses.

  • Real-world seasonal case studies that show you how herbal knowledge comes together and help you apply what you're learning to your own animals.

  • Immersive materia medica exploring herbs through Western herbal medicine, traditional knowledge, energetics, direct experience and zoopharmacognosy.

  • Guest teachers and specialist perspectives that broaden your understanding of animals, plants, health, behaviour and the environment.

  • Practical herbal making including teas, tinctures, infused oils, balms, powders, syrups, washes and other preparations throughout the seasons.

  • Foraging and plant identification that takes herbalism out of the classroom and into the environment around you.

  • Confidence to make informed herbal choices, understand why you are choosing a herb and recognise when and how it may support your animal.

And Plenty of Herbal Shenanigans Along the Way

Learning should be experienced, explored and enjoyed. Our seasonal Tasks and Challenges get you making, growing, foraging, observing, experimenting and spending more time outside with your animals and plants.

Learn by Doing – Put your herbal knowledge into practice through hands-on seasonal activities and challenges.

Build Confidence – Begin with simple herbal activities and gradually develop the skills to work with herbs in increasingly practical ways.

Celebrate Progress – Earn seasonal badges, certificates, awards and prizes as you complete challenges and milestones throughout the year.

Deepen the Connection – Use plant meditations, animal offerings, tastings and observational activities to explore the relationship between you, your animals, the plants and the environment.

Become Part of the Community – Share your experiences, discoveries and challenges with other animal owners, students and practitioners learning alongside you.

You won't simply learn about herbs. You'll grow, forage, taste, make, observe and work with them throughout an entire year of seasonal herbal medicine.

Unlock the Healing Power of Nature & Empower Your Animals with Medicinal Herbs.

  • Enrichment

Elevate your animal's well-being with herbal enrichment. Stimulate their senses, promote relaxation, and support their overall health with the power of herbs. Enhance their lives today!

  • Empowerment

Empower yourself and your animals with herbal enrichment. Become more in tune with their needs while creating health.

  • Bonding

When animals have the opportunity to interact with herbs, it creates a unique and enriching experience for both of you. They can explore new scents, textures, and tastes, which stimulates their senses and encourages natural behaviors. This shared experience deepens your connection and understanding of each other, fostering a stronger bond.

Botanical Health for All

How Herbal Shenanigans Works

Join Herbal Shenanigans and receive instant access to an extensive library of live, recorded and on-demand seasonal herbal medicine training for horses and dogs.

Follow the Seasonal Medicine Wheel through Winter Stasis, Spring Detoxification, Summer Abundance and Autumn Catabolism, choosing the lessons and activities most relevant to you and your animals.

Learn at your own pace and choose your level of immersion. Join the community, take part in live sessions, tastings, Tasks and Challenges, or work through the training independently.

Join for a month, a season or journey through the entire herbal year.

In Herbal Shenanigans You Will:

  • Understand seasonal herbal medicine and how changes in the environment influence your horse or dog's physiology, behaviour and health throughout the year.

  • Build a practical knowledge of medicinal herbs, learning their actions, traditional uses, energetics and how to confidently incorporate them into your animal's everyday life.

  • Follow the Seasonal Medicine Wheel through Winter Stasis, Spring Detoxification, Summer Abundance and Autumn Catabolism, exploring different body systems and the herbs that support them.

  • Learn through real-life animal case studies and specialist webinars, exploring herbal approaches to health conditions and common seasonal challenges.

  • Experience herbs directly through seasonal plant tastings, meditations, foraging and observation, developing a deeper relationship with the medicine, source and spirit of the plants.

  • Explore innate botanical selection, learning to observe how horses and dogs interact with herbs and recognise individual preferences and responses.

  • Learn from specialist guest teachers bringing expertise from across animal health, behaviour, nature, enrichment and holistic practice.

  • Put your knowledge into practice by making herbal preparations and completing seasonal Tasks and Challenges designed to build your skills and confidence.

  • Celebrate your progress with seasonal badges, awards, certificates and prizes as you move around the herbal year.

  • Choose a Seasonal Herbal Box of Goodness or go fully DIY, giving you the freedom to experience the herbs in the way that works for you and your animals.

  • Connect with a community of animal owners, students and practitioners, with support available throughout your herbal journey.

By the end, you'll have an entire year of seasonal herbal knowledge you can return to again and again to support your animals through every season.

Here is the breakdown of each cycle of learning

🌱 Spring Detoxification

Spring is our season of elimination, release and transformation, exploring detoxification from a truly holistic perspective.

We focus on the liver, digestive system, lymphatics and elimination pathways, alongside the herbs that emerge through Spring to support these natural processes. Through anatomy and physiology, seasonal materia medica, case studies and practical herbalism, we explore digestion, ulcers, gut and immune health, worm burden, topical preparations, herbal powders and more.

Throughout Spring, we deepen our understanding of the interconnected relationship between season, environment, physiology and the innate wisdom of animals and plants.

🌞 Summer Abundance

Summer brings abundance, vitality and connection, with a focus on the central nervous system, respiratory health, digestion and the relationship between stress, behaviour and physiology.

We explore nervine, anxiolytic and stress-supporting herbs alongside botanicals for seasonal respiratory challenges such as hayfever, kennel cough and equine asthma. Through seasonal materia medica, case studies and practical herbalism, we also explore flower essences, herbal preparations and support for reactive dogs, stressed horses and animals experiencing stress-related digestive, neurological or behavioural changes.

Summer invites us to work with the abundance of plants around us, deepen our animals' connection with the natural environment and explore the herbs of relaxation, resilience, vitality and emotional wellbeing.

🍂 Autumn Catabolism

Autumn is our season of breakdown, rebalancing and preparation, with a focus on metabolism, endocrine health, immunity, the kidneys and urinary system as animals transition towards Winter.

We explore catabolism alongside the rooty and fruity herbs of the season, supporting animals with challenges including EMS, diabetes, urinary conditions and weakened immunity. Through seasonal materia medica, case studies and practical herbalism, we explore medicinal mushrooms, immune herbs, urinary botanicals, drop dosing, fruit leathers, decoctions and our Fear & Fireworks plan for animals struggling with loud noises.

Autumn brings together the herbs, physiology and seasonal changes that help us rebalance, repair and prepare our animals for the months ahead.

❄️ Winter Stasis

Winter is our season of stillness, internalisation and deep nourishment, with a focus on the heart, cardiovascular system, circulation, blood and the physiological changes that accompany the slower months.

We explore herbs for the physical and emotional heart, blood and vascular health, lymphatic conditions and the musculoskeletal challenges that can become more apparent through Winter. Through seasonal materia medica, phytochemistry and case studies, we look at support for conditions including laminitis, EMS, cellulitis, CPL, arthritis and age-related changes.

Winter teaches us how slowing down can itself become part of the medicine, using nourishing tonics and seasonal herbs to support circulation, repair, resilience and our animals through their season of Stasis.

Plus you get ...

Interconnectedness sits at the heart of Herbal Shenanigans. Woven throughout the training are immersive practices that deepen your connection with plants, animals, nature and yourself.

Through herbal energetics, plant meditations, sensory exploration, innate botanical selection and direct experiences with your animals, you'll begin to understand herbs beyond their medicinal actions alone. We explore how plants feel, how animals respond to them and the web of relationships between animal, human, plant and environment.

These sessions create space for exploration, reflection and sometimes release, recognising that you are part of your animal's environment too. As your understanding of your animals deepens, so does your own relationship with nature, the plants and yourself.

Interconnectedness is our core value: supporting your animals while ensuring you remain an important part of the healing relationship.

Rules and guidelines in offering herbs.

We provide a complete introductory module to animal zoopharmacognosy and practical botanical selection, giving you the foundations to confidently offer herbs to your own horses and dogs.

Learn the rules and procedures, the types and breadth of botanicals to offer, how to introduce and progress herbs, what behaviours to observe and how to recognise your animal's favourites and changing preferences.

You'll learn what to offer, how to offer it, what to watch for and how to interpret your animal's responses, with the support of a qualified medical herbalist throughout your journey.

Tasks, Challenges and Seasonal Themes!

Each season brings a new collection of hands-on Tasks and Challenges designed to get you making, exploring, investigating and experiencing herbal medicine for yourself.

These practical activities deepen your understanding of herbs while building the confidence to use what you're learning with your animals and at home. You'll forage, create herbal remedies, explore plants, complete puzzles and take part in seasonal projects that bring the training to life.

Every season has its own theme and plenty of Herbal Shenanigans. Previous challenges have taken us down the rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderland, creating herbal blends, mandalas, smudge sticks, infused oils, balms, syrups and much more.

Complete the challenges, earn your seasonal badges, awards and prizes, and have a lot of fun while developing practical herbal skills you can use throughout the year.

 

Herbal Shenanigans brings together decades of experience working with plants, animals, herbal medicine, education and holistic health into a deeply integrative approach to animal wellbeing.

The training is founded in Western medical herbalism and animal herbalism, while incorporating seasonal physiology, innate botanical selection, ethology, herbal energetics, manual and structural perspectives, and the interconnected relationship between animals, plants and their environment.

The teaching of Innate Botanical Selections places particular emphasis on seasonal rhythms, innate animal wisdom and practical, evidence-informed application, supporting animal owners, professionals and practitioners-in-training to develop greater confidence and understanding when working with botanicals.

Rachael is the founder of Animal Botanical and an educator and trainer in holistic animal health. She is co-author of Animal Botanicals – A Seasonal Guide to Common Herbs and Hedgerow Plants Found Throughout the UK and author of The Essential Guide to Herbal Water Buffets.

Her third book, Herbal Shenanigans, continues the exploration of animal physiology, seasonality and herbal medicine, reflecting the principles that underpin this flagship seasonal herbal training.

Alongside online education, professional development, workshops and training are delivered internationally, with regular in-person CPD training in the UK.

At the centre of all this work is a commitment to making animal herbalism accessible, informed, practical and deeply connected to nature, creating an approach where working with herbs becomes part of everyday life with animals.

Herbal Shenanigans Is For You If...

You want to understand herbs, your animals and the powerful relationship between season, physiology, plants and environment — and learn how to use that knowledge to support health, resilience and enrichment throughout the entire year.

Whether you're an animal owner, an existing practitioner expanding your herbal knowledge, or a student building towards practitioner training, Herbal Shenanigans gives you the education, practical experience and support to develop confidence with seasonal herbal medicine for horses and dogs.

Along the Way You'll Have:

Personal Support.

Coaching & Live Teaching.

Step-by-Step Herbal Instruction.

Practical Seasonal Learning.

An Extensive On-Demand Training Library.

A Supportive Herbal Community.

If you're ready to understand your animals more deeply, work confidently with medicinal herbs and reconnect their health with the rhythms of the natural world...

Herbal Shenanigans is for you.

Testimonials

Laura & Sam

 

"I love what we're doing with you, I love its depth and I know the more you get out there and do it, the more it will just flow. But I think I want to go further with it all. You just inspire me so much! Doing this with you has made me want to change as a person, become more at one". 

Louise & Callie

“it’s like you’re part of something so special and spiritual almost

You really feel that you’ve helped them help themselves. They trust you, connect with you and are content. It’s a gift to offer them and to share with them”

 

Daisy & Ralph

"It's been an amazing journey so far and I can't wait to continue. My thirst for all things herbal has certainly been ignited.

I just want to say a massive thank you to you, for your knowledge and inspiration and all your hard work getting us all this far.

I have honestly loved every second of it".

 

Kirstey, Monty & Shilo

Ah thank you so much. 

Im absolutely loving every minute of this journey with you and the HS team. 

I'm leaning so much! You are an amazing teacher Rachael!!! .

 

Auriol, Huck & All the animals

I would like to say a huge big THANK YOU to you! Your beautiful energy, enthusiasm and knowledge make this a lovely nurturing safe space for us to learn and connect with other like-minded people ….and it is so much FUN! Roll on Summer..

 

Asten & the Girls

Feeling super excited for the summer season, Alice in wonderland is just the most magickal theme ever. Thank you for all the hard work you've put into making the spring season as wonderful as it has been xx

 

Victoria Herbal Consultant.

My favourite thing about Herbal Shenanigans has been the practical application. Its also wonderful to have everyone's support and brains to pick. 

 

Sarah 

This course is great, inspirational videos, I have had your book for a while now and this personal tour really helps the information to come alive. Thank you. 

 

Suzy. Herbal Consultant

"Just opened my delivery box from you. I'm so incredibly impressed, The hydrosols smell - and taste, yummy!"

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Enrol and join the March 2026 cohort now >>>>

Animal Botanical Work With Industry Experts

Herbal Shenanigans for Everyone!

Every season brings something new to discover, explore, experience and celebrate as we journey together around the Seasonal Medicine Wheel.

Throughout the year, you'll learn from inspiring guest experts exploring subjects including trauma herbs, muscle testing, aromatherapy, vitalism, wildflower meadows, feline health and much more, bringing different perspectives into our interconnected approach to animal health and herbal medicine.

Each season includes immersive Tasks and Challenges, practical herbal making, foraging and exploration, with badges, awards and certificates to celebrate your progress.

You'll also join our guided seasonal herb tastings and meditations, experiencing plants directly while learning to observe how your animals interact with botanicals. Some herbs you'll forage yourself, others may arrive as a surprise in your Seasonal Herbal Box of Goodness.

At the end of every season, we come together to celebrate what you've learned, made, discovered and experienced before moving around the wheel into the next chapter of seasonal herbal medicine.

Join for a month, immerse yourself for a season, or follow the complete herbal year with us.

Interconnectedness

Interconnectedness is at the heart of Herbal Shenanigans. Together, we explore how botanicals, animals, seasons and the environment connect, looking to nature and the Seasonal Medicine Wheel to understand how herbs can support health, healing and enrichment throughout the year.

We develop an in-depth understanding of the botanicals available to us: how they act within the body, why we use them, when they may be beneficial and how animals interact with them.

Throughout the training, we bring together the scientific, practical and energetic aspects of herbal medicine, creating a deeper understanding of the relationship between animal, plant, human and environment.

We learn together, explore together and reconnect animal health with the natural world.

Come and join us.

Love Rachael xx

With Herbal Boxes of Goodness. (UK Only)

ÂŁ59.99/m

  • Full access to the Herbal Shenanigans online learning platform

  • Training in both Innate Herbal Selections (animal-led) and Western Herbal Medicine principles

  • Step-by-step demonstrations using dried herbs, powders, hydrosols, essences, and oils

  • Herbal guidance and mentorship from a clinical consulting herbalist

  • Tools to assess your animal’s herbal preferences and offering responses

  • Herbal monographs, safety guidance, offering details, and printable resources

  • A formulated seasonal herbal box delivered to your door. Includes dried herbs, powders, hydrosols, essences, or infused oils. 

  • Badges, awards and prizes to be earned.  

  • Free Blind Tasting Sample (for you!) to deepen your herbal awareness

  • Comprehensive email support

  • Optional access to our dedicated Facebook community

  • Access to guided herbal meditations

  • Invitations to guest speaker events and bonus live Q&As

  • App access for learning on the go

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Without Herbal Boxes of Goodness. (Global)

ÂŁ49.99/m

  • Full access to the Herbal Shenanigans online learning platform

  • Training in both Innate Herbal Selections (animal-led) and Western Herbal Medicine principles

  • Step-by-step demonstrations using dried herbs, powders, hydrosols, essences, and oils

  • Herbal guidance and mentorship from a clinical consulting herbalist

  • Tools to assess your animal’s herbal preferences and offering responses

  • Herbal monographs, safety guidance, offering details, and printable resources

  • Badges, awards and prizes to be earned.  

  • Free Blind Tasting Sample (UK Only) to deepen your herbal awareness

  • Comprehensive email support

  • Optional access to our dedicated Facebook community

  • Access to guided herbal meditations

  • Invitations to guest speaker events and bonus live Q&As

  • App access for learning on the go