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May 1-2  |  $333  |  Santa Ynez, CA

Her Heart in the Herd

An Equine Assisted Retreat for Women

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What to Expect

There is something horses perceive before we say a word. In the presence of the herd, our nervous systems speak first. Our patterns become visible. Our boundaries become embodied. This retreat is an invitation to step into relationship — with horses, with others, and most importantly, with yourself.

You will participate in guided equine experiences, nervous system attunement, creative ritual, and reflective circle work, where you are invited into an experience of authentic presence, connection, and embodiment.

❋ Intentional Structure

We blend guided moments, open exploration, and space to reflect—so the experience feels both focused and fluid.

❋ Collaborative Energy

Connection is a core part of the process. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content itself.

❋ Expert Facilitation

Led by experienced guides who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and keep things moving with purpose.

❋ A Supportive Space

Our events prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.

Your Guides

Ashley Salter

Equine Specialist, Riding Instructor, Owner of A-Heart Performance Horses
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Reiki I Certified,  RYT200, Archetypal Astrology Certified

Danielle Dwan, MPH, PhD

What You'll Experience

  • Thoughtful matching with a horse who will be your partner for the weekend

  • Guided equine-assisted exercises

  • Nervous system attunement practices

  • Somatic connection and embodiment work

  • Leadership and boundary exploration with horses

  • Individual mini reiki session assisted by horses

  • Self reflection and intention setting

  • Creative integration (painting with horses)

  • Full moon ritual with fire circle and group ritual work

❋ Who this is For

This retreat is for women who feel disconnected from themselves or their body, who tend to over give, over think, and over-function, who want to explore boundaries in a safe but real way, and who are curious about working with horses for personal growth. It’s going to be a super fun weekend as well, so if you just want to come experience play and personal exploration with horses, please join us! 

❋ What is Included

Hands on equine facilitated and psychologically grounded experiences (8+ hours), journals, a mini reiki session assisted by your horse healer, we will provide light snacks/refreshments. 

❋ Who this is NOT For

This retreat may not be the right fit if you are currently in acute mental health crisis, if you are seeking traditional talk therapy, or you are scared around large animals.

❋ What is NOT Included

Horseback riding, individual therapy, lodging, meals. We will take breaks for meals and encourage you to try one of our local restaurants in the Santa Ynez Valley! This is not an overnight retreat and you will be responsible for securing your own lodging if you are coming from out of the area.

This is a psychologically grounded, experiential retreat where you will be partnering with horses as mirrors and co-regulators to explore:

  • Relational patterns

  • Nervous system regulation

  • Boundaries and embodied leadership

  • Authentic expression

All work is unmounted. No prior horse experience is needed.

Day One - Friday

Arrival & Initiation

As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with the horses and those around us. You will meet your horse partner for the weekend, and we will end the day with a full moon ritual and fire ceremony as we watch the flower moon rise. 

Arrival & Grounding

3:00 – 3:30pm

Horse Body Language & Creating Safety

3:30 - 4:30pm

Meet the Herd and Join-Up Ceremony

4:30-6:00pm

Break for Dinner

6:00-8:00pm

Full Moon Ritual & Fire Circle

8:00pm - 9:00pm

Day Two - Saturday

Embodiment, Leadership & Integration

On this day, we will focus on deepening our connection with the horses through somatic exercises, non-verbal communication, and biofeedback. You will be guided through leadership exercises, and will receive an equine assisted reiki session. In addition, we will explore play and creativity through painting with the horses. There will be time for individual self-reflection, and the day will conclude with a circle and closing ritual. 

Arrive & Ground

9:00 – 9:30am

Grooming with Somatic Experiencing

9:30 - 10:30am

Obstacle Course Leadership Exercise / Reiki with Horses / Individual Reflection

10:30 am - 12:00pm

Lunch Break

12:00 - 1:30pm

Painting with your Horse

1:30 - 2:30pm 

Closing Circle

2:30 - 3:30pm

  • "Horses respond to who we are, not who we pretend to be."

    - Linda Kohanov (from “Riding Between Worlds”)