April carries us into a fuller expression of spring—where the earth is no longer just awakening, but beginning to open. Growth is visible now. Energy is rising. What was once quiet and hidden is starting to take shape.
This is a season of gentle expansion. A time to step forward, to trust what is unfolding, and to meet the world—and ourselves—with a little more openness.
Horses move in rhythm with this energy. In the pasture, at liberty, they express their full nature—curious, relational, attuned. Without halters or direction, they choose how they engage, offering connection that is honest, responsive, and real.
Their presence invites us to do the same.
Our gathering begins with a gentle forest bathing walk, this time alongside the signs of spring. Budding branches, birdsong returning—there is a quiet sense of life re-entering the landscape. The walk invites you to notice what is opening within you as the world opens around you.
From there, we enter the paddocks. Among the horses at liberty, we step into their world—where connection is not guided or directed, but chosen. Here, we practice presence in its most authentic form. The horses respond not to expectation, but to energy, awareness, and truth in the moment.
There is no agenda to interact. You may find yourself drawn closer, or simply observing. Both are meaningful. The invitation is to notice—your body, your breath, your responses—and how the horses meet you there.
We’ll spend time both in quiet observation and gentle, natural interaction as it arises.
The gathering closes with journaling, warm tea, and a sharing circle. Together, we’ll reflect on what the horses—and the fullness of spring—mirror back about growth, expression, boundaries, and becoming.
No horse experience is required—only curiosity and openness. You are welcome to move at your own pace, observe from wherever you feel comfortable, and simply be present.
Step into the openness of spring. Notice what is ready to grow. Meet it gently.
Safety & Support
For those carrying fear or unease around horses, this space is held with deep care. You are always welcome to observe and participate at your own comfort level. Presence is enough.
This offering is thoughtfully created for women seeking connection—with nature, with animals, and with themselves. It is the result of years of experience, study, and heartfelt intention.
Whether you come to reconnect, expand, or simply spend time in a different way of being—you are warmly welcomed.
No horse or outdoor experience is needed—just an open heart.
A few days before the gathering, you will receive an email with details on what to bring, what to wear, and directions. All participants are required to sign a liability waiver for High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center.
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.
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.