A Transformational Retreat with Horses
There are seasons when riding feels steady and natural.
And there are seasons when confidence feels shaken — sometimes quietly, sometimes all at once.
The Confidence Through Connection Retreat is coming again in April 2027. We're already planning for next year, and we'd love to have you on the waiting list so you're first to know when registration opens.
This three-day women’s retreat is centered on building confidence through connection with horses — both on the ground and in the saddle. Through guided horsemanship, reflective integration, and relationship-focused riding, we create space to rebuild trust in yourself at a pace that feels steady and real.
You do not need to arrive confident.
You simply need to arrive willing.
What This Retreat Is
This is a three-day, immersive women’s retreat held at HorseSpeak at Cowgirl Up Ranch.
It includes:
🔸 Ground-based horse interaction
🔸 Relationship-focused riding (optional)
🔸 Guided reflection and facilitated learning
🔸 Shared meals and evening campfires
🔸 On-site shared accommodation
This is not performance riding.
It is not competitive. It is not therapy.
It is a structured, trauma-informed retreat experience designed to support calm leadership, clear boundaries, and authentic confidence — at your own pace.
Participation is always a choice.
You may observe, step back, or opt out of any activity.
How It Unfolds
Each day begins with a guided morning circle led by Marybeth, centered on confidence, growth, and reflection. Participants are welcome to share or simply listen.
The retreat structure is steady and intentional, while remaining responsive. Marybeth tailors the experience to the women present — adjusting emphasis based on what is unfolding in the arena and within the group.
🔸 Day 1 — Safety & Awareness
Arrival, orientation, meeting the herd, nervous-system settling, welcome dinner.
🔸 Day 2 — Communication & Confidence
Skill-building, relationship-focused riding (optional), boundaries, clear leadership, integration.
🔸 Day 3 — Integration & Embodiment
Applied practice, reflection, closing circle, departure at 2:00 PM.
Evenings may include optional campfires, shared conversation, and quiet time under the open sky.
Shared Ranch Rhythm
HorseSpeak is a working ranch, and part of the retreat experience includes participating in light morning chores.
This may include:
🔸 Feeding horses
🔸 Refreshing water
🔸 Cleaning corrals or stalls
🔸 Grooming
🔸 Simple shared responsibilities
These tasks are guided and done together. They are not rushed, and they are not about performance. They are part of building relationship, responsibility, and confidence in a grounded way.
Participation is expected, but always supported.
Accommodation & Setting
Participants stay on-site in shared rustic bunkhouses at HorseSpeak at Cowgirl Up Ranch.
There are three sleeping spaces:
🔸 Two small bunkhouses with three women each
🔸 One small cottage space with two women
Sleeping is shared. Bathrooms are shared. The setting is simple, comfortable, and grounded in the natural rhythm of the ranch.
Facilities include:
🔸 Marine toilets
🔸 Outdoor showers
🔸 Heaters available if needed (April weather is typically mild)
🔸 No air conditioning
Gravel paths, open sky, animal sounds, and campfires shape the evenings. This is not a resort environment — it is a working ranch with honest, natural surroundings.
You may indicate bunking preferences during registration. If no preference is listed, assignments will be made prior to arrival to reduce uncertainty.
If you would like to see more of the ranch environment, you’re welcome to explore our general retreat page:
Learn more about retreats at HorseSpeak →
Explore the Ranch
HorseSpeak at Cowgirl Up Ranch is a working ranch in Burson, California — home to horses, donkeys, goats, dogs, and open skies.
Gravel paths, paddocks, barn spaces, and wide pasture views shape the rhythm of the weekend. Mornings are quiet. Evenings often gather around a fire. The land itself is part of the experience.
Evenings often bring remarkably clear skies. With minimal light pollution, stargazing can be extraordinary. You’re welcome to bring binoculars or a small telescope if that’s something you enjoy.
You may also spot hawks or even an eagle during the day — the ranch is alive with quiet wildlife moments.
If you’d like to get a feel for the setting before arriving, you’re welcome to explore more here:
Bringing Your Own Horse (Optional Add-On)
Four spaces are available for participants who wish to bring their own horse (+$250).
🔸 Individual open corral with shelter
🔸 No nose-to-nose contact with resident herd
🔸 Owner provides feed (to maintain routine)
🔸 Fresh water provided
🔸 Current vaccinations required
🔸 Negative Coggins within 12 months required
This ensures safety for all horses involved.
What to Bring & What We’ll Provide
Please bring:
🔸 Comfortable outdoor clothing, layers are recommended
🔸 Closed-toe boots
🔸 Hat, sunscreen, and bug spray
🔸 Toiletries
🔸 Refillable water bottle
🔸 Beverages of your choice
🔸 Snacks if you prefer specific items between meals
🔸 Personal medications
🔸 Riding helmet (if you have one; helmets available if needed)
🔸 Sleeping bag and pillow (available on-site if needed)
🔸 Anything else that helps you feel comfortable and settled
We’ll provide:
🔸 All meals (Friday lunch through Sunday lunch)
🔸 Continental breakfast + optional eggs and bacon
🔸 Farmers-style lunch
🔸 Full dinners
🔸 Coffee, tea, and water
🔸 Sleeping bags and pillows (if you prefer not to bring your own)
If you have dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), please indicate this during registration.
If you have a serious food allergy, please let us know in advance so we can advise. This is a shared food environment, and cross-contamination is possible.
Arrival Note:
Gates open at 9:45 am, 15 minutes before our 10:00 am start time. The ranch gates remain closed until then and parking is not available before 9:45 am.
If you arrive early, you’re welcome to enjoy a coffee in Valley Springs or wait at the Burson Market just a few minutes away — they have lovely drinks and snacks.
A Few Helpful Things to Know
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No. Many participants arrive feeling unsure. You will be guided.
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No. Riding is optional. Some participants choose to ride. Others remain on the ground. You may change your mind at any time.
Some women arrive unsure whether they will ride — and discover they are ready. Others choose to stay grounded and build confidence there. Both are valid.
If you choose to ride, helmets are required for all mounted participants, regardless of experience. Helmets are available on-site if needed.
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Observation is valid participation. Stepping back is always allowed.
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No. This is a facilitated retreat experience. It is not therapy or a substitute for mental health treatment.
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Each day begins with a guided circle focused on confidence and personal growth. Reflections often draw from what unfolds in the arena and in individual experiences with the horses. Sharing is always optional — listening is valid participation.
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Yes. This is a working ranch with animals, uneven ground, and natural elements. It is not a resort setting.
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This retreat is for women 18 years and older.
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Yes. Many women arrive feeling unsure — especially if confidence has been shaken. You are not expected to arrive confident or certain.
We are intentional about creating a welcoming, steady environment from the moment you arrive. Most participants come on their own, and it’s common for the group to settle into connection quickly. Shared experiences, meals, and time with the horses tend to create a natural sense of camaraderie.
You are allowed to take your time, observe, ask questions, and move at a pace that feels steady for you. You will not be pushed — and you will not be left out.
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It’s completely normal to feel unsure in a new environment. You are never required to participate beyond your comfort level. Observation is valid. Stepping back is allowed. The pace of the retreat is intentionally structured to support nervous-system regulation, and you are welcome to move at a speed that feels steady for you.
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Wine and beer may be enjoyed in moderation during the evenings after daily programming has concluded. Spirits are not permitted.
We ask that alcohol use remain respectful of the shared environment and the safety of both participants and animals.
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WiFi is available in limited areas of the ranch. Many participants choose to step away from their phones during the retreat to fully engage with the experience. You are welcome to find the balance that feels right for you.
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The arena is covered, and programming continues in most weather conditions. April evenings can be cool, so layers and a warm coat are recommended.
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Yes. During unstructured time, participants are welcome to step out if needed. Valley Springs is a short drive away and offers coffee shops, groceries, and small-town amenities. We simply ask that you communicate with the team if you plan to leave the property.
Questions Before Registering?
If something feels unclear, or you’d like to talk through whether this retreat is right for you, we welcome that conversation.
You’re invited to reach out before registering:
Join the Waiting List
📍 HorseSpeak at Cowgirl Up Ranch
📅 April 16–18, 2027 TBC
⏰ 10:00 AM Friday – 2:00 PM Sunday
👥 Small group (maximum 8 women)
🪙 $1250 (2026 pricing; 2027 pricing to be confirmed)
HOW THE WAITLIST WORKS
It costs nothing to join the waitlist.
When registration opens, waitlist members will have a set window to confirm their spot (details coming). Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you don't confirm within that timeframe, your spot moves to the next person on the list.
If you have been feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or quietly ready for something steadier — you are welcome here.
Come as you are.
Leave steadier.
Leave braver.