4 minute read
Harmonising Hooves & Hearts
Discovering strength and connection at the WOW! Women's Retreat
What started with an invitation to 'let the serene embrace of nature and the gentle companionship of Appaloosa horses create a sacred space for growth', became a testimony to the importance of connections in an event that surpassed all expectations as it converged into a space of transformation, rejuvenation, healing, and joy at the WOW! Appaloosa’s Women's Retreat.
The retreat aimed to foster an environment where genuine connections, introspection, and engaging conversations could naturally blossom. At its heart was the profound connection between horses and humans. It is often noted that horses possess remarkable intuition, capable of reflecting a person's innermost emotions. Whether or not one subscribes to this belief, the evidence was undeniable at WOW! Appaloosa’s first Women’s Retreat
A weekend of good food, camaraderie amongst women, and the gentle companionship of Appaloosa horses, together with insights from trained professionals culminated in an unforgettable experience. The retreat was aimed at ‘harmonising hooves and hearts’, and brought together the expertise of Tobia Kruger, who shared insights on natural horsemanship, and Susan Nel, an accredited Leadership & Transformational Coach.
Kruger taught the group that in natural horsemanship the focus lies on the communication between a horse and its handler, devoid of any use of force. This is a sacred journey where trust is built through 'join-up.' Engaging in the process of achieving join-up with a horse exposes us humans to vulnerability, yet it's also where the magic unfolds. Gradually, we may think we're teaching or training the horse, but in reality, the horse becomes our teacher. It offers profound insights into ourselves, prompting us to confront underlying aspects of ourselves that may require attention.
Nel led the group on a journey of self-discovery, leveraging photography as a catalyst for introspection. She skillfully guided the women to recognise their inherent beauty, both internally and externally, in a process that proved immensely enriching. This transformative experience fostered selfrealisation as the women came to acknowledge their capabilities, found solace in the realisation that they are not alone, and began to embrace vulnerability, understanding that they don’t always need to be the pillar of strength, embracing their natural desire for love and care.
What began as a vision to bring women together evolved into so much more. It transformed into a haven of safety and self-discovery. The women, who didn’t want to leave when the retreat was over, found solace in one another and a newfound sense of self. Words like "incredibly uplifting and genuinely transformative" and "an unforgettable experience" only scratch the surface of how participants described the retreat. For one woman, it ranked among the best weekends of her life. While the breathtaking natural surroundings, delectable cuisine, friendship, and heartfelt learning were undoubtedly highlights of the weekend, the true stars were the horses. By reflecting the emotions the women brought to the retreat, these majestic animals enabled them to see themselves more clearly and become aware of their feelings. This created a space for relaxation, tension release, and reconnection with their inner selves.
As we reflect on the profound experiences shared at our retreat, it's evident that our vision to bring women together has blossomed into a transformative journey of self-discovery and connection. The overwhelming joy and positive feedback from participants serve as a testament to the impact of such gatherings. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate our next retreat in October, where we will continue to foster support, cultivate transformative experiences, provide platforms for reconnection and ultimately harmonise hearts and hooves.
Learn more at www.wow-appaloosas.com
