There is a particular quality to August.
The energy of early summer has softened. Meadows sway with tall grasses, blackberries ripen quietly along familiar paths, and gardens overflow with the fullness of the season. The days are still warm, yet the light has begun to change. Almost without our noticing, nature is preparing for what comes next.
This is the season of Lughnasadh, the first harvest.
For our ancestors, the first harvest was more than gathering grain from the fields. It was a sacred pause—a moment to recognize what had ripened before the work of autumn began. It was a time to look with grateful eyes at what had quietly grown, to celebrate what had sustained them, and to carry that wisdom into the changing season.
Some harvests cannot be measured in baskets.
Sometimes the harvest is a little more courage than we had in spring.
A friendship that steadied us.
A deeper trust in ourselves.
A healing we almost didn't notice because it happened so quietly.
These are the quieter harvests of a life.
The horses understand this rhythm instinctively.
Living close to the earth, they respond to the changing season without resistance or hurry. They remind us that life unfolds in cycles, that strength and gentleness can exist together, and that presence is often the greatest teacher of all.
This gathering is an invitation to step away from the demands of everyday life and enter the slower rhythm of the first harvest—a morning of quiet reflection, meaningful connection, and time among the horses as we pause to notice what this season has been growing within us.
Our Gathering
We will begin outdoors with a guided seasonal meditation, allowing the sights, sounds, and warmth of late summer to settle us into the present moment before spending time quietly observing the herd. Watching the horses before entering their space invites us to slow down, become more attentive, and begin seeing the subtle ways they communicate, respond, rest, establish boundaries, and live within relationship.
When we enter the paddock, the horses will be at liberty. They may approach, wander away, remain nearby, or simply continue about their day. Nothing is expected of them, and there is nothing you need to do or become. Together, we simply enter their world with curiosity, respect, and openness, allowing each experience to unfold naturally.
Throughout the morning, we'll move gently between observation, time among the horses, quiet reflection, journaling, and stories from the folklore and traditions of Lughnasadh and the first harvest.
Woven throughout our gathering, we'll also work with two oracle decks selected especially for this first harvest experience. One carries the wisdom of the horse, inviting us to reflect on the qualities, instincts, and quiet teachings of the herd. The other is rooted in the folklore and symbolism of Lughnasadh/Lammas, encouraging us to explore what has been ripening within us during this season of first harvest. Together, these two oracles create a beautiful dialogue between the wisdom of the horses and the wisdom of the Wheel, offering another gentle way to deepen our experience of the morning.
We will close with The Quiet Harvest Ritual, created especially for this gathering. Inspired by old first harvest traditions, it offers a meaningful way to honor the horses, the land, the changing season, and the quieter harvests we so often overlook. Like many old seasonal customs, it is simple, memorable, and best experienced rather than explained.
No horse experience is required. There is nothing to achieve and no particular way you need to interact with the horses. If observing from outside the paddock feels right for you, that is always welcome. Every interaction is guided with care and unfolds at its own pace, always honoring the wellbeing of both horses and participants.
This gathering is thoughtfully created for women seeking connection—with nature, with animals, with the turning of the seasons, and with themselves.
Come spend a summer morning among the horses. Pause long enough to notice what has quietly grown. And carry the gifts of the first harvest with you as the Wheel begins its gentle turn toward autumn.
A few days before our gathering, you'll receive details about what to bring, what to wear, and directions to High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center. All participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver prior to entering the property.
This offering is limited to eight 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.