Healing with Horses Retreat
February 17th - 24th 2024

Are you ready to experience the amazing healing gifts of nature and horses together in Costa Rica? For 8 days and 7 nights come and relax near the beaches and in the mountains of this luscious country while experiencing the magic and healing of horses. During this retreat, you will get to spend time and connect with 3 different groups of horses. Open to all levels of riding experience. Whether you’ve never been on a horse before or you’ve owned a horse for your entire life, this retreat is for you!

Why Heal with Horses?

When I spend time with horses, I experience a down-regulation in my nervous system. It almost has the same effect on my body as when I finish a good workout. I feel a sense of relief in my body simply by spending time with the horse, I don’t need to ride! Just brushing, petting, exchanging energy and presence with it brings a shift in my energy. It’s truly an experience that you can only understand when you have it. I’m sure we’ve all experienced it at one point or another with a cat, dog, or other animal in your presence, but this is on a larger scale (literally and figuratively). It brings so much joy to feed them and give them treats. Their head is at your height so you can look right into their eyes, which they don’t shy away from. They are ready to connect with you. Their large size can be intimidating to some, but it leads to a great feeling of respect and reverence for their power. Their presence alone demands carefulness and gentleness when interacting with them. They help us to slow down, be in the present moment, and to be in our body and with our breath. It is a gift to interact with these powerful and majestic creatures, and I wanted to provide that opportunity in the transformative container of a retreat.

Dr. Maria Katsamanis, coauthor of the book Alchemy of Lightness, explains:
“We only need to be in a horse’s presence to feel a sense of wellness and peace. In fact, research shows that people experience many physiological benefits while interacting with horses, including lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased levels of beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters that serve as pain suppressors), decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension, and anxiety, improved social functioning; and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience, and self-efficacy.”

Beach Time!

The retreat will begin in the beautiful, quaint town of Esterillos where you’ll stay in beachfront cabinas. The charming cabinas provide an intimate, summer camp-esque, local experience. Feel the salty ocean breeze right outside your window and breathe in the medicine. There will be ample spaciousness in the days to soak in the beach, enjoy solo meditation or journaling time, connect with other retreaters, lay in a hammock, or participate in additional activities or wellness services (listed below).

Here you’ll get to experience a ride with well trained and well cared for horses guided by Sylvia of CR Beach Barn. Sylvia has been training horses for over 20 years using gentle communication techniques.

“Our guests will be greeted at the barn located steps away from the gorgeous beach.
Here we will match you with one of our beloved horses, adjust your equipment and give you basic instructions on how to ride properly with confidence. Once we are all set and ready, we will take our private trail to the beach that is one of the largest stretches in Central America. Crossing little rivers and riding where the jungle meets the ocean.”

Off to Volcano Arenal!

For the second part of the retreat, we will venture into the mountains of Costa Rica for a trail ride with Hacienda Las Colinas. Enjoy views of incredible vistas and end with a traditional lunch in the mountains.

Your stay will end with a luxury visit in La Fortuna at the Dances with Horses Ranch, which sits on a mountain top overlooking Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano. Here you will participate in a 2-day clinic with Nancy Zintsmaster learning the Carolyn Resnick Method: The Power of Connection with Horses.

This clinic offers you a great opportunity to learn how to relate to horses in an entirely new way!

This workshop will be focused on teaching you the “Language of Horses” through a proven communication system that horses use to communicate with each other. This tried and true method will help you to improve your leadership skills and build your confidence and connection with horses so that your horse will want to connect with you based on the bond that you share together, rather than the tack or training! Whether a beginner or advanced student of the horse, this clinic will have something for everyone and will help you to improve your horsemanship skills!

Healing Your Mind, Body, & Spirit

Holistic wellness services available to schedule during your stay include Reiki, Reflexology, Massage, and Nutritional Consulting.
Enjoy fresh squeezed juices, fresh coconut water, and lemongrass tea made from garden herbs daily. Optional experiences that can be added on: Reiki with Horses, Cacao Farm Tour and Chocolate Making, Private Cacao Ceremony, Waterfall and Canopy Hike, Private Spiritual Healing Temescal, Hot Springs Soak, Surf Lessons, Zip Lining, and Paragliding. Daily or weekly bike rentals available.

Your Retreat Week Includes:

Not Included: Additional excursions, gratuities, travel to and from the airport.

Family & Retreat Companions

For those who aren’t interested in horseback riding, but want to enjoy a relaxing and healing retreat with their loved ones: please join us!

We want you to be able to enjoy this experience with friends and family members, whether they want to spend time with the horses or not! There are multiple different activities or services available for them to enjoy while you’re riding and spending time with horses. Your loved one can enjoy time on the beach, enjoy a wellness service, book an excursion, or simply hang out and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, schedule a Retreat Information Visit and we will help your companion customize their retreat experience.

SPOTS ARE LIMITED!

Due to the intimate nature of this retreat, there is a maximum of 9 spaces available.

Investment: $2,895 for shared accommodations, $3,495 for private accommodations.
Discount for couples and families. Payment due in full by July 15, 2023.