Finding the Peace of Presence Among Horses During the Holidays

During the holidays, a time often filled with stress, loneliness, or overwhelming emotions, finding peace and comfort can be particularly challenging for women. The season, ideally a time for friends, family, and good cheer, can sometimes feel more like a burden than a joy. Amidst the parties, gifts, and endless to-do lists, the true essence of the holidays can be lost.

Spending quality time with a horse offers a unique and healing refuge during this demanding season. Horses have an incredible ability to understand and connect with us on a deep, emotional level. Their calm presence and gentle nature can ease feelings of sadness, stress, and anxiety, providing a sense of companionship that is often hard to find elsewhere.

This experience is designed as a refuge for women navigating the stresses of everyday life, offering a sanctuary where you can release tension and find inner peace. In the calming presence of horses and surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, you'll be guided through practices that help you unwind, reconnect with yourself, and restore your sense of balance.

Stress can often disconnect us from our true selves and the world around us. Here, you'll have the opportunity to pause, breathe, and gently reconnect with your senses through journaling prompts, relaxation techniques, and grounding meditations. These practices are tailored to help you ease the weight of stress and invite a sense of calm into your body and mind.

As you enter this space of stillness, you'll mindfully step into the horses' pasture—a place where these gentle creatures roam freely. Whether through direct interaction, quiet observation, or simply being near them, you'll engage in a practice that centers on the healing energy of the horses. Their serene presence is known to alleviate stress and anxiety, helping you to release what no longer serves you and embrace a state of inner calm.

The energy of the horses has a unique way of grounding us, bringing us back to the present moment and allowing us to let go of the burdens we carry. In their presence, you'll discover a safe space where you can connect with your inner wisdom and intuition, free from the distractions and pressures of daily life. The horses will guide you on a journey of self-discovery, teaching you about the power of being present and the importance of nurturing yourself.

As we conclude this experience, please bring your journals for a tranquil reflection period. We'll gather for a tea ceremony to express gratitude to the horses, the land, and all beings, followed by a final meditation and a safe space to share any thoughts or feelings.

This is an invitation to reconnect with yourself and the natural world, to pause, breathe, and embrace the transformative power of being present in a sacred space, all while holding a deep sense of gratitude in your heart.

What You Can Expect

• 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.
• We will incorporate time for journaling near the horses, and we will end our time together with a tea gathering and sharing circle.
• This offering will be held outdoors and indoors at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center, a private horse-centered healing center in Old Lyme.
• All participants are required to sign liability waivers for High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center.
• This offering is limited to only eight women.
• Yoga mats and a limited number of collapsible camping stools will be available.
• $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.