June carries us into a different register of the season—no longer the gentle reassurance of growth, but the lived reality of it. What began in early spring has now taken shape. The edges are clearer. The energy is fuller, more sustained. There is less questioning, and more inhabiting.
This is not a time of becoming—it is a time of being with what has already come into form.
There is a maturity to June. A steadiness that asks for participation rather than anticipation. The landscape holds itself differently now—dense, alive, and continuous. Growth is no longer tentative; it is expressed. And within that expression, there is an invitation to meet your own life in the same way—with presence, with honesty, with a deeper sense of embodiment.
The horses meet us here.
At liberty in the pasture, they are fully engaged in the rhythm of their world. Their movement is purposeful yet unforced, their connections fluid and responsive. There is no separation between what they are and how they live—they exist in a state of continuous awareness and participation. In their presence, we are invited into that same coherence. Not to try, not to reach—but to arrive more fully in ourselves.
Our gathering begins with a forest bathing walk, now held within the richness of early summer. The canopy is full, the air warm and layered with scent and sound. The landscape no longer feels like it is opening—it feels established, rooted, and alive in every direction. As we walk, there is space to notice what in you has settled, what feels integrated, what is no longer fragile but quietly steady. This is a time to sense where you are already living what once felt like a beginning.
From there, we move into the paddocks.
Among the horses at liberty, we step into a field of awareness where nothing is asked, and everything is revealed. The horses respond not to effort, but to presence. To clarity. To authenticity. There is a groundedness here that invites you to soften into your body while also standing fully within it. You may find yourself drawn toward interaction, or you may remain in quiet observation. Both hold equal value. The experience unfolds in its own way, shaped by the moment and by your willingness to meet it as it is.
We move gently between witnessing and connection, allowing space for something more honest to emerge—something not constructed, but felt.
The gathering closes with journaling, tea, and a sharing circle. Together, we reflect on what has been mirrored back—about embodiment, expression, boundaries, and the lived experience of standing within something that is already in motion. June offers a different kind of insight: not about what is possible, but about what is already here.
No horse experience is required—only a willingness to be present.
Come as you are. Move at your own pace. There is nothing to prove here.
Step into June. Notice what you are already living—and allow yourself to meet it fully.
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.