Autumn Equinox Retreat: The Healing Horse Herd Method™ & The Art of Liberty and Natural Horsemanship

Step into a week of horse-human connection, clarity, and calm.

Join us for a unique and carefully designed retreat that brings together the transformative power of natural horsemanship, The Healing Horse Herd Method™, yoga, and the deep stillness of nature. Set on our cozy mountain farm, this experience is more than a getaway — it’s a journey to reconnect with horses, with the earth, and most importantly, with yourself.

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🧘‍♀️ Yoga to Strengthen Body and Mind

Each day begins with a cup of fresh herbal tea from our garden and a guided gentle movement yoga class held by a professional and intuitive yogi. Whether you’re new to yoga or experienced, these classes will help you find strength, flow, and balance — both physical and mental. Practice presence, breathe deeply, and ground yourself in the moment. This is included in price but not a mandatory requirement.

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🐴The Healing Horse Herd Method™ Certification Program

After a hearty breakfast, you will be introduced to The Healing Horse Herd Method™ (HHHM), This method is an experiential, trauma-informed approach to emotional growth and healing that takes place in the presence of a natural horse herd. Rather than riding or traditional horse training, participants engage in guided, ground-based experiences where horses interact freely and authentically.

At the core of the method is the understanding that horses are highly sensitive, relational animals. As prey animals, they are deeply attuned to nonverbal cues, emotional states, and nervous system regulation. In a herd, they operate through cooperation, boundaries, leadership shifts, and energetic communication. This makes them powerful mirrors for human emotional patterns.

The Healing Horse Herd Method™ Key Principles

• Horses as Mirrors – Horses respond to a person’s internal state rather than their words. Participants often gain insight into hidden emotions, stress patterns, or relational dynamics through the horses’ reactions.

• Herd Wisdom – The natural social structure of the herd models healthy boundaries, authentic leadership, and attuned connection.

• Nervous System Regulation – Being around horses can support co-regulation, helping participants move from fight-or-flight states into calmer, more grounded awareness.

• Experiential Learning – Insight comes through direct experience rather than talk alone. Facilitators guide reflection, but the horses’ responses drive the process.

How It Works

3 hour-Sessions typically involve:

• Theory presentation

• Observing the herd

• Entering the field with facilitator guidance

• Engaging in structured or intuitive activities (no riding required)

• Reflecting on emotional and relational patterns revealed through interaction

The method is often used for:

• Trauma recovery

• Anxiety and stress reduction

• Leadership development

• Relationship and communication skills

• Personal growth and self-awareness

What Makes It Unique

Unlike traditional therapy models that rely primarily on verbal processing, the Healing Horse Herd Method works through embodied awareness. The presence of the herd creates a living, responsive system where participants can safely explore vulnerability, boundaries, and authenticity.

At its heart, the method invites people to reconnect with instinct, emotional truth, and relational balance — guided by the steady, intuitive wisdom of the herd. 🐴

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🐎 Natural Horsemanship for Deep Connection

After a nourishing lunch with fresh, local ingredients, you’ll step into the world of Natural Horsemanship. Through groundwork and riding sessions, you’ll learn to communicate clearly and gently, using body language, focus, and breath. This method develops not only your horsemanship but also your confidence, body awareness, and leadership from within.

It’s not about control — it’s about partnership, trust, and subtle communication. Horses reflect who we are in the moment, and working with them in this way becomes a profound journey of self-discovery.

Horse Connection & Liberty Training

Learn the Language of the Horse – with Heart, Patience, and Play

Step into a space where horses become your teachers, mirrors, and trusted partners.

Gift yourself the time to truly immerse in the world of horses alongside Isa, a passionate horsewoman, and her carefully trained herd at Finca Soley. This retreat focuses on building a deep connection through body language, breath, intention, and energy — the natural way horses communicate.

🐴 A Journey of Trust and Connection

You’ll be partnered with your own equine companion for the week, and together you’ll explore what it means to create a bond based on trust, clarity, and friendship. Through groundwork, liberty play, and riding — often without reins or even a bridle (for experienced riders) — you’ll discover how to lead with softness, strengthen your timing, and develop true partnership.

Whether you dream of your first close horse experience or are already a horse owner seeking new inspiration, this retreat meets you where you are and guides you further — always with care and one-on-one attention.

✨ Freedom, Play & Liberty Work

Dive into the magic of liberty training, where ropes fall away and only your presence and energy matter. Test your creativity, fine-tune your feel, and experience the beauty of moving together with a horse as one — without force or pressure.

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🌿 Nature, Culture & Individual Attention

Outside of your horse sessions, enjoy the peaceful beauty of Finca Soley and explore the region on cultural and nature tours. Relax in nearby natural hot springs, hike through mountain trails, and visit local gems in the area.

At Finca Soley, each program is individually tailored to your needs and wishes. We keep our guest numbers small to ensure personal guidance and a truly meaningful experience.

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🌿 Nature, Nourishment, and Meaningful Moments

After your horse session, spend time with the herd on our stunning mountain pasture, rest in a hammock, or simply breathe in the peace of the surrounding jungle. In the afternoons, we offer a variety of local activities: a visit to luxury hot springs, guided nature walks, or cultural experiences that connect you with Costa Rica’s vibrant life.

Evenings end with a healthy, delicious dinner and the soothing sounds of the jungle under the stars.

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💛 Optional & Flexible

This retreat is suitable for riders of all levels and yoga can be opted out for those who prefer to focus solely on the horsemanship experience.

We invite you to take a break from the rush, listen inward, and return home grounded, refreshed, and inspired — all in the company of kind horses, warm-hearted people, and the beauty of nature.

🌿 Retreat Booking Terms & Conditions

Please read the following carefully before confirming your booking:

1. Payment & Booking Policy

• A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
   

• The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to your arrival and must be paid via booking platform online payment.
   

• Once your booking is confirmed, your registration is considered binding and supports our long-term planning and preparation for your stay.
   

2. Non-Refundable Policy

• All payments are strictly non-refundable.
   

• This includes cancellations, early departures, no-shows, or termination of participation for any reason—including if you are asked to leave due to a breach of our house or community rules.
   

• The full fee for the period you booked remains due upon arrival, regardless of any changes to your plans.
   

3. Rescheduling Option

• If you are unable to attend your booked dates, we are happy to help you reschedule your accommodation stay within one year, subject to availability. Courses and Certification are non-refundable.
   

👉 By placing your booking, you agree to these terms and conditions.

🌿 What to Pack for Your Retreat

Here’s a list of essentials to help you feel prepared, comfortable, and connected during your time with us:

🐴 For Riding

• Riding pants (at least one comfortable pair)
   

• Closed shoes or boots suitable for riding
   

• Riding helmet (we have plenty available on the farm if you don't have your own)
   

🧘 For Yoga & Daily Comfort

• Yoga clothes
   

• Comfortable, layered clothing for cooler evenings
   

• Clothes suitable for day trips or excursions
   

👟 Footwear

• Sneakers or hiking boots (for nature walks or hikes)
   

• Flip-flops, sandals, or other easy shoes for relaxing
   

🌞 Sun & Insect Protection

• Light long-sleeve shirts (great for sun and bug protection)
   

• Cap or sunhat
   

• Sunscreen (eco-friendly if possible)
   

• Insect repellent
   

🧼 Toiletries & Essentials

• Shampoo
  

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and your usual personal care items
   

🌊 Other Useful Items

• Swimsuit
   

• Flashlight or headlamp
   

• Reusable water bottle (ideally with a carabiner clip)
   

• Small backpack (for day trips)
   

• Bum bag or belt pouch (optional, but handy)
   

🩹 Personal Extras

• Basic personal first-aid kit (plasters, ointment, charcoal tablets, etc.)
   

• Notebook and pen (for theory lessons, journaling, and reflection)
   

📞 Contact

• Save our number: +506 8369 4339

Book your flight to SJO - Juan Santamaria San Jose, Costa Rica. 

 Look out for the Finca Soley sign at the airport!
We recommend arriving in the morning or around midday if possible.

If you're flying in from overseas, you might want to consider arriving a day before the retreat begins to give yourself time to settle in. You can book extra nights with us or choose to stay at a nearby hotel in San José or close to the airport.

 Please contact us if you wish to book the retreat with additional stay days.  

Day 1

3pm: Farm Tour

We take you on a walk through our tropical mountain farm and you will learn about eatable and medicinal plants we grow here.

4.30pm: Tea Circle

Pick a leave from our medicinal garden to prepare your herbal tea. We will sit together to meet and set goals, share wishes for the retreat.

6:30 pm: Dinner

Day 2

•             06:15 Herbal tea

•             06:30 Yoga

•             08:00 Breakfast

•             09:00 HHHM™ Module 1 Mindfulness  

•             12:00 Lunch

•             14:00 Horsemanship Introduction Course

•             18:00 Dinner

Day 3

•             06:15 Herbal tea

•             06:30 Yoga

•             08:00 Breakfast

•             09:00 HHHM™ Module 2: Meditation

•             12:00 Lunch

•             14:00 Bitless or Bridle Riding Course

•             18:00 Dinner

Day 4

•             06:15 Herbal tea

•             06:30 Yoga

•             08:00 Breakfast

•             09:00 HHHM™ Module 3: Energy Exchange - the Loop

•             12:00 Lunch

•             15:00 Mindful Awareness Trail Ride

•             18:00 Dinner

Day 5

•             06:15 Herbal tea

•             06:30 Yoga

•             08:00 Breakfast

•             09:00 HHHM™ Module 4: Journey into the herd

•             12:00 Lunch

•             14:00 Herd Immersion

•             18:00 Dinner

 Day 6

•             06.15 Herbal tea

•             06:30 Yoga

•             08:00 Breakfast

•             09:00 Liberty workshop

•             12:00 Lunch

•             13:00 Hot Springs

•             18:00 Dinner at Restaurant

 Day 7

8 am: breakfast

9 am: Summary - closing