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Restore at the Rescue: An Afternoon of Playful Connection for Families
Join Jennifer Harper and the team at 13 Hands Equine Rescue as a family and enjoy the farm! While you’re connecting with the animals, you’ll also be connecting with each other. Take time to restore your spirit and cultivate joy, while helping raise much needed funds for the horses.
This offering is most suited for families with children 8-14 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This is not a drop-off program and adults are full participants in the experience. We’ve been joined by caregivers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and family friends.
The Family Retreat Experience
What to Expect
Come together as a family for a powerful and playful day of learning mindfulness! We’ll be supported by horses and surrounded by the serene beauty of the Hudson Valley for this one day retreat.
The 13 Hands herd contains a diverse array of over 200 equines. There are minis, horses of all sizes and breeds, draft horses, mules, and donkeys. Some are previously unhandled mustangs brought here after wild horse roundups. And others have been born on the farm to mares pregnant at the time of rescue, and have only known love and safety.
With the support of this incredible herd, we’ll experience connection and communication using our body language, breath, energy and intention. And explore bringing those qualities into our human relationships as well.
While the exact activities for the day will be customized to the group (based on a pre-retreat survey and the experience as it unfolds) family retreats can include:
- Herd observation and learning about equine body language.
- Greeting and connecting with horses over the fence to help them become more comfortable with people.
- Walking meditation inviting a horse to join us.
- Grooming a horse (or mini or donkey!) to create comfort and connection.
- Practicing regulating our energy as we invite a horse to move closer or ask it to give us space.
- Mindfulness based art activity with the horses.
- Movement and breathwork practices with the horses and our human partners.
- Sitting and talking with horses that are nervous to help them become more comfortable with humans.
*This is a non-riding retreat. All horse interaction is from the ground, and tailored to the comfort level and safety needs of the participants.
About 13 Hands Equine Rescue
13 Hands Equine Rescue is a not for profit organization that rescues neglected, abused and abandoned horses, other equines such as mules and donkeys, and occasionally goats, dogs, rabbits, cats and other animals that needs a soft places to land.
Started in 2015 by Marylou Tortorello in Westchester NY, and moving to their permanent home in Clinton Corners in 2020, 13 Hands has quickly become a well respected and successful rescue, helping hundreds of horses heal, find their purpose, and find their forever home. For some, 13 Hands becomes their forever home as they join the therapy and wellness programs offered on the farm.
The rescue process is a complex one, from health assessment to quarantine to recovery and healing, to placement with a new family, the path of each rescue is unique. 13 Hands is fortunate to have an extraordinary staff, dedicated to the physical and mental health of the animals. Volunteer support is also an important part of keeping the rescue and its residents thriving.
With 200+ horses to care for, 13 Hands relies on donations, fundraising, and community events for support. A portion of all Mindfulness with Horses retreat proceeds goes to the rescue. Learn More About 13 Hands
The Horses
200+ Rescues of every breed, from minis to mustangs to draft horses.
The Farm
A magical 120 acres of rolling hills, sparkling ponds, and loving animals.
The People
Staff and volunteers who are dedicated to the wellbeing and dignity of animals.
Registration
If you have any questions, or need a payment link for a group, please email jenn@mindfulnesswithhorses.com.