Spirit

Self-Discovery Through Horses

Workshop Quick Summary

Workshop: Spirit: Self-Discovery Through Horses

Category: Emotional Trauma

What: A 5-day experiential workshop that combines horsemanship, Somatic Experiencing®, The Meadows Model, and mindfulness to address issues to find healing

Who: Anyone needing help with self-esteem, boundaries, trauma, honoring reality, emotional regulation, wants and needs, or spontaneity

Cost: $4,350 (includes meals, evening activities, Brain Center and gym access)

Lodging: Reserve single or shared on-site rooms

Workshop Quick Take:

This 5-day experiential workshop incorporates equine groundwork with Somatic Experiencing® to address self-esteem, boundaries, trauma, and more with the goal of healing and improved emotional health.

All About This Workshop

This unique equine workshop blends the wisdom of our skillful therapist trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE) with an uncommon horseman and highly skilled trainer. We combine The Meadows Model, SE, mindfulness, and natural horsemanship for a distinct healing experience that is particularly beneficial for those dealing with trauma. An outdoor experience, this program consists of experiential activities with horses and addresses self-esteem, boundaries, honoring reality, wants and needs, emotional regulation, and spontaneity. Because of the interactive nature of this workshop, it was created exclusively for a small group of no more than five participants.

Cost: $4,350, which includes

  • meals
  • evening activities (yoga, tai chi, auricular acupuncture, live music)
  • 12-Step meeting
  • Brain Center access
  • gym access

What to Bring:

  • Pants or jeans and long sleeve shirts (no tank tops or shorts, please)
  • Warm clothing, as it gets cold in the morning
  • Sunscreen
  • Cap or hat and gloves for warmth
  • Boots
  • Rain gear

Since workshops fill quickly, we encourage making reservations three to four weeks in advance.

Quotes icon

The Spirit Equine program is at the forefront of therapies for trauma and the healing of emotional wounds. Colleen’s organic mastery of Somatic Experiencing® and Buddy’s calm, centered presence and his immense horsemanship have partnered to create a magical and transformative experience. I recommend this powerful program without reservation.

Peter Levine, PhD
Developer of Somatic Experiencing®,
Meadows Senior Fellow, author

Meet the Facilitators

Colleen DeRango

Co-facilitator, Somatic Equine Practitioner

“When the person gets connected with themselves and what is really going on, the horse resonates with that. They become like a tuning fork for that individual, which gets them more in alignment with the truth of who they are and the truth of what they feel.”

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Buddy Uldrikson

Co-facilitator, Somatic Equine Practitioner

“The horse looks at the deeper issue and says, ‘this is where you’re are at.’ … I don’t need to know the history of the person. The horse will just bring something up and go to work from there.”

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Lodging and Transportation

Lodging is available at the Rio Retreat Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Rooms are simply appointed and designed to be conducive to the process of healing and recovery. We offer both shared and private rooms. For those staying on campus, transportation will be available from and to the Phoenix airport with three convenient pickup times. Details will be sent with your confirmation email upon completion of the sign-up process.

The Fine Print

Workshop groups run Monday through Friday from approximately 8:30 am to 4 pm. The schedule is somewhat flexible to accommodate the size of the group and the group process. Evening programming is provided after dinner. The Rio Retreat Center campus is strictly alcohol-and drug-free, and we have a dress code, cell phone, and smoking policy.

For more details about this workshop and to register, please contact us to speak to a Workshop Coordinator.

Schedule

Spirit

Mar 18 - Mar 22, 2024

Oct 21 - Oct 25, 2024