As I planned the Women of the Rancho wellness riding retreat I couldn’t help but look back to the Women in the Rockies retreat that I created and hosted for 7 years in Colorado.
What were the best parts of Women in the Rockies? And the bigger question, knowing what the best parts were, what will the Women of the Rancho program contain? And could Women of the Rancho potentially do better?
Those are powerful questions as I remember our Colorado retreat and plan for my new offering, Women of the Rancho wellness riding retreat at Alisal Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley near Solvang, California.
So here’s my list for the next great women’s wellness riding retreat:
One of the most beautiful and highly-rated rituals of the Women of the Rockies program was the heart-to-heart connections the women made with their horses. It is not surprising that many requests for the same horse were made every year.
There are beautiful views and the occasional wildlife seen on the trail with your horse. It is an experience to be in nature with your horse riding and re-experiencing your favorite parts of riding or improving your riding skills.
Meditations to set mindful intentions. The meaning of your daily intention lies in the doing — in the ride, the experience, or the day ahead.
Tons of gorgeous photo ops with your horse including a professional portrait during the retreat with your horse.
Gatherings with women from the retreat over meals at breakfast and for cocktails and dinner.
Open and closing ceremonies where everyone had a chance to talk about themselves, voice why they came or tell a story about themselves
An evening around the campfire after dinner with branding and s’mores, an opportunity to laugh, listen, and tell stories.
Finally, it was a women’s respite from grocery shopping, chopping, meal planning, cooking, TV screens, and taking care of your family, work, and life.
This journey is an adventure, beginning with your first phone call with Janet Solie where you discuss your wellness goals and horse experience. Then you plan, pack, and travel to the ranch where Janet, the Alisal Ranch staff, and the horses await your arrival. Hugs all around as you settle into a perfectly appointed cottage/cabin with a schedule of fun, wellness, adventure, great food & drinks, and amazing trail riding on tap for the next four days.
With my seven-year track record at Women in the Rockies, my mission is to deliver all of the above for the Women of the Rancho Wellness Riding Retreat, which will be held from October 13 to 16, 2024, at Alisal Ranch, for the first 15 lucky women who decide to join me. I hope to see you in October, 2024.