Finding the Peace of Presence Among Horses

As January unfolds, the days are short and the cold can feel particularly biting. The energy of the new year is often overshadowed by the weight of unmet expectations, unspoken stresses, and the lingering fatigue of a busy holiday season. For many women, this time of year brings a sense of emotional and physical depletion. The drive to set resolutions or jump back into routines can feel overwhelming, leaving little space for the one thing that matters most: nourishing yourself.

In the quiet of winter, it’s easy to forget that self-care is not just about doing, but about being. January is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply to your body, and offer yourself the time and space to restore your well-being. This retreat offers a sanctuary during these often challenging, gray days—a chance to reconnect with your own needs, replenish your energy, and restore balance in the company of horses, whose gentle presence offers a soothing balm for the soul.

Horses are extraordinary animals, able to deeply sense and respond to our emotional states. Their calm, grounded energy provides a unique opportunity for women to pause, reflect, and release the mental and emotional weight that can accumulate in the first month of the year. In their presence, you’ll find the space to simply be—to rest, to breathe, and to reconnect with yourself without pressure or distraction.

The time spent with the horses is designed to be a restorative experience. Whether through quiet observation, walking in the pasture, or engaging in mindful activities, you will have the opportunity to work individually with the horses, tuning into their energy and allowing them to guide you toward a place of inner stillness. Their silent wisdom will help you reconnect with your own, giving you the clarity and peace you need to nourish your body, mind, and spirit.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll be guided through grounding meditations, journaling prompts, and relaxation techniques designed to ease the stress and tension of daily life. These practices will help you reconnect with your senses, release what no longer serves you, and create space for reflection, renewal, and inner peace.

The quiet of January provides a perfect backdrop for deep reflection, and in the company of the horses, you’ll discover the power of slowing down and simply being present. You’ll be invited to let go of the pressures of the world outside, allowing yourself the grace to nurture your own needs and embrace the restorative power of stillness.

As we close the retreat, we’ll come together for a peaceful reflection period—journaling about the experience, sharing insights, and offering gratitude for the horses and the land that have supported our healing. A tea ceremony will offer the chance to honor the quiet transformation of the day and embrace the nourishing energy of the season.

This retreat is an invitation to honor yourself during a time of year that often feels overwhelming. It’s an opportunity to pause, to breathe, and to fully embrace the restorative energy of winter. In the calm presence of the horses, you’ll rediscover the importance of self-nourishment and leave with a renewed sense of peace, vitality, and inner clarity.

What You Can Expect

• Experience a serene and transformative journey with quiet moments of reflection, personal time connecting with the horses, journaling, and equine-guided activities and meditation. In the presence of these majestic animals, you'll explore the beauty and depth of this sacred space, sharing it with an intimate group of just eight women.
• Reflective time with the therapeutic horses of High Hopes as companions on your journey toward self-discovery. As you spend time alongside these majestic creatures, their presence alone evokes a sense of calmness and serenity.
• The journey begins with a grounding meditation to center yourself in the present moment. You will learn appropriate behavior around horses to ensure both their safety and yours. Participant safety and the well-being of the horses are our top priorities. All interactions are guided by experienced facilitators, ensuring a safe, respectful, and enriching experience for both you and the horses.
• This offering will be held indoors at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center, a private horse-centered healing center in Old Lyme.
• Several days before the class, you will be emailed detailed instructions on getting to the property and what you need to bring/wear.
• All participants are required to sign liability waivers for High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center.
• This offering is limited to only EIGHT women.
• $50 investment. This offering is NON-REFUNDABLE.

Your Equine Facilitator from High Hopes

Kim Severance, CTRS, ESHHL, 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.