Workshops / Retreats

Workshops to come for 2024

The power of the horse.  Horses live in the moment, live in their body.  Do you know a horse can hear your heart beat from 5 feet away, they can tell from your body language how you are feeling, what is going on within you.  They are a prey animal, so they need to be able to think on their feet, know who they can trust, who they need to be cautious of.  Working with the horse enables us to live the way they do, to listen to our body, not to be stuck in the story in our head. To live authentically.  To understand how our energy works, how our emotions can give us messages, good and bad.  How to work with our body rather than against it.  The more we do this work, the motor neurons of our brain change and therefore our beliefs, our conditioned selves start to change, we learn new behaviours, be more authentic.  Through the magic of the horse, they mirror us.  So even if we do not see it, our horse will.  They are the perfect partner for self reflection.  They are willing to teach you, if you are willing to learn. 

When coming to these beautiful workshops we are offering, know it is not a quick fix, but an insight as to what can be.  Be open to learning about yourself, starting a journey of self belief, self love and walking the path to your true authenticity. 

Our Space

Our philosophy of our space, is to be shared, for others to enjoy, for others find sanctuary.  We caretake the land of the Coast Salish nation, the Shishalh, specifically Xwesam (Roberts Creek), which mans “when the water bubbles”.  The property flows from one magical piece of nature to another.  Even though we have only been honored to live here since May 2022, the space has been evolving over hundreds of years, as is evident by the old growth of trees, we are sheltered and nurtured by Maples, Cedars, Douglas Fir, White Oak, Weeping Willows, Arbutus and a Sequoia.  You will find six ponds, all filtering water from the creeks and allowing them to continue on their way to lower creeks to feed the abundance of wildlife we share our space with.  All of our ponds are their own eco systems and we love to see who comes to visit throughout the year.  Our horses have access to a lower pasture where they are sheltered by the trees and hedgerows.  As we wander through the space, we have trees whispering to us to sit and relax and reflect.  Listening to the chirping of the frogs, watching the dragonflies feed at the pond and the family of ducks meander throughout the property munching on bugs and algae and sheltering from the sun under the reeds.  The upper area of the space is dedicated to the horses living space.  We have an orchard with an abundance of mature fruit trees, where you can find the horses taking shelter in the warm days.  We share our space with a pair of bald headed eagles, I don’t think I will ever get bored of listening to them chatting with one another.  Our resident ravens can be found sharing the water buckets with the horses and munching on apples from the orchard.  In the evenings, the hooting of the owls lets you know it is time to wind down for the day. 

We have a private cottage if you would like to stay, we have a bedroom with a queen bed, a queen sofa bed and a day bed with a pull out trundle.  You are more than welcome to pitch up a tent, however, at night, know we have a whole other form of wildlife share our property.  The bears pad through on their way to the trails and very, very occasionally coyotes, the cougars keep to themselves and do not often visit the properties, but it is nice to be aware they could…….


Our Facilitators

Ellen White – Equine Assisted Life Coach, ACC Life Coach


Ellen is certified through Equine Facilitated Wellness and Equine Alchemy and an AAC Certified Life Coach through the International Coaching Federation.  Ellen has had horses in her life since a tender age of seven years old.  Always feeling more at home on the ground, working on the relationship with the horse, rather than riding and dominating the horse, Equine Therapy matches her personality.   Each of Ellen’s team of equines has come with their own stories, trauma, trust issues.  This work enables the horses not only to help heal humans, but for the humans to help heal the horse. 

Melanie Keller O’Leary – Earth & Soul Medicine Practitioner


Melanie Keller O’Leary is an Earth & Soul Medicine Practitioner, Counsellor, Sound Therapist, Sacred Ceremony Facilitator and Creative Visionary. Through her work, Melanie supports others as they embark on their own journey of healing, self-discovery, and transformation. She offers a safe and nurturing space for individuals and groups to heal, grow, and thrive, and invites them to connect with their own inner wisdom, to listen to the whispers of the earth, and to honor the sacredness of their own bodies and souls.


Workshop Descriptions


Honoring Your Motherhood Journey - 19th May 2024

Facilitators – Melanie O’Leary and Ellen White


Join us for a heartfelt exploration of motherhood in all its forms. Whether your journey includes birthing, adopting, fostering, facing infertility, experiencing loss, making the decision to live child-free, or witnessing your children grow and leave the nest, your story is unique and deserves to be honored.


This event is not just an opportunity to connect with others but also a chance to witness the remarkable story of Ellen's mare, Cassiopeia, and her month-old foal. A testament to healing and completion, their story is a powerful reminder of the transformative journey of motherhood.


Honoring Your Motherhood Journey is a special event designed to embrace and celebrate the diverse experiences of motherhood that touch us all. Join us for an unforgettable day of connection, reflection, and celebration.


Our day will start with Cacao medicine in our beautiful gardens where we will settle into our day.  We will then move onto meeting the herd and most importantly Cass and her new baby.  We will enjoy a gentle body scan and sensing in so we are truly with the herd.  We will regroup in the garden sharing a traditional English High Tea and share our stories, whilst our herd graze close by.  A beautiful sound bath will close our day. 


$125 to $175 (plus GST) sliding scale per person.

Maximum of 10 Participants.



 




Weekend Retreat – Horse, Cacao and Sound Medicine 26th to 28th July 2024 and 23rd to 25th August 2024
Facilitators – Melanie O’Leary and Ellen White

You are invited to step out of your ordinary life and join us for a transformative healing weekend on the Sunshine Coast. This will be an opportunity for you to connect to yourself, nature, community and with the wisdom of five equine teachers. From the moment you arrive, you'll be invited to set your intention for the weekend, and open yourself up to the possibility of healing, creativity, and exploration. The horse herd and the facilitators will welcome you and will hold space for your journey of self-discovery. 

As you spend time in nature on the beautiful acreage, you will have the opportunity to ground and sync with the equine teachers. The horses have a powerful ability to mirror our emotions and help us connect deeply to ourselves. All we ask is that you be open to what unfolds, and allow yourself to be guided by the wisdom of the horse herd. 

During the retreat, you'll experience Cacao Medicine, enjoy a sound journey and meditation, connect with others and share in a safe and supportive space. You'll also be nourished by healthy, delicious meals. 

This retreat is an incredible opportunity for anyone seeking to connect with themselves, others, and the natural world in a deep and meaningful way. Come join us for a truly transformative experience with our equine teachers and the healing power of nature.

$850 (plus GST) per person including accommodation and meals.

Maximum of 6 participants

 



Horse Medicine and Spirit Doll Workshop 28th September 2024
Facilitators – Melanie O’Leary and Ellen White

If you're looking for a truly magical and intuitive experience to connect with your creativity and this day retreat focused on the creation of a spirit doll may be just what you need. This immersive experience allows you to connect with the natural world on a beautiful acreage while working with five equine teachers to guide your journey. The equines will take you through your own personal journey of dipping your toe into authenticity and allowing you to listen to your body, hear your heart beat, feel your breath, for some that is a gift in itself.  We will work with the equines in a way they hold space for us and we feel comfortable with them, gentle, subtle, loving. 

One of the most intuitive creations that can emerge from this experience is the Spirit Doll. This doll is much more than a mere physical object. It embodies your deepest intentions and prayers, and connects you with your essence. By creating a Spirit Doll, you engage in a powerful form of self-expression that can heal and transform you in profound ways.

Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to create sacred space and engage in a guided journey to explore the spirit and medicine of your doll. With all materials provided, you'll have ample time to bring your vision to life and create a doll that truly embodies your intentions. 

As you work on your creation, you'll be surrounded by a supportive community of like-minded individuals who are also on their own creative journeys. Sharing in circle allows you to connect with others and gain insights and inspiration that can further deepen your experience. 

Of course, no retreat would be complete without nourishing food. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal together, surrounded by nature and the equine teachers who have guided you throughout the day. 

In the end, the creation of a spirit doll is a powerful way to connect with your creativity and heal your spirit. With the guidance of the equine teachers and the support of your facilitators and fellow retreat participants, you'll leave feeling empowered and inspired to continue on your creative journey.


$175 (plus GST) per person including snacks, lunch and supplies
Maximum of 8 participants 


  
 

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