Finding Our Way Home: Embodied Group Learning with Horses

From September 22-25th, we will gather for a workshop focused on group atunement and leadership blending Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects and Equine Guided Learning guided by Lydia Violet Harutoonian and Yoshi Babcock.

The Work That Reconnects (WTR) is a dynamic, interactive body of work developed by beloved elder Joanna Macy, inspired by her scholarship in systems theory, deep ecology, and Buddhism as well as 50+ years of international activism. Practiced internationally, this work has helped thousands of people to engage in The Great Turning, reinvigorating our capacity for action and resilience. In a time when we face so much, we engage in this experiential resource that allows us to create an inner spaciousness for healing, connection, and a bold solidarity with the Earth and each other.

Equine Guided Learning (EGL) is a form of experiential learning in which participants partner with horses for personal growth and healing. This form of learning occurs on the ground through a variety of intimate and interactive activities with the horses. EGL is therapeutic in nature and fosters healing but is not considered therapy. It is a form of coaching where we partner with horses that focuses on inner and somatic self-awareness and self reflection in the moment.

Horses can also teach us leadership skills. They are social animals with sophisticated herd structures. Their focus is to aim for the herd’s optimal survival. Cooperation, adaptability & flexibility are the keys to survival in an ever-changing environment.

Through our time with the horses, we will integrate these subtle and soft social skills that make a big difference in our capacity to regulate with other humans, become aware of our tendency to function with power-over, and will help us develop power-with.

The first session with horses will be focused on personal awareness, grounding in our own relationship with ourself.

The second session will focus on our role in the ecosystem of a group, how we work together in an emergent, cooperative way, and will be an experience of embodied systems learning.

This is a great opportunity to re-learn how to be a part of a group after the years of isolation from the COVID-19 Pandemic, honouring our unique gifts and skills and finding our way back to collaborating.

Happy Hooves is a horse riding and training facility in Dexter, Michigan nearby Earthwell Retreat Center that teaches people and horses how to ride together harmoniously. You can read more about the founders, Crystal & Adam, and the project here.

We will organize rides to and from Happy Hooves for all participants.

Michigan in September is warm-hot during the days, so we would advise to dress appropriately for the temperature but also to protect your skin and feet at the stables! Breathable clothing that isn’t too loose, covers your skin and keeps you cool and comfortable.

CLOSED TOE SHOES ARE ESSENTIAL.

All activities will happen from the ground. While we will have a lot of contact with the horses, we will not be riding them, and we will be guided by professionals at all times.

The group is limited to 25 participants so that all participants have the opportunity to work with the horses in an intimate way.

EarthWell Retreat Center is located on Anishnabee lands in Manchester, Southwest Michigan.

ARRIVAL is Thursday, September 22th at 11am in time for lunch and afternoon session.
DEPARTURE is Sunday, September 25th at the end of lunch.

The facilitators/producers of the retreat are not responsible for your rides to and from the airport. We will offer a spreadsheet for everyone to input their airport arrival details to organize taxis to the retreat center with each other. We do have a vehicle if there is an extenuating circumstance.

There are 5 cabins with single beds in addition to several camping spots. The retreat is limited to 25 people because of the work with the horses and the capacity of the retreat center. Camping is possible but doesn’t change the cost and is BYOG (bring your own gear).

There will be three nourishing meals per day provided by Roaming Goat Cafe. Here is their retreat specific menu.

$950 Standard Ticket with Payment Plan Option

$1,200 Supporter Ticket

$875 Earlybird Ticket available for purchase until August 15th!
At checkout use coupon code equineconnection2022

To apply for a scholarship ticket, please fill out this form: ​​https://forms.gle/SjYA5pHvmwpq5mWZ8

For questions or inquiries, please email care@schoolforthegreatturning.com

$1,200 Supporter Ticket

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