If you are ready to move from post-traumatic stress to a place of post-traumatic growth, consider this weekend your doorway.
SurTHRIVor is a three-day empowerment retreat at Cowgirl Up Ranch for women ready to step out of survival mode and into something steadier, stronger, and more their own. To calm the noise, honor your resilience and begin reclaiming the life that trauma tried to take.
You don't need to have it all figured out. You only need to be ready to stop just surviving — and start thriving again.
What This Retreat Is
SurTHRIVOR is an empowering, trauma-informed retreat designed to help you calm PTSD symptoms, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with the part of yourself that is still strong, capable, and whole.
Trauma can leave people stuck in survival mode — anxious, hypervigilant, disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward. This retreat offers a supportive, experiential space to better understand trauma responses, calm the nervous system, and begin shifting out of constant stress and into greater peace, clarity, and choice.
In true HorseSpeak fashion, healing is not forced here. It is invited. Through guided activities, meaningful reflection, supportive connection, and the healing atmosphere of the ranch, you'll explore what it feels like to stop just surviving and start thriving.
This retreat is designed to be uplifting, empowering, and deeply encouraging. We honor the wisdom of the nervous system, the reality of trauma, and the courage it takes to begin again. Whether you are struggling with PTSD symptoms, anxiety, self-doubt, or the lingering impact of difficult life experiences, SurTHRIVOR offers a place to breathe, reset, and reclaim your life.
During this three-day experience, you will:
🔸Strengthen confidence, voice, and self-trust
🔸 Learn tools to calm trauma responses and reduce stress
🔸 Build awareness of triggers, patterns, and self-limiting beliefs
🔸 Experience meaningful and empowering learning and change
🔸 Reconnect with hope, resilience, and the possibility of thriving
You have survived for a reason. Now it is time to rediscover your strength and take back the reins of your life.
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 — Arrival & Grounding
Arrival, orientation, nervous-system grounding, activities focus on presence, safety and reconnection, welcome dinner.
🔸 Day 2 — Reclaiming Confidence & Voice
Centering practice, Skill-building, experiential activities strengthening confidence and self-trust, exploring triggers, patterns and protective responses, meaningful connection, evening gathering.
🔸 Day 3 — Thriving Forward
Integration activities focused on moving forward with clarity and choice, 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
Guests stay on-site in shared rustic bunkhouses at HorseSpeak at Cowgirl Up Ranch.
There are three sleeping spaces:
🔸 Two small bunkhouses with 3-4 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
🔸 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:
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
🔸 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. This retreat is for anyone who feels stuck in survival mode — whether that's from trauma, anxiety, overwhelming life experiences, or simply carrying too much for too long. If the theme speaks to you, you belong here.
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Not at all. You are never required to share anything you're not ready to share. This is a space where your pace and your boundaries are honored. You can participate fully by simply being present.
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No. This is a facilitated retreat experience. While led by a licensed therapist, it is not covered by insurance. If you are currently in therapy, you may want to consult with your provider to determine your readiness.
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No. Many participants arrive feeling unsure. You will be guided.
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No. All activities are ground-based. You'll be working alongside the horses — not on them.
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You are always free to step back, take space, or simply observe. There is no expectation to participate in any way that doesn't feel safe or right. MaryBeth is trained in trauma-informed facilitation and holds the space with care, attunement, and respect for each woman's nervous system.
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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 21 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:
Register
📍 HorseSpeak at Cowgirl Up Ranch
📅 April 30-May 2, 2027
⏰ 10:00 AM Friday – 2:00 PM Sunday
👥 Small group (maximum 8 women)
🪙 $1250
PAYMENT OPTIONS
✨EARLY BIRD
Available through January 31, 2027
Early Bird Option 1 — Pay in Full
🔸 $1100 due at registration
Early Bird Option 2 — Structured Payment Plan
🔸 4 payments of $275, automatically charged every 2 weeks
🔸 Includes a $450 non-refundable deposit
🔸 Total $1100
🌾STANDARD RATE
Applies beginning February 1, 2027
Option 1 — Pay in Full
🔸 $1250 due at registration
Option 2 — Structured Payment Plan
Installment plans close April 15, 2027. After this date, full payment is required at registration.
🔸 4 payments of $312.50, automatically charged weekly
🔸 Includes a $25 administrative fee for installment processing
🔸 Includes a $650 non-refundable deposit
🔸 Total $1275
All payments must be completed before April 15, 2027.
Retreat Registration & Cancellation
A deposit is included in all registrations/payments ($400 Early Bird / $650 Standard) and is non-refundable, as this is a small retreat and space, lodging, and preparation are held specifically for each participant.
If you cancel more than 4 weeks before the retreat, any payments made beyond the deposit will be refunded.
If you cancel within 4 weeks of the retreat, payments are non-refundable due to confirmed lodging, meals, and retreat preparation.
If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to transfer your place to a friend who registers and completes payment before the retreat.
Credit card payments include a 3.5% processing fee.
If you have questions before registering, you’re welcome to reach out.
If you've been quietly wondering whether something like this might be right for you — it's okay to take your time with that.
Come as you are.
Leave steadier.
Leave braver.