The Horse Care Immersion Retreat
Navigating the relationship and the path to horse keeping and horse care can be overwhelming and intimidating.
It can be challenging to feel confident finding the “right” way to be in partnership with our horses, and tending and caring for them in a way that honours the horse.
Whether you are a brand new horse owner, or you have been caring for your own horses for a while, this retreat will share some beautiful ways to cultivate a holistic approach to horse care and horse keeping which empowers your dynamic with your horse(s).
In an industry that has countless opinions on the “right” way to care for horses, and that can often be a space of judgement and criticism, finding a safe space to explore new and different ways of tending to our horses, and that encourages open conversation, exploration and curiosity is deeply important.
In horse medicine leadership, a foundation of our programs and teachings center around how we can cultivate a space of wellbeing and care for our horse partners, because it is deeply important that we know how to care for our horses in all forms that they need it.
Who this retreat is for:
We welcome new and long-time horse owners, horse professionals, those who are considering becoming horse keepers, and those who have hopes of caring for horses in their future.
If you are a person in partnership with horses who is wanting to learn how to care for them in a more holistic way while deepening your awareness of all the ways we can show up and support our horses with more confidence in how we can support the consensual well being of your horse partner this is the retreat for you.
What we are covering in this retreat:
Physical Care of our horses including:
Wound Care and first aid
Equine Nutrition/Supplementation: how to choose what will be supportive for your horse.
Muscle testing
An introduction to body work
Vaccines and Wormers Protocol and how to choose the right one
Animal Communication foundations to build upon our intuitive connection to our horses.
Horse Handling Skills
Metabolic disorders in horses and how to support them
Farrier and hoof care support
Consent based horse care, how to hold both consent and guardianship in the approach to the care of our horse partners.
Building connection to our horses through meditation and spiritual practices.
The faculty of horse medicine leadership all have an extensive background in horse care, keeping and education, and bring together their blend of approach and practices to give each person an awareness and support in the variety of ways that we can support our horse partners. Our horse care approach is informed by years of having horses in our care, managing herds, and while also receiving education in horse care that support our teaching approach.
We will be working with the teaching herd at Epona Rise, which is a herd of 27 horses that are a range of ages and needs, to be able to experience hands on learning, with what holistic and consent based horse care looks like in a variety of ways, with different horses and how to meet each horse with what they need.
Our approach and time with the horses will be held in a consent based manner, to give examples to how we can be in a guardian position with our horses while still allowing them to be a part of their own care and have a voice in that.
You will be able to experience what it looks like not only to manage different horses in their needs, but also to do so in a herd dynamic.
If you are in a place in your ownership with horses where you know you need some support in building your experience and tool kit in a way that feels deeply honoring to the relationship you desire to hold with your horse and horses, this is a beautiful retreat to attend.
If you do not own horses but are a guardian of horses this is also a great retreat to come to, building these skills and developing the tools to support horses can also lend itself to your capacity to help care and tend to horses in any scenario.
Meet Your Facilitators
Hillary Schneider
Hillary is the founder and lead facilitator of the Epona Rise Retreat Center and Horse Medicine Leadership Academy, she has been leading and teaching retreats and trainings with her herd for the last 12 years.
Passionate about bringing the teachings of the horses to impact the lives of humans, she has been devoted to her own vision and purpose of creating a space in nature where people can come and receive the wisdom of horses, the land and their own inner guidance.
She has over the last 12 years had the privilege of hosting and leading retreats for a range of people who are seeking to become more masterful in their experience of being a human with their own passion of personal and professional growth and development.
Brittany Ashworth
Brittany Ashworth lives with her husband, horses and other animals on the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc people, specifically Splatsín (Salmon Arm, BC).
Through her own business, Sacred Echos, Brittany serves as a Horse Medicine facilitator, Animal Communicator, Akashic Records Reader, intuitive, and educator. Her passion lies in bridging the gap of communication, understanding, and partnership between humans and animals. Her practice is deeply guided by the wisdom of animals, her intuition, and her love for teaching.
As a facilitator, Brittany strives to empower individuals on their healing journeys in a way that honours them on their unique path to healing. She recognizes each person as a unique individual with their own lived experiences, challenges, and truths. With a commitment to inclusivity, she creates a welcoming and safe space where all feel seen, heard, and supported.
Brittany’s dedication to supporting others and sharing the healing work of horses shines through in all that she does. She is honoured to guide and witness those who feel called to this transformative work.
Breanne kerr
Breanne Kerr was born on Treaty 6 land, raised on Coast Salish land, and is now visiting the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc lands. A lifelong learner to Mother Earth and the animals, she has humbly spent the last ten years learning and being integrated in the Indigenous Communities and Elders. This has been a cherished part of her life and it has greatly impacted her work with the Equine Collective. Her gifts of space holding, witnessing, and guiding others on their return to themselves have been influenced by these teachings.
Some of her roles are Mother, Sibling, Daughter, Child and Youth Care Worker, Indigenous Community Outreach Worker, Craniosacral Therapist, Equine Bodyworker, and Horse Medicine Leadership Practitioner. She is passionate about sharing the Medicine of Horses to support transformation and healing with humans.
What is included in the retreat:
5 night stay in a private cabin
4 full days of teaching, foundation building and hands-on experience with a herd of 27 horses.
Catered Meals
Access to our Journey of Equus program and circle community that includes videos around horse care and herd integration
Shuttle to and from the ranch if you are travelling
Retreat takes place at Epona Rise Retreat Center, you will fly into Kamloops Airport for travel. We will arrange a shuttle for you to the ranch.