Join us for an immersive weekend retreat in an enchanted equine sanctuary in the heart of the Hudson Valley to rest, revitalize and tap into your creative muse in the company of horses on their healing journey.

The 13 Hands herd contains a diverse array of over 200 equines. There are horses of all sizes and breeds from miniature horses to drafts, as well as mules and donkeys. Horses that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. Some are previously unhandled mustangs brought here after 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, you’ll experience connection and communication using your body language, breath, energy and intention. 

This immersive mindfulness and writing workshop with horses offers layers of experiential offerings to practice deep listening, connecting and sharing stories within and without.

Most of us walk around carrying colonies of silent stories, and we don’t even know it. We unknowingly share these stories with others in the way that we breathe, walk, type, tap, and speak. This immersive mindfulness and writing workshop with horses offers layers of experiential offerings to practice deep listening, connecting and sharing stories within and without.

The result is finding your authentic voice in everything you do and say. This may reveal a message of pain, or sorrow, or it may ignite a creative gem or uncover a neglected joy, or release a secret shame that’s holding you back. We cannot walk through life wholeheartedly and fully unless we release all that we are holding onto, Horses are sage teachers in the heart of wholebodied storytelling, and together on the field, on the mat and on the page we will release the stories that are meant to be shared. This full-body and full-spirit immersion will unlock healing stories to empower wholehearted listening, generate creative work and foster meaningful connections in the communities that matter to you.

This weekend will include mindfulness with horses practices, time with horses in their environment, hands on connection with the horses, creative talks, generative creative prompts, somatic practices, mindfulness practices and group sharing circles to ignite your authentic voice.. Unlock your stories, amplify your creative potential, and unleash your healing power in this unique program.

We’re excited to offer a unique opportunity to stay onsite in a beautiful home at 13 Hands Equine Rescue during this retreat, or you can join us as a commuter from your home in the Hudson Valley. Participants can expect:

• A transformative creative experience in an enchanted and healing landscape 
• Tools to approach and connect with horses
• Tools to approach writing as a pathway for self care and personal transformation
• Creative generative prompts
• Somatic practices to set up conditions in the body to be creative and write
• Contemplative, meditative and breathing practices to ground and regulate, both with and without horses
• Practices for deep relaxation and rejuvenation
• Guidelines and support to design a sustainable writing practice
• Listening and communication exercises
• Evidence based research on the healing power of writing

During free time you’ll have the option to explore the natural beauty of the 120 acre farm, including visiting with the other animals such as mini horses, donkeys and mules, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits and more, hiking, relaxing in the apple orchard, reading in front of the fire, wandering with a borrowed art kit, magnificent stargazing, and much more.

*This non-riding retreat is appropriate for anyone! No experience necessary. All horse interaction will be from the ground, tailored to the individual participant’s experience and comfort level.

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

We are fortunate to have five spaces available in a beautiful home on-site at 13 Hands Equine Rescue. We call this the Tuscan Way house, and it’s just next to a paddock of mustangs, with a heart shaped pond visible from the front porch.

The house is truly special, with views of the hills and the horses from every window, a large two story living room with a stone fireplace, comfortable bedrooms, porches with Adirondack chairs, and a cozy reading room. Plus, no driving or cooking!

Participants who choose on-site accommodations will receive three meals per day, prepared with love, and served family style. We’ll be providing coffee, tea and snacks throughout the day.

Commuter spaces are available for folks who live locally or would like to stay elsewhere in the Rhinebeck area. Commuters receive dinner on Thursday evening and lunch each day, as well as coffee, tea and snacks.