Mindfulness with Horses: A Retreat to Build Connection, Compassion and Courage

Join Jennifer Harper for a chance to rest and reset in the company of horses on this mindfulness based retreat to build connection, compassion and courage.

Today’s world can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to become disconnected from ourselves, from nature, and from each other. Spending time with horses can help us slow down and reconnect with our capacity for mindful awareness and personal power.

During this retreat you’ll explore mindfulness based practices supported by the grounding of horses, and surrounded by the wild beauty of the Absaroka mountains. You’ll reconnect with the rhythm of the natural world, cultivate compassion for ourselves and others, and build the courage to step fully into our lives with power and authenticity. In relationship with our diverse herd of horses of all ages and many breeds, you will experience connection and communication using body language, breath, energy and intention, learning to create relationships beyond words and without judgement.

While the practices and activities are customized to the participants (based on a pre-retreat survey and the experience as it unfolds) some of what you can expect to explore with the horses includes:

• Observing interactions, including between mothers and foals
• Exchanging greetings and communicating your intentions
• Asking for space without creating fear or disconnection
• Supporting a horse that is uncomfortable
• Inviting a horse to walk and/or rest with you
• Grooming a horse to create comfort and connection
• Moving quietly through the herd without disturbing the horses

There will be three optional trail rides into the mountains and forests surrounding the ranch. You’ll start each one with grounding and awareness practices to support you in connecting to your horse, and yourself, during your ride. Personal mindfulness practices will be offered during this time for participants who choose to stay at the ranch.

Spend your time away from the herd expanding on your discoveries and setting intentions for the next day, through a combination of mindfulness practices, gentle movement, journaling and group discussion.

Together the group explore a way of being in the world that is deeply healing. One that connects us to our own body and breath, and to each other. Head home with a greater awareness of the energy you want to bring into your daily life, and your relationships, and with practices to support creating it (with or without horses).