An Invitation into Deep Listening, Ancestral Connection, and the Quiet Darkening of the Year
As autumn deepens and the days grow shorter, the earth calls us inward. October carries the liminal energy of Samhain — a threshold time when the veil between worlds is said to grow thin. It is a season to honor what has been, to lay down what is no longer ours to carry, and to listen for the quiet guidance that stirs in the stillness.
In this gathering, we will move slowly and intentionally, letting the land, the season, and the horses guide our way. Together, we will make space for memory, release, and the deep listening that comes when we root ourselves in the present moment.
Part One: Forest Bathing in the Company of Horses
We will begin with a gentle forest bathing walk in the autumn fields, moving with mindful awareness through open space and trees, the horses nearby as silent companions. This is a time to soften the senses, to notice the hush of wind through branches, the muffled sound of hooves on earth, the scent of cooling soil and leaves. Each step draws us closer to the season’s quiet wisdom.
Part Two: Presence and Reflection with Horses
In the stillness of the field, we will spend unhurried time with the horses, allowing them to meet us on their own terms. We listen — to them, to the land, to the soft voice of the season — and allow whatever needs to rise, to rise.
Throughout our time together, we will incorporate meaningful rituals thoughtfully woven into our experience.
Circle of Light – We will each place a small battery candle on the earth to honor an ancestor, a beloved animal, or anyone whose memory we wish to keep close. Together, these lights form a shared circle of remembrance.
Letting Go – On biodegradable paper, you will write something you are ready to release. We will offer it to the wind, trusting the season to carry it away.
Whisper to the Veil – In a tranquil moment beside the horses, with eyes gently closed, you may wish to connect silently with an ancestor or a loved one who has passed. Your words, unspoken, will be offered to the unseen, carried on the energy of intention. Allow your equine partner to join you in this sacred exchange, bridging the physical and the spiritual.
Seasonal Breath – We will close our time together in a circle, sharing one final ritual: breathing in the grounding scents of cedar, sage, or rosemary. This sensory practice anchors us in the present moment, creating a mindful connection to carry the spirit of this experience into the months ahead.
This morning is for honoring, for listening, and for tending the inner hearth as the year leans toward its dark half.
Details
For those carrying fear or unease around horses, know this space is held with deep care. You are welcome to observe from outside the paddock if that feels right. Your pace is honored. Presence is enough.
This program is thoughtfully crafted for women seeking to connect with the healing power of nature and animals. It represents years of training, refinement, and heartfelt dedication by two women who have walked this journey with authenticity and purpose.
Whether you come to reconnect with yourself, soften into a new season, or listen for what wants to emerge — you are warmly welcomed.
No horse or outdoor experience is required — just an open heart.
Space is limited · Registration required
Safety & Support: You’ll learn appropriate behavior around horses to ensure both your safety and theirs. All interactions are facilitated with care and supported by experienced guides. If you feel unsure or carry past fears, you are welcome to observe from beyond the gate. We honor where you are, and we walk gently together.
A few days before the gathering, you will receive an email with detailed directions, what to bring, and what to wear. All participants are required to sign a liability waiver for High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center.
This offering is limited to 8 women.
Investment: $65 (non-refundable)
About our Facilitators
About Kathleen Lowe: Kathleen Lowe, the founder of Friends of the Forest. Kathleen brings extensive expertise as a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide through the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership and a certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), a global leader in evidence-based nature therapy practices. Her walks follow the ANFT’s structured approach, rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, as well as ecotherapy and the Way of Council. Each walk is a gentle, sensory-rich journey designed to reduce stress, enhance well-being, and deepen personal connection to nature. Kathleen's work is specifically designed for women, offering a safe, nurturing space to release the demands of daily life and reconnect with one’s body, inner wisdom, and the earth. Her recent training in somatic healing adds a deeper layer to this practice, inviting participants into embodied presence — allowing for release, grounding, and integration. Her background in art history from Brown University weaves in a unique appreciation for nature’s beauty as a living canvas, blending reflection, creativity, and reverence in every experience.
About Kim Severance, CTRS, ESMHL, CTRI, MMES: From a young age, Kim has harbored a profound love for animals, with horses holding a special place in her heart. Her journey into the equestrian world began at the tender age of five, quickly evolving from casual riding to competitive events both on the flat and over jumps. These early experiences not only honed her skills but also deepened her empathy and appreciation for horses as sentient beings.
Holding a Master of Science in Recreation and Leisure, Kim has dedicated her career to therapeutic recreation, becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in 2006. Her approach is unique, integrating animals ranging from dogs and dolphins to horses into her therapy sessions. She is continually inspired by the significant insights and transformations her clients achieve through these interspecies interactions.
In 2019, Kim shifted her focus to primarily working with horses, earning her certification as a therapeutic riding instructor (CTRI) through PATH, followed by her qualification as an equine specialist in mental health and learning (ESMHL). Driven by a desire to reciprocate the healing horses provide, Kim has also delved into equine bodywork. As a certified Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES), she finds joy in fostering trust and connection, enhancing the well-being of her equine companions.
Kim's philosophy centers on encouraging individuals to live in the moment, remain inquisitive, and trust their instincts—lessons she believes are best taught by our equine partners. Her passion and dedication not only highlight the therapeutic power of animals but also underscore the profound bond between humans and horses.
About our Horse Partners: Our horse partners at High Hopes are professional therapeutic partners, carefully trained and supported to interact with humans in grounded, meaningful ways. Unlike “rescued” horses, each of their horses is thoughtfully selected and welcomed into the program only after a thorough evaluation by the expert team at High Hopes.