You’ve been strong long enough. 

Now, be BRAVE.

BRAVE in the Desert is a women’s retreat with horses in the Arizona desert, created for women who are done carrying everything alone.
In the quiet of the desert mornings and the spaciousness of three restorative nights, you’ll soften your grip, inhale deeply, and rediscover the strength that’s been waiting beneath the noise.

This retreat is intentionally designed for women who are ready for deep, meaningful inner work, and that’s not everyone.

In the quiet beauty of the Arizona desert, the wisdom of horses helps you release what no longer serves you and rediscover your strength. This isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about softening, breathing, and letting the stillness of nature remind you who you are.

At this 3-night alcohol- and substance-free transformational retreat, you’ll experience the gentle power of Equus Coaching®, heartfelt connection, and the freedom that comes when healing takes root.

This magical retreat is a FUNdraiser for SHE RECOVERS® Foundation*, welcoming women and non-binary individuals who feel comfortable in women’s spaces.

*SHE RECOVERS® Foundation is a nonprofit organization with legal charitable status in the US and Canada serving more than 325,000 women and non-binary individuals in or seeking recovery from a myriad of life experiences, including mental health issues, trauma, substance use, burnout, grief, and disordered eating.

$50 FROM EACH REGISTRATION WILL BE DONATED TO SHE RECOVERS®

It’s for you if you’ve been:

🪷Carrying the weight of others’ expectations and responsibilities.
🪷Feeling stuck in survival mode—strong on the outside but quietly tired inside.
🪷Craving time and space to reconnect with who you are beneath all the roles.
🪷Ready to move beyond healing and into thriving—with courage, self-trust, and purpose.

If you’ve been holding your breath just trying to get through the day, this is your invitation to exhale.

This retreat isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay.

It’s not for you if you’re:

🚫 Looking for a vacation, party weekend, or total solitude.
🚫 Hoping for only horseback riding or a traditional equestrian experience.
🚫Wanting to bring alcohol or substances to unwind.
🚫Uninterested in gentle self-reflection or open conversation.

This is a healing space, created with intention, compassion, and trauma-informed support.

Through The BRAVE Recovery Method™, you’ll rediscover what it means to exhale, to rise, and to trust yourself again.

You’ll walk away with:
✅ Clarity & Courage: Identify what’s been holding you back and create a plan to move forward.
✅ Deep Self-Trust: Rebuild belief in yourself and what’s possible.
✅ Lasting Empowerment: Leave with tools and confidence that extend far beyond the ranch.
✅ Real Connection: Soul-level relationships with like-hearted women.

Nancy McKay and TJ Killoran share a deep belief that true healing happens when we create space for courage, compassion, and connection.

Nancy brings decades of lived wisdom and a powerful sense of purpose to every retreat she leads. As the founder of Women Empowered Recovery and creator of The BRAVE Recovery Method™, she’s known for blending honesty, humor, and empathy to help women rediscover their strength and self-trust.

TJ brings the grounded energy of Apache Springs Ranch itself—a place she has lovingly shaped into a sanctuary for transformation. Her gift lies in holding safe, sacred space for growth, whether guiding couples toward “full respect living,” supporting veterans and families through post-traumatic growth, or welcoming guests into the ranch’s natural rhythm.

Together, they create a warm, authentic environment where the desert’s quiet beauty and the wisdom of horses open a path back home to yourself.

Do I need horse experience?

 No. All work is on the ground—no riding involved.

Do I have to share a room?

 No. Every participant enjoys a private room with a queen bed and a writing desk. Bathrooms are shared (two participants per bath).

Can I bring alcohol or marijuana?

 Please leave those at home. This is an alcohol- and substance-free retreat; healing happens most deeply with a clear mind.

Is this the right retreat for me?

 If you are seeking connection, reflection, and recovery within a like-hearted community—yes. If you’re looking for a vacation or party, it’s not the right fit.

Will I get lost in a big group?

 Not at all. This retreat is limited to 12 participants for an intimate, personalized experience.

Do I have to share everything about myself?

 Oh, hell no. This is a trauma-informed environment—you share only what feels right for you.

TRAVEL RELEASE OF LIABILITY & TRAVEL INSURANCE WAIVER AS APPLICABLE

In consideration for being allowed to participate in this Program, on behalf of myself and my next of kin, heirs and representatives, I release from all liability and promise not to sue Women Empowered Recovery and their employees, officers, directors, volunteers and agents ("WER") from any and all claims, including claims of “WER”’s negligence, resulting in any physical or psychological injury (including paralysis and death), illness, damages, or economic or emotional loss I may suffer because of my participation in this Program, including travel to, from and during the Program.

I am voluntarily participating in this Program. I am aware of the risks associated with traveling to/from and participating in this Program, which include but are not limited to physical or psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability (including paralysis), economic or emotional loss, and/or death. I understand that these injuries or outcomes may arise from my own or others’ actions, inaction, or negligence; conditions related to travel; or the condition of the Program location(s). Nonetheless, I assume all related risks, both known and unknown to me, of my participation in this Program, including travel to, from, and during the Program.

I agree to hold "WER" harmless from any and all claims, including attorney’s fees or damage to my personal property, that may occur as a result of my participation in this Program, including travel to, from, and during the Activity. If "WER" incurs any of these types of expenses, I agree to reimburse "WER". If I need medical treatment, I agree to be financially responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such treatment. I am aware and understand that I should carry my own health insurance.

I understand that it is REQUIRED to purchase travel insurance. As "WER" cannot control nature or events that may happen, that may cause the location of the Program to become unavailable, or due to my own tragedies or interruptions to travel that could occur, including sickness/death in the family, etc. "WER" is not responsible for airfare or travel arrangements made, nor the loss of any retreat fees paid, and I understand that it is my responsibility to research and purchase travel insurance for travel to/from the program.  Proof of travel insurance is not required, as it is fully for your protection.

You can consider travel insurance search engines such as:

• https://www.travelinsurance.com/

• https://www.squaremouth.com/

or something similar. I also understand that if I am unable to make my trip for any and all reasons, including COVID-related, illness, death in the family, etc, it is my responsibility to ensure my travel insurance can reimburse my fees of any kind due to the "WER" cancellation policy.

You agree that you have read this Waiver and fully understand its contents. You also agree to be bound to all of its terms.

DEPOSIT, BALANCES & CANCELLATION POLICY

NOTICES: Changes/Cancellations 

I, herein the Participant,  understand that plans can change and emergencies come up.  However, due to the nature of our services, we have a strict no-refund policy.

• No Refunds: all bookings are final and no refunds will be issued for cancellations or changes.  This includes family, health, death, and other emergencies.

• Travel Insurance: To protect your investment, travel insurance is required to cover unexpected cancellations, delays, or other unforeseen circumstances.  We don’t ask for proof of insurance, as it is for your own protection due to our no-refund policy. 

I, herein the Participant, hereby agree to and accept the Payment submitted by Participant.

Participant accepts and agrees that the Deposit amount and all payments are non-refundable under any circumstances (see above for required insurance).  The Deposit amount (or full amount) is transferable to another person for the SAME retreat, not to another retreat date.  

Note: It is required to purchase travel insurance that also covers the cost of your retreat so that you are covered for cancellation.

For virtual retreats/one-day events/online courses: all monies/donations paid are non-refundable under any circumstances.  They may be transferable up to 72 hours before the start date to another event or person.  Even if a participant cannot attend the live event, the participant understands that a recording of the event will be provided and constitutes attendance.

The submission of the application and payment to “WER” is binding. Participant is personally responsible for all mandatory payments.

You agree that you have read this Policy and fully understand its contents. You also agree to be bound to all of its terms.

AGREEMENT:

I, herein stated as the Participant, have read the above Terms & Conditions and fully understand its content. I am legally able to sign and voluntarily agree to and accept all text stated above in the Women Empowered Recovery Complete TERMS & CONDITIONS via digital authorization by checking the box stated: Participant Deposits, Cancellations Info, and Agreements.

Visit https://www.womenempoweredrecovery.com/brave-in-the-desert

After you arrive at the ranch and are shown to your room, we'll take a short walk to the pasture and visit with and observe the herd of horses that call Apache Springs home. Then we'll gather in the courtyard for mocktails, our welcome circle, followed by dinner and a fireside chat.

Today is all about the horses and what we can learn from them. How what they teach us can be applied to and aligns with the BRAVE Recovery Method™. We'll enjoy delicious and nourishing meals and snacks, and you'll have a bit of downtime for reflection and checking out the ranch.

Today we'll do some group work with the horses in the morning. There will be options for group work, conversation, or flex time in the afternoon, while VIP sessions take place. We'll wrap up the day with mocktails in the courtyard, dinner in the dining room, and great conversation around the fire.

We will enjoy our last delicious meal together and gather in a circle for one last time in the courtyard to share our takeaways from the weekend. Until we meet again dear friends!