The Academy for Coaching with Horses
2018 Annual Retreat and Conference
Evolving Human Consciousness through Connecting Deeply to the Spirit of Horse
SOLD OUT
Please email us to be added to our waitlist.
A gathering of humans who are passionate about bringing Love, Honor and Respect to Horses, each other and Mother Earth…
Would you like to experience the heart of Horse in a way that changes how you see Horse forever?- Have you been contemplating the world of Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching (EFLC)?
- Do you currently offer EFLC sessions and want to expand your knowledge, processes or toolbox?
- Would experiencing an authentic, spiritual journey with Horse in a retreat-like setting with like-minded companions light you up?
For 10 years Kathy Pike pondered hosting a gathering where the true nature of Horse could be honored and respected through a collective of leaders in the field. Last year’s gathering was so successful that we are returning to offer more possibilities with Horse this year . . .
The Academy for Coaching with Horses Retreat and Conference
Sunday, January 21, 2018 arriving late afternoon through
Wednesday, January 24, 2018 after lunch.
Join international author, teacher, and founder of The Academy for Coaching with Horses, Kathy Pike, along with several other professional Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching certified practitioners as they share their love of Horse and expertise in a variety of fields related to the emerging practice of Equine Facilitated Learning.
The Coaching with Horses Retreat and Conference resulted in such an expansive and rewarding time with each other and the horses that Kathy pike is hosting the third annual event. This incredible experience takes place over a three day period at the White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. White Stallion Ranch provides a retreat-like setting complete with an insightful herd of wonderful horses. The ranch offers the perfect environment to…
Experience the power of Horse to touch and expand one’s heart.- Become one with the sacred energy of Horse.
- Commune with like-minded individuals.
- Decompress through yoga, massage, and self-reflection in a serene, retreat-like setting.
- Ride a horse below the spectacular Rincon Mountain peaks.
- Experience the beauty of the Arizona landscape.
- Ask questions and explore the various options in the emerging field of EFLC.
What might you gain while you are at this program?
This program offers a rare blend of taking time to simply “be” and to grow personally and professionally. You will enjoy a diverse herd of kind horses, the natural desert setting, warm days and cool nights, yoga, and time to reflect and enjoy the ranch. If you are new to this type of work you will have the opportunity to experience Horse in a way that you may not have previously.
What if I am already a professional in this field?
Many individuals who are already certified, or have taken training courses with other teachers in the equine based learning field, attend Kathy’s programs. The deep, body-centered, heart-based approach often facilitated through the use of the Mind Body Method will be reflected in the sessions offered. As a professional in the field, you will have the opportunity to advance your skill set, gather new concepts and ideas to support your work, and meet other professionals in related areas of work.
What makes The Coaching with Horses Retreat and Conference different?
Kathy wanted to ensure that The Coaching with Horses Retreat and Conference stood out from the rest. We have accomplished this by building this Retreat and Conference around several unique considerations:
Attendance is very limited
While many conference events host up to hundreds of people, we have limited attendance to our retreat-styled event to create a very intimate setting of sharing and bonding with others. With only up to 40 participants in attendance, you will have an exclusive opportunity to interact with, ask questions and get to know the horses and the real details behind this work.
True Experiential Presentations
Several of our presenters will not only be offering you
the insight and knowledge
of their specialty within the EFLC world, but will also be sharing an actual experience with you. Due to the limited attendance, several equine-based learning sessions will have only 8 to 10 people and you will personally get to participate in most of these experiences and have a very hands-on and intimate learning session. Each morning and afternoon there will be three to four different breakout sessions to choose from. Some sessions will be offered twice to ensure you can attend those you are attracted to.
Qualified and Experienced Presenters
As a leader in the EFLC community, Kathy had many, many specialists submit applications to present sessions at this Retreat and Conference and the result enabled her to select a distinct variety of presenters each with a very specific specialty within the field. Most of the presenters are previous graduates of The Academy for Coaching with Horses. Each and every one will provide a high quality and insightful experience for you. A perfect way for individuals already offering their own programs to expand their skill set and gather new ideas on facilitating.
Exceptional Spiritual Retreat-Like Setting
The Coaching with Horses Conference structure provides you an all-inclusive spiritual retreat setting surrounded by a herd of over 100 horses. A very casual and personal atmosphere allows for continual interaction and facilitates authentic connections between both participants and presenters. Gatherings and activities function as ideal catalysts to encourage friendships and support the spiritual motivation behind the entire event.
Special Morning Ride – Ritual Ride in the Desert
The conference will be concluding with a very special “Ritual Ride”. During this ride the group moves through the fragrant and expansive desert in silence and communion with their horse just below the spectacular Rincon Mountains located in the Saguaro National Park. It includes a spiritual ritual below the mountain peaks. A lovely way to end a very special time and set intentions for the future! A matchless experience.
What is included?
A special opening presentation on the evening of arrival followed by dinner- A full two and a half days of experiences with trained EFLC experts in their fields
- Beautiful desert horseback ride on the final morning
- Conference goodie bag with gifts from all of the presenters
- Morning movement sessions to liven up your chakras and bring you into alignment
- Priceless insights and knowledge in the field of EFL
- Connections and friendships to last a lifetime
- Massages (additional fee applies)
- Delicious healthy community meals with like-minded individuals
Potent, Powerful, Unforgettable.
Sunday Evening: Retreat and Conference Opening
Evolving Human Consciousness through Connecting Deeply to the Spirit of Horse
Presented by: Kathy Pike
The human species is balancing on a precipice of evolutionary change. The ability to connect with higher levels of unified collective social structures that engage in selfless acts of kindness can literally reshape our society. We must move from the unconscious, conditioned, fear-based paradigm in which we currently operate into one that is based on trust, love and the connectivity of all living things. Horses naturally demonstrate these attributes, effortlessly and seamlessly, as it is their nature. During this conference our human collective will merge with a herd of over one hundred and fifty horses on the ranch. The capacity for unfiltered, present-moment awareness will be intensified as we drop into the herd’s spacious field of consciousness. This emptied state of being leads us into the divine source of wisdom and unique expression that lies within us. Once discovered and engaged, change is not only possible, but inevitable. As we evolve we go deeper into service to others – be it humans, horses, or Mother Earth. Join Kathy for this opening night lecture, meditation and communication with the herd that will lay the foundation for the retreat and conference.
Sharing Sacred Space with Horse: Igniting Your Creative Expression
Presented by: Kerry Loupe
Horses provide a wonderful thread to the intricate living web of which we all are a part. The experience of Sharing Sacred Space with Horse will allow you to drop-in and enjoy the opportunity to mindfully cultivate connection. By honoring these connections, you will be invited to tap into the well of creative inspiration. Entering into shared space, you will engage with the horses in an unrestricted fashion, with no agenda beyond simply ‘being’. Grounding into the earth and reconnecting to her rhythms, you will remember your connection to all.
Extending this experience through artistic expression will enable you to create a tangible reminder to take into your everyday life. These expressions can help you to remember ‘the way of horse’, a place of true, honest connection and authentic communication. By allowing yourself to come into quiet, present-moment awareness, mindful of everything around and within you, you will enter into Horse Time. By tuning into your inner landscape, you will have the opportunity to then give ‘voice’ to your experience through a variety of creative mediums. You need not be an artist to give expression to the powerful way that the energy of this experience will move from the horse to you, then onto paper, into movement or song.
Harnessing Hive and Herd Intelligence; a Natural Leadership Style
Presented by: Todd Butler
The phrase “herd mentality” is almost always used in the negative sense. It is associated with mindlessness and frequently linked to the worst of human behaviors. But when this concept was re-cast using the terms “Hive Intelligence” or “Swarm Intelligence”, society then began to arrive at a new appreciation of this natural phenomenon. Hive Intelligence is a multi-component, decentralized intelligence often exhibited in bees, ants, flocking birds and yes, in horse herds. During this interactive session with a herd of horses, you will learn what it means to experience decentralized intelligence and what the horses can show you about this process. The hive or herd intelligence exploration stretches your ability to shift and improve your communication and collaboration style, along with deepening your understanding of diversity within groups. You will interact with the horses to expand your capacities and also harness your energy for the greater good of the human and horse herd.
Heart ‘n’ Hands: Hands On Healing for Our Equine Healers
Presented by: Sandi Howlett
Horses who provide healing for humans may unconsciously take on and carry undue mental, emotional and physical stress that may affect their health and well-being. During this session, you will gain a clear understanding of how to recognize stress and emotional fatigue in your equine friends and how to help balance their systems in a very non-intrusive way.
CranioSacral work with horses is a gentle, tissue-based process that positively affects the horse. During this session you will be introduced to the foundational principles and practice of Equine CranioSacral Therapy. You will then be guided through simple hands-on healing that can have a profound effect on the horses’ well-being. The techniques are tissue-based, working with the CranioSacral System, which is found in the brain and spinal cord. Various hand placements and techniques will be demonstrated so that you may be able to help your horse release unwanted stress, leaving your horse in a more positive state of being.
Leading With Intention: How Mindful Moments Create Joyful Journeys
Presented by: Kay Anderson
This hands-on session with Horse is for individuals who are seeking greater clarity about the blocks in their life or work journey. While guiding a horse through various obstacles, you will be presented with opportunities for new ways to see, think and feel about your journey. Your horse becomes an energetic mirror for your deepest doubts, purest desires and quality of your inner dialogue as they sense the absolute essence of your inner landscape. While partnering with Horse, you will gain clearer understanding of non-verbal communication, learn how mindful moments can alter your path, align intention for forward movement, claim an authentic voice to successfully navigate transitions and obtain greater clarity and confidence about “Who am I on this path?” and “How do I represent the ‘real me’?” You become more authentic through the soft, clear, unfiltered guidance of Horse.
Kay Anderson earned her Master’s Degree in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania, for Leadership Development. Kay is a consultant, organization advisor and executive coach with a relentless passion for change management. During a ten-year association with ARAMARK, Kay worked as a recruitment and staffing expert and human resources director. She is the founder of The HumanSide, LLC, which provides leadership development to organizations and individuals. Her consulting and coaching styles are collaborative and she is able to develop personal leadership skills, create positive working relationships and boost performance and morale, while improving the bottom line.Unwrap the Vivid World of Emotions: Appreciating the Gifts inside of Horse, Self and Others
Presented by: Sandi Wetenkamp
This session will take a fresh approach towards understanding and experiencing the often-avoided shadow emotions with Horse. Horse, as your guide and teacher, embodies strength, gentle-softness and possesses a heightened sense of communication. Horses naturally trust their instincts and are attuned to the moods and body language of not only their fellow herd mates, but also of others that come into their sensory field. The high mastery of their social structure is necessary, not only for the survival of each member, but also for the balance of peace as they relate to one another and to thrive.
During a Reflective Round Pen session, and through the heart of Horse, we will unwrap the vivid emotions that create our experience and understand the gift of wisdom each can bring. As a collective, we will practice the art of self-awareness, moving deeply into our own internal landscape and becoming more horse-like in each moment.
The Horse is our patient and willing teacher and reflection of the energy and emotion within the field. The practices offered during the Reflective Round Pen session, lead by Horse, strengthen your ability to deeply connect with an open heart. You learn how to relate and bond with others in a more gentle and healthy way, through mastering emotions. In turn, this will provide the glue for positive relationships (with Horse and others) and radically improve your experience of life.
Activating Life Force Energy for Horse and Human through the Chakras System
Presented by: Anouk Lorie
Horse is a very alive being, fully aware of her energy and vibration. Horse can teach you to sink down into the subtle communications possible within the energy field. The Chakra System is a perfect model to learn and explore these possibilities. Every living being has energy centers (or Chakras) that can be balanced and rejuvenated for higher levels of health and vitality. During this presentation, you will learn about the origin, purpose, physical location, key beliefs to shift, theme and bio-energetic activity of each of the seven energy centers for both Horse and Human.
Through hands-on application (with horses), you will open and explore your own energy centers and that of the horse. You will gain confidence in sensing the flows of energy and intuitively receiving what is being expressed in those centers. The tools taught here can be used in your personal life, to keep your horse energetically balanced, and even blended into your client sessions in EFLC. Discover how the Chakra system can help you and your horse to activate the vital life force both of you need to flourish, remain balanced and vibrant.
Shake Off Stress and Reclaim Peace through Your Inner Wild Horse Power
Presented by: Tracy Scott
As people are immersed within a herd they experience an authentic peace that brings calming sensations within themselves. How can we transport that sense of peace while in community and living day-to-day? During this session we will explore actively working with a horse within the round pen to expand your awareness of the bio-feedback that horses offer, as well as their thriving habits that can help us adapt and adjust to difficult conditions.
Each participant will be offered the opportunity to purposefully move a horse partner at liberty. Utilizing your own energetic being as the instrument, you’ll encourage the horse through various gaits and through starting and stopping. While you work in this manner with the horse he or she will guide you to accelerate your recovery from stress and fatigue by gaining wild horse ways of releasing unhelpful thoughts and feelings and reclaiming present-moment peace. In addition you will experience how clear congruent intentions lead to healthier outcomes sooner than time-driven agendas. As you deepen your understanding of relationship with the horse, you learn how horses cooperate more than they compete, which will empower you to fulfill your intentions with less stress.
Creative States of Consciousness Guided by the Herd
Presented by: Kathy Pike
Have you ever visited a herd of horses in the middle of the night, with the weight of their sleepy presence dropping you deeper into your own body awareness? Have you ever joined a quiet herd of horses standing still under a shade tree on a hot summer’s day, finding yourself moving from that busy brain state into an altered sense of time and reality? Have you ever sat in the presence of a herd, with the intention to release the busy beta brain activity that typically governs all humans, allowing yourself to explore the more expansive and creative realms of the slower brain waves that move you from surviving to thriving?
Join Kathy Pike as she teaches you how to move beyond the common, mundane physical world you are accustom to, and shift to your mind and body into an altered state of consciousness that removes all resistance and opens up possibilities. This state of consciousness that Kathy calls “The Acoustical State of Being” brings you closely, if not fully into, how to be “horse-like” in an ever-changing, high-speed human world. Supported by the quiet, reflective and restful elder herd at the ranch, the power of the collective herd supports you in making this significant and powerful shift of consciousness.
Dancing with Horse: Co-creating Flow and Igniting Reverence and Appreciation
Presented by: Kathy Pike
Have you ever watched a person move with grace and ease accompanied by a beautiful and willing equine partner? Have you longed to have that same experience with your own horse?
There is a place we can go with Horse, where such ease, connection and grace can move us deeply. When we find this special place in space all time stands still and something beyond us moves through us. It is a sacred connection between two beings of different worlds, meeting in a space of oneness. Our body begins to move and horse follows along, we separate and come back to connect, eyes become bright and curious and hearts open with possibility. This is the dance of Horse. Open your eyes and your heart and know that you can find this place not only with your herd, but also in all of your life.
Dancing with Horse is a journey beyond horse training or technique where we meet Horse in his or her world, in the greater Horse Consciousness. During this two part learning session Kathy will demonstrate some of the key ways to prepare and communicate with your horse for dancing. She will give you tips on how to also prepare yourself and begin this highly experiential and creative process with Horse.
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Kathy’s diverse approach to accessing human potential has grown from her experience as a coach trainer for CoachU, a corporate trainer, a teacher at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, and ten years working in the healing arts as a massage and polarity therapist. Her first book, Pathways to a Radiant Self: A Journey of Growth and Discovery with the Chakras offers a complete guide for healing and expanding one’s energy field. Kathy has spoken at several International Coach Federation (ICF) conferences as well as several regional and local organizations in additional to several conferences focused on the equine based learning modalities. When not traveling, teaching or coaching, you will find her dancing with her wild mustang, Corazon, talking with her horse Moon, or riding on the Colorado Mountain trails with her flashy and kind mare Diva. www.coachingwithhorses.com |
Morning Sessions
Awaken Your Chakras
Presented by: Anouk Lorie
One of the best things we can do for our relationship with self, others and with horses is to have aliveness and vitality in our body. Through activating the chakras and bringing more rejuvenation into the human system you are more centered, aware, and sensitive to your own needs and those of others. Join us in the morning for a lovely blend of Polarity Yoga, stretching, movement and flow to shake up your chakras and get your vital life force energy moving, followed by a relaxing meditation and visualization.
Evening Presentations
Delving Deeper into the Wisdom of our Emotions
Presented by: Sandi Wetenkamp
As we become comfortable with what we once thought were “negative” emotions in ourselves, we can understand the anger, jealousy, anxiety, depression and fear in others, with expanded compassion and empathy. This opens the space for healing. You will gain more “choice” and begin to move to the more positive or expanded emotions.
During this evening interactive exploration of many key emotions, you will have the opportunity to peel away the conscious resistance of befriending your emotions and step into the magic and power of communicating with your higher intelligence. Additionally, you will leave with key tools and processes to work with emotions as they arise in your life and in your work with horses.
Finding the Missing Men & Calling Sisters of Strength; Designing Gender-Specific Group Retreats
Presented by: Todd Butler
How can we craft retreat-like experiences in EFLC work that are gender specific? Beyond corporate events, men are largely missing from the equine learning field. While women populate the participant ranks of EFLC events, we can help men feel more connected and empowered. This educational workshop is designed to help unlock our imaginations as to what can occur when we design and market events specifically by gender.
The facilitator will share his more than twenty years in men’s work, and how these experiences may relate to designing equus retreats for both men and women. His powerful experience in facilitating EFLC Men’s Retreats propelled him to share the deep need for this work, as well as practical approaches to actualizing those efforts. A frank discussion of what men may seek and resist in equine facilitated work will set the stage for understanding why this work is so vital to incorporate into your practice. Participants will share their experiences and ideas for men/women’s retreats as we examine marketing materials and methods aimed at these audiences. Time will be given to exploring partnership models for coaches seeking to enter this rich, but often underserved, area of EFLC work.
American Wild Horses – Galloping Toward Freedom or Heading Toward Extinction?
Presented by: Tracy Scott
Thousands of American mustangs are now in holding facilities, without their freedom, families or a natural way of life. Now their time is running out as their destiny is caught between government agencies, special interest groups, and advocates. Yet, many Americans are speaking up to offer freedom from the bondage of the holding facilities and they are helping horses to realize a new freedom, a new family and a familiar way of life.
You will learn historic background while expanding your knowledge of current wild horse proceedings in this multi-media presentation. Such as: the federal policy that both protects and endangers the horses, the purpose and process of wild horse gathers, your adoption procedure, building a relationship and socializing your newly adopted mustang.
Dates and Location
Arrive late afternoon on January 21, 2018, depart after lunch on Wednesday, January 24, 2018
White Stallion Ranch, Tucson, Arizona
Conference Tuition
The true value of this Retreat and Conference is priceless. For monetary purposes and to support the growth of this new field of exploring consciousness with Horse, we have set a value at $1070.
However, we are offering over $373 in savings
with the Early Bird Retreat and Conference Tuition. The rate is only
$697 per person when you book before November 5, 2017
with a $297 deposit to hold your spot.
Retreat Accommodations and Meals
Your accommodations and meals are separate of the Retreat and Conference tuition. The White Stallion Ranch offers a lodging package that includes: program time, morning ride, food, lodging, amenities, gratuities, and taxes. There is a shuttle available to and from the lodge so you do not have to rent a car ($15 each way if shared, or $37 for single).
Lodging Package is $723.83 Single or $625.35 Double (four days, three nights). (Be sure to tell the ranch when you make your reservation if you would like a double room.)
IMPORTANT: You must stay at the lodge to attend the Retreat and Conference and you must book both the event and your room at the ranch at the same time. You register for the Conference and Retreat on this page, and call the White Stallion Ranch separately to book your room. We have reserved 40 rooms and they will fill quickly. To reserve your room call the White Stallion Ranch directly at 520-297-0252 and say you’re a participant of the Kathy Pike Retreat and Conference.
Cornelia Roulet is the photographer for this event. We would like to thank her for many of the beautiful photos on this page.