Healing with Horse Wisdom
A collaboration between Veteran Rites and Wild Cove Farm
Saturday, October 17, 2020
10am-3pm
This one day Circle of Return in Ellensburg, WA combines personal storytelling and horse wisdom to give veterans insight and direction on their journey to healing and wholeness.
The healing power of horses is widely documented in the veterans’ community. This retreat to Wild Cove Farm offers participants hands-on interaction with horses and a guided journey experiencing how horses reflect back insight into the healing process.
There is limited space for up to 8 participants in this workshop. A majority of participant slots are reserved for veterans and loved ones residing in King County as funding for this workshop is provided through the King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy.
Veteran Rites and Wild Cove will be adhering to all COVID-19 protocols for group gatherings, social distancing, wearing masks, cleaning/sanitation, and food delivery. Upon registering below and confirmation of attendance Veteran Rites will work with participants regarding protocols and transportation.
FAQs and what you need to know!
There is no riding involved.
No prior experience with horses or horsemanship skills are needed.
Horses are prey animals. They survive by being able to read a situation and determine what behavior is needed. This survival skill translates to mirroring back to participants they need to hear.
Horses can only see you in the moment. They know nothing about your history. They are free of judgement or bias.
Participants wander freely with the horses. You can pet, brush, lean against them, or just have a seat and watch them. The horses are well socialized and interact safely with people. That said, Erin and an additional staff member will keep a close eye on your safety and intervene if we see any cause for concern.
Please wear boots or close-toed shoes and clothing that will only get better with horse hair!
You are welcome to take photos of and with the horses. Just be attentive to other participants.
Please refrain from bringing the horses treats. They are all on dietary restrictions and they don’t need any special gifts to love you.
Participants will be expected to provide their own transportation. Veteran Rites is available to provide support in addressing barriers for those seeking to participate.
Part of this experience is much-needed severance from the daily routine and the more likely promise of sunshine of Eastern, WA. Dress for fall weather regardless.
Food, camaraderie, additional materials, and directions will be provided to participants.
Erin Fristad, Certified Whole Person Coach and Equine Specialist (ES): Horses are the guides at the center of Erin’s life journey and she knows intimately their power to reflect back our strengths and opportunities for growth on the path of healing and empowerment. Erin’s formal training with horses began at 9-years-old with weekly lessons and includes the French Cavalry Dressage, natural horsemanship, a childhood in 4-H, and hundreds of hours riding wild through the Cascades. In 2016, she became an Eagala-certified Equine Specialist. In 2019, Erin co-founded Warrior & Horses, a therapeutic program for combat veterans living with PTSD. She recently purchased Wild Cove Farm and is committed to developing a gathering place for transformational experiences with horses.
