An Invitation into Stillness, Intuition, and the Living Earth
As autumn begins to unfold and the first crisp breezes arrive, we’re invited to slow our pace, quiet the mind and body, and open into a deeper relationship with the land — and with ourselves.
Join us for a morning of nature connection and equine presence — a gently held experience designed to nourish the senses, restore balance, and invite the quiet wisdom of the natural world to emerge.
Part One: Forest Bathing with Kathleen Lowe
We start our morning together with a serene forest bathing experience, guided by Kathleen Lowe, the founder of Friends of the Forest. This mindful journey takes you through lush woodlands and around a tranquil pond, offering a deep connection with nature. 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.
Part Two: Equine Observation & Connection with Kim Severance
Following our time with the forest, we’ll transition into the company of the horses of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, guided by Kim Severance, CTRS, ESMHL, CTRI, MMES.
Kim brings decades of experience in therapeutic recreation, beginning with her love of horses at age five and evolving into a deep, purposeful career centered around animal-assisted healing. With certifications across therapeutic recreation, equine-assisted learning, and the Masterson Method of equine bodywork, Kim holds a deep respect for the intuitive, healing nature of horses.
Our horse partners at High Hopes are professional therapeutic partners, carefully trained and supported to interact with humans in grounded, meaningful ways. What makes this experience truly different is its intentionality:
We do not enter with expectations to pet, ride, or lead. We enter with curiosity, stillness, and openness. In this spaciousness, the horses are free to be themselves — unhaltered, unhurried — and any interaction happens on their terms.
This calm, choice-based environment invites a different kind of connection — one that arises not from control, but from consent, mutual presence, and energy. These moments, when they occur, can be profoundly moving.
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.
Integration Circle
We’ll close our morning with tea, journaling, and a council-style circle, offering space to share insights and integrate the experiences of the day — whether they arose in the forest, among the horses, or in the quiet places within.
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 required — just an open heart.
Space is limited · Registration required
Hosted in partnership with High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center
What You Can Expect
Experience a serene and meaningful journey with moments of quiet reflection in nature, personal time connecting with the horses, guided meditation, and journaling. In the presence of these majestic beings, you’ll explore the depth of your own inner landscape — all held within the beauty of a small, intimate group of just eight women.
You’ll be invited into reflective time with the therapeutic horses of High Hopes, who serve not as tools or performers, but as gentle companions on your path of self-discovery. Simply being alongside them often evokes a natural sense of calm, clarity, and presence.
This offering includes:
A guided forest bathing walk
Time in the paddock with horses at liberty — no halters, no demands
Equine-guided reflection and meditation
Tea and a closing sharing circle
Special gift(s) for participants
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)
Your Equine Facilitator from High Hopes
Kim Severance, CTRS, ESHHL, 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.