September brings us to one of the great thresholds of the year. We will gather only days after the autumn equinox, as the long outward movement of summer begins to turn inward. The light is changing. Evenings arrive earlier. Fields fade from green to gold, seed heads bend beneath their own weight, and the first leaves begin loosening from the trees. We have entered the season of Mabon, the second harvest, and above us the September moon is growing full.

There is something particular about gathering at such a moment. The equinox speaks of balance. The harvest asks us to notice what has ripened. The full moon brings illumination. And the approaching darker half of the year invites us to consider what we want to carry with us from here.

The horses are already responding to the changing season. Their coats begin to change. Their bodies notice cooler nights and shortening days. Their rhythms shift without resistance or hurry. They simply adjust to what the season asks of them.

Perhaps this is one of the things horses can teach us about balance.

Watch a horse standing quietly and you will see that balance is not actually stillness. Weight shifts almost imperceptibly from one leg to another. A hoof rests. An ear turns. Another horse approaches and the body responds. The herd itself is continually moving between closeness and distance, rest and movement, holding ground and yielding space.

Our own lives ask for these adjustments too. There are seasons for moving outward and seasons for drawing inward. Times for holding on and times for putting something down. Times for seeking what is next and times for recognizing what is already here.

This September gathering is an invitation to step into that threshold with the horses and explore what balance might mean in your own life as we turn toward autumn and the darker half of the year.

Our Gathering

We will begin outdoors with a guided seasonal meditation and opening circle, taking time to arrive in the landscape and mark the turning of the season together. From there, we will spend time quietly observing the herd before entering the paddock, noticing the subtle ways horses communicate, respond to one another, establish boundaries, seek connection and move through their world.

When we enter the paddock, the horses will be at liberty. They may approach, move away, remain nearby or simply continue about their day. Nothing will be asked of them and there is no particular interaction we are trying to create. Instead, we will allow the experience to unfold naturally, paying attention to what we notice in the horses and within ourselves.

Throughout our three hours together, we will move between observation, time among the horses, quiet reflection and journaling. Woven through the morning will be the folklore and meaning of the equinox, Mabon and the September full moon, along with a personal oracle card pull.

We will also share in a simple Equinox Threshold ritual, created especially for this gathering. Rooted in the old themes of harvest, balance and the seasonal movement from light toward darkness, the ritual will invite us to consider what has ripened in our lives, what we are ready to lay down, and what we choose to carry with us into the quieter months ahead.

Our morning will close together beside the horses, marking our own crossing into autumn and the darker half of the year.

No horse experience is required. There is nothing to achieve here and no particular way you need to interact with a horse. For those carrying fear, uncertainty or unease around horses, you are always welcome to observe, remain outside the paddock or participate at the level that feels right for you. All interactions are facilitated with care and supported by experienced guides and volunteers, with the wellbeing of both horses and participants at the center of the experience.

This offering is thoughtfully created for women seeking connection—with nature, with animals and with themselves. Come to mark the changing season, spend a few hours among the horses and step away from the ordinary rhythm of life as autumn begins around us.

A few days before our 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.

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.

The Equinox Threshold: A Sacred Connection with Horses Gathering

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