Horses have an energy that is almost unexplainable and that can only be understood by experiencing it. I recently learned that horses have been on this earth for over 50 million years! Eohippus was a prehistoric horse that has evolved into the horse as we know it today. For this reason, the amount of genetic and ancestral wisdom, the “ancient knowing” that resides in a horse is incredible. And you can feel it. To be in a horse’s presence is a very powerful experience. They’ve been on the planet longer than most mammals and way longer than humans!
Did you know that when we interact with a horse, the energy from its heart synchronizes with ours? It comes into rhythm with our frequency and helps to calm our nervous system. The radius of a horse’s heart frequency is 10 feet, so just by standing a few feet away from a horse (you don’t even have to be touching it) you can gain healing benefits. Have you ever had the experience of being around something or someone older and grounded? This includes places like being in an old forest with trees that are hundreds of years old or being around a person such as a wise elder. The experience gives you a new perspective, not only on the world but most importantly on yourself.
Horses, like any other animal, have different personalities and different energies. Some are more calm and relaxed and some more energetic. Some are easily frustrated and put their ears back and stomp their feet, nipping or biting at people. While others will just nestle their head into you and show gratitude for any amount of kind and loving touch you can provide. Horses are a herd animal, which means they don’t exist alone in the wild. It means that they have an innate understanding of how to interact with one another. As in our society, they have rules of engagement, and in the Healing with Horses Retreat we learn about those rules. We learn how horses communicate without using words, and by learning that language, we learn more about our own inner strengths, weaknesses, and the importance and strength of using our energy and body language, rather than our spoken voice.
On this upcoming retreat in August, we will be interacting with four groups of horses. Nancy Zintsmaster’s herd at Dances with Horses Ranch, Silvia’s beautiful CR Beach Barn horses, Hacienda Las Colinas and their courageous herd of horses, and the horses of Punta Mala, who have been rescued and cared for by a dear friend Farrah, whom everyone will get to meet.
We’ll start this healing with horses retreat with a visit to the world renowned hot springs at Volcano Arenal, as the hot mineral spring waters wash away all of the mental and physical pollution that is stuck to your energy field. On the first night we set our intentions together as we introduce ourselves and speak out into the universe that which we are intending to receive from this journey. Throughout the week, the universe will show up for you in every way needed to help fullfill what your soul is seeking and has called in. You will fully experience everything that you need to experience to receive the healing and awareness you seek.
The next day we wake bright and early to join the herd for our 2 day horse whispering clinic with Nancy Zintsmaster, co-founder of the Carolyn Resnick Method, who has helped bring to the world what’s known as The Waterhole Rituals. As a child, Carolyn Resnick would sit on the hill top and watch the wild horses interact. She spent countless hours meditating and observing their practices and recording their modes of communication. The first thing we do when we join the Dances with Horses herd is sit with them, sharing space, being ourselves, and not going into their space. Not walking up to them or trying to touch them, not trying to be all up in their business. Just letting them be. Horses are curious, and of course eventually they slowly make their way to the circle to check everyone out.
It is a beautiful way to make a connection with an animal, giving them the opportunity to make the first move and to feel safe and comfortable around you. This allows the animal to explore your energy freely and also teaches you the art of patience and the gift of the ability to give space. Through these types of interactions we learn about how we show up in life, with ourselves and with others. Lots of opportunity for introspection and growth!
Horses weigh on average between 900 and 2,200 pounds, and because of this they can be extremely intimidating. When you’re in a situation that’s intimidating, it definitely brings you heightened awareness of your thoughts, actions and body movements. This experience truly offers the gift of presence, which in-itself is its own type of meditation. Couple this multitude of external and internal lessons that touch on all aspects of human nature (the mental, the physical, and the spiritual) while existing in nature in its purset form. Tropical forests, beaches, palm trees with fresh coconut, delicious fruits that have ripened on the tree or on the vine, pure living foods, and experiencing connection with animals, on being on horseback. Imagine the power of these gifts and what healing can occur within your body, mind and spirit.
Then we make our way to the pacific coast where you will stay in your very own ocean front cottage. A private chef, yoga, wellness services, and relaxing time in hammocks awaits you here! We will have the entire resort to ourselves which creates a fully rejuvenating experience. For the following days I have scheduled a beach ride, a mountain ride through rivers and farmland, and time with a rescue herd near a beach at a national reserve. All secluded, private experiences.
At the end of the week, we close with another ceremony, acknowledging all that we’ve accomplished as well as all that is yet to be integrated so we can enter the “real world” with self-compassion and patience, allowing space for the new energy to fully synchronize with your soul.
I hope to meet you on this incredible journey! I am excited to support the group of amazing individuals who will be joining me here in August of 2024, as we make our way from the mountaintops near Volcano Arenal to the beaches and rolling hills of the Pacific Coast. We will heal separately and together. This journey is a great gift and I encourage everyone who feels called to be here with me during this time, reach out and take the leap!