Embracing the First Light: An Imbolc Gathering with Horses
Imbolc is a season of subtle awakenings—the first hints of light returning, the quiet stirrings beneath the frost, the ember of life beginning to gather strength. This is a time to notice what is quietly readying itself, just beneath the surface.
Horses move through this season with a natural attunement. They conserve energy, move with care, and sense the rhythms of the world around them. Their presence invites us to slow down, pay attention, and sense what is emerging—not through effort, but through attunement and presence.
Our gathering begins with a gentle forest bathing walk, moving slowly through the winter landscape. With the trees bare and the air crisp, the forest offers fewer distractions and sharper senses—sounds, textures, temperature, and space become more vivid. The walk is an invitation to be fully present with what is, noticing the subtle stirrings all around you.
Inside the ring at High Hopes, a small group of horses will guide us in quiet connection. Through hand-led interactions, we’ll explore communication through breath, presence, and intention. The horses show us that leadership, clarity, and authenticity matter more than force—an invitation to reflect on how we move through our own lives.
We’ll also spend time observing the horses at liberty, noticing their relationships, movement, and responses. This is a practice in listening, witnessing, and learning from beings who respond only to what is real and embodied.
The gathering closes with journaling, warm tea, and a circle to share observations and insights. We’ll consider what the horses—and the season of Imbolc—mirror back about patience, emergence, and inner light.
No horse experience is required—only curiosity and openness. You are welcome to observe, move at your own pace, and simply be present.
Step into the quiet stirrings of Imbolc. Notice what emerges. Follow the ember.
Safety & Support
For those carrying fear or unease around horses, know this space is held with deep care. You are welcome to observe and participate at your own pace. 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: $75 (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.