Sacred Connections is a Friends of the Forest program, presented in partnership with High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center, which explores mindfulness, intuition, and inner clarity (without riding) with the horse as your mirror. This unique program combines forest bathing and equine-assisted mindfulness to create an enriching, memorable, and transformational experience to connect with the more-than-human world on a deeper level. This program is limited to 10 women struggling with burnout, depression, anxiety, or loss.

Participants will experience:

• A mindful and slow walk in nature during which your guide will share mindfulness practices and invitations designed to awaken your senses, tune in to the present moment, and reconnect with nature.

• Hands-on breathing and mindfulness techniques with horses, facilitated by a High Hopes equine wellness professional;

• Guided meditations in nature & among our equine friends;

• Journaling and time for self-reflection

• Tea & sharing circle

• Investment: $50

Why Horses?

Horses allow us the space for us to open our hearts and tap into their beautiful energy. They offer immediate, physical, and intuitive feedback and communicate with us through their heart and soul. They invite you to drop into your heart and tap into the part of you filled with inner wisdom and connection to the natural world. They are mystical beings of this earth, making them unique guides to balancing body, mind, soul, and emotions. This is an opportunity to be present, reflect, and let the horses connect with you in the way that horses do.

There is no riding or horsemanship taught. You don’t need prior horse experience to participate, as we will show you how to approach the horse with respect and trust; just bring a sincere heart with you.