Heron Hill Equine is inviting the public to take part in its “Scratch and Sniff Sundays” in December, during which horse enthusiasts can meet the herd in a safe, guided experience.

Teren MacLeod, speaking for Heron Hill Equine, is asking participants to take time for interactive play with the horses, and to draw insights from Velda Thomas’ “Bless the Horses” Equine Wisdom Deck.

“It is an open barn experience by donation,” MacLeod said. “We are making opportunities for people to get their hands and hearts connected to horses, and testing the waters for some program planning for next year.”

MacLeod explained that, over the past year, Heron Hill Equine has done programs with Thomas’ Equine Wisdom Deck, as well as with the BIPOC community, young girls in a “Rites of Passage” program, “neurodiverse” young people, hospice, horse massage, art sketching workshops, storytelling, musicians, animal communication classes, emotion code classes and more.

“We are a newish nonprofit on a small farm, with horses we have bred and raised, that are retired from riding sport, and doing equine-assisted experiences with humans,” MacLeod said.

“Scratch and Sniff Sundays” run from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 15 and 22 at 243 Sand Road in Port Townsend, for which participants are advised to dress warmly.

“Practice and enjoy non-verbal communication, and make connections through hands-on contact,” said MacLeod, who added the event is being run by donation, with Equine Wisdom Decks and “Meet a Horse” gift certificates available for purchase.