May carries us deeper into the season—past the first unfolding and into something fuller, steadier, and more alive. What began as tender shoots and quiet beginnings is now stretching outward with confidence. The landscape is no longer asking if it will grow, but how it will express that growth.

There is a quiet assurance in this time of year. A sense that what has taken root is ready to be lived with a little more presence, a little more embodiment.

This is a season of inhabiting what has begun.

The horses meet us here.

At liberty in the pasture, they are no longer emerging—they are fully within themselves. Their movement is fluid, their relationships dynamic, their awareness constant. They do not question their place in the rhythm of things; they participate in it completely. In their presence, we are invited to do the same—to move beyond hesitation and into a more grounded, honest way of being.

• Our gathering begins with a gentle forest bathing walk, now surrounded by the fullness of late spring. The canopy is forming, the air carries warmth, and the landscape feels alive in a more continuous, embodied way. As we walk, there is space to notice not just what is opening, but what is stabilizing within you—what feels rooted, what feels ready to be lived more fully.

• From there, we enter the paddocks. Among the horses at liberty, we step into a space where connection is not initiated by effort, but revealed through presence. The horses respond to what is steady, what is clear, what is true. There is a different quality here—less about reaching, more about allowing. Less about becoming, more about being. You may feel drawn into interaction, or you may find yourself simply witnessing. Both are part of the experience. The invitation is to notice how you arrive in each moment—how your body softens or steadies, how your awareness shifts, how connection naturally forms or dissolves.

• We’ll move between quiet observation and organic interaction, allowing the experience to unfold without pressure or expectation.

• The gathering closes with journaling, tea, and a sharing circle. Together, we’ll reflect on what the horses—and this deeper season of spring—mirror back about embodiment, expression, boundaries, and the quiet confidence of becoming something real.

No horse experience is required—only a willingness to be present.

Come as you are. Move at your own pace. There is nothing to perform here.

Step into the fullness of May. Notice what is no longer just beginning, but ready to be lived.

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.