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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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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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.
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.
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
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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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.
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.
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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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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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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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.
TERMS, CONDITIONS, WAIVER OF RISK
Please read these terms and conditions and release and waiver of liability, and indicate your acceptance and agreement below.
When you check the box to agree we are entering into a binding agreement on these terms.
The following terms & conditions and waiver of risk apply to all payments and bookings made to Lisa Peronne (DBA Healing Horse Herd), including through WeTravel (“Healing Horse Herd Retreats”) and they constitute a binding legal agreement (this “agreement”).
A 50% (or other specified amount) non-refundable deposit is payable upon registration to reserve my place. The balance is due no less than 60 days before the stay, event or experience date. If a different payment schedule is offered by Healing Horse Herd or its agents for my booking, I agree to abide by the stated schedule.
I acknowledge that I may be charged foreign or other transaction fees by my bank or credit card provider or the booking agent (including WeTravel) in connection with this payment, and I agree that I will be responsible for any such charge. I acknowledge that payment may be made through the international banking system and that Lisa Peronne is not responsible for any delays, unforeseen charges or additional information requested, and I agree to promptly comply with all reasonable requirements.
Cancellation & Refund Policies
All payments are non-refundable and no refunds will be offered for cancellations, nor if I do not attend nor if I leave early. I understand that my travel insurance is the place to seek compensation if I need to cancel or am unable to attend the experience.
Travel Insurance
I agree that I will purchase travel insurance which insures me against unforeseen sickness, injury, travel disruptions, weather or other natural disaster events, or any other cancellations or incidents that may occur both prior to and/or during my stay, event or experience. Or if I opt to not have insurance, I waive any refunds of any type.
Risks
In consideration of being permitted to stay and/or participate in the event or experience, I agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries or damages, known or unknown, which I might incur as a result of staying and/or participating, including any travel and any or all activities done at the place, event or experience, or as an individual at the accommodation and facilities provided in Costa Rica.
I, the traveller, declare and state that it is my personal decision to travel, and I am doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions, and have taken the appropriate advice or recommendation of any medical doctors or psychotherapists (or equivalent). In further consideration of being permitted to stay or participate in the event or experience, I knowingly, voluntarily and expressly waive any claim I may have against Healing Horse Herd, any and all facilitators and/or organizations and/or accommodation, and staff for injury or damages that I may sustain as a result of participating in the event or experience.
I, my heirs and legal representatives forever release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue Lisa Peronne DBA Healing Horse Herd Retreats or any affiliate or any officer, employee or consultant for any injury or death caused by their negligence or other acts.
I have read the above release and waiver of liability and fully understand its contents.
Pick up and Drop off
Locally sourced and prepared
Groundwork and Riding where connecting to the horse becomes the focus
Learn the Art of true Liberty where a horse is asked to partner with you. This is a equine consent based practice
Healing Horse Herd Method™ Certification Course. Learn how mindfulness, meditation, energy exchange allows us to Journey into the Herd
A full immersion into the horse herd where we learn to co-regulate with the horses through understanding horse language and herd dynamics
Learn about horse psychology and how to understand how to deepen your connection to horses
Non spoken trail ride where awareness of the horse and the land becomes our focal point. Included in price but can be substitute for 1:1 groundwork connection if time allows
Gentle movement yoga to help focus on mindfulness and meditation. Included in price but optional opt out
Upon arrival, morning tea also available
Hot Springs excursion and restaurant dinner (not included in pricing)
stopping at local restaurant after hot spring trip
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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
8 am: breakfast
9 am: Summary - closing
Lisa Peronne is an author and retreat leader and the creator of The Healing Horse Herd Method™.
In 2021, Lisa began sharing her knowledge by specializing in the profound healing power of horses through transformative workshops and weekend retreats. From these experiences, she developed her signature The Healing Horse Herd Method™, blending mindfulness, meditation, energy exchange, and the equine herd connection to create sacred spaces where humans and horses can meet in trust, presence, and mutual healing.
Today, Lisa is the author of Equine Connections and Horses as Healers and Teachers, and The Healing Horse Herd Method™ Manual. She has also created e-courses and leading in-person certification retreats for those called to this path. Her mission is simple yet profound: to guide people into deeper connection - with themselves, with horses, and the interconnectedness of nature.
