January 29-31, 2027
Restore at the Rescue: A Cozy Winter Weekend
Part of our “Restore at the Rescue” series, this special extended weekend edition is an invitation to deep rest.
Join Jennifer Cohen Harper and the team at 13 Hands Equine Rescue for a unique winter getaway dedicated to warmth, rest, and quiet connection.
Distinct from our immersive learning programs, this weekend is designed as a mostly self-guided experience with gentle support—a chance to slow down, curl up by the fire, and nourish yourself in the company of the herd. This intimate retreat is open to all adults. With only five guest rooms available, we will be a small group, making this perfect for individuals seeking solitude or couples looking for a meaningful weekend to connect.
The Experience: Quiet and Connected
Winter in the Hudson Valley offers a sensory experience unlike any other season. With the leaves gone, the views stretch for miles across the snow-dusted hills, and the world feels extra quiet. It’s a time to bury your hands in the horses’ thick, fuzzy winter coats, breathe in the crisp air, and find deep grounding in the stillness of the season. We invite you to step out of the busyness of daily life and into this landscape of deep relaxation. While we will gather for a few gentle, guided experiences, the schedule is spacious by design.
Optional Programming
- Meet the Horses Session | Sat Morning: Learn how to greet the horses and engage them in their natural language, so you can visit with them comfortably during your time at the farm. (included)
- Gentle Yoga and Meditation | Sun Morning: Soft, gentle movement designed to nurture the body and an accessible meditation to settle the mind. (included)
- A Mindfulness with Horses Afternoon of Deep Rest: On Saturday afternoon we’ll be hosting a three hour workshop exploring deep rest with the horses up at the barn’s indoor arena. This optional program is available to you at a discounted rate. (add at checkout if you’d like to join)
- Book a Farm Tour: Learn the stories of the rescues, visit the foals and meet our mustangs, check out our zebra herd, meet the farm’s friendly cats and dogs, and explore the barn. (tours can be booked on the 13 Hands website)
Your Free Time: The rest of the weekend is yours to design.
- Winter Walks: Whether you prefer easy strolls on paved paths, or hiking the rustic trails through the woods and around the paddocks, the winter landscape is yours to discover. Besides the wonderful views of the horses, we’ve also spotted foxes, deer, and many species of birds along the paths.
- Rest and Play: Curl up with a book in the great room, or head to the rec room for a friendly game of pool. Put together a puzzle or do a crossword. This time is for you to enjoy!
- Creative Expression: Borrow art supplies to paint or sketch, or settle into the quiet office to write. Wherever you are, you’ll be able to keep an eye on the horses for inspiration.
- Connection: Share a cup of tea and conversation with other guests, watch the spectacular sunset over the pond, or borrow a yoga mat and turn the connection inward.
Our Home: The Tuscan Way House
Our sanctuary for the weekend is the beautiful Tuscan Way house at 13 Hands Equine Rescue, situated at the heart of the farm near our new mustang sanctuary. It is a space designed for comfort, community, and quiet reflection.
The Great Room: The center of our home features a soaring two-story stone fireplace—the perfect spot to curl up with a blanket and watch the snow fall over the hills.
Quiet Corners: If you are coming to write or reflect, we have a small, private office available for quiet work or cozy reading, and other spaces where you can tuck away for some solitude.
The Recreation Room: For a change of pace, head down to the lower level recreation room. With glass doors giving you a direct view of the paddocks, it’s a bright space to play a game of pool and enjoy a more upbeat energy without disturbing the quiet of the upstairs living area.
Amenities to Borrow: Pack light! We provide yoga mats and props for you to borrow at any time. We also offer a curated lending library of books and art supplies for you to use whenever creativity strikes.
Surrounded by the Herd: Even in the chill of winter, your connection to the outdoors is constant. The house is surrounded by paddocks, meaning you can see horses from every window.
Get Some Fresh Air: The front porch is stocked with your choice of rocking chairs or Adirondack chairs—perfect for wrapping up in a blanket with a hot coffee or tea, and watching the sun set over the frozen pond.
Nourishment for Winter
About 13 Hands Equine Rescue
13 Hands Equine Rescue is a non-profit, accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, that rescues neglected, abused and abandoned horses, other equines such as mules and donkeys and zebra, and occasionally goats, dogs, rabbits, cats and other animals that need a soft place to land.
With over 100 acres of rolling hills in the Hudson Valley, the farm is a peaceful oasis helping hundreds of horses heal, and find their forever home. For some of the 200+ residents, 13 Hands becomes that home as they join therapy and wellness programs, or become part of our sanctuary.
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.
A portion of all Mindfulness with Horses retreat proceeds goes to the rescue, and to the care of these equines. Thank you for joining us, and for your support!
The Horses
100+ 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 dedicated to the wellbeing and dignity of animals.
Accommodations and Pricing
We have five rooms available for overnight stays, and you may also join as a commuter. We welcome individuals in private rooms or couples sharing a room.
Private Room, Shared Hall Bath
Two second floor bedrooms available with shared bathroom.
- Private room with a queen bed and beautiful views of the farm.
- Full bathroom directly across the hall shared with one room.
Private Room, Ensuite Half-Bath
Two second floor bedrooms available for individuals or couples.
- Private bedroom with a queen bed and beautiful views.
- Private ensuite half-bath (toilet and sink) for your exclusive use.
- Shower shared between 2 rooms (direct private access)
Ensuite Ground Floor Bedroom
One bedroom available for an individual or couple.
- Large ground floor bedroom with queen bed and beautiful views of the farm.
- Ensuite bathroom including a soaking tub (with a view of the horses).
Live Locally?
Join us for the days on the farm, and sleep in your own bed!
Pricing includes all meals and programming, as well as free time on the farm. Join us at the rescue from breakfast through post-dinner relaxation.
If a payment plan would be supportive for you please contact us for about options.
Cancellation Policy: Because our retreat is small cancellations significantly impact the program’s financial viability. If you are unable to attend, you may directly transfer your spot to a friend, family member, or colleague. For cancellations made more than 45 days before the retreat start date, you will receive a refund less a $500 non-refundable deposit. All cancellations made within 45 days of the retreat start date are non-refundable. Because we cannot absorb the cost of individual cancellations, we advise that all participants purchase travel insurance, including Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, at the time of booking to protect their financial investment against unforeseen circumstances.