Skip Navigation

Epona Equestrian Services' advanced events include innovative approaches to the equestrian arts, and human-development workshops exploring creativity, intuition, emotional fitness and authentic community-building skills.

Participation in an introductory-level workshop, either at Epona or with one of the Approved Instructors, is required before advanced work.

Epona Advanced Study Experience (EASE)

AWAKENING TO YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE THROUGH THE WAY OF THE HORSE

For more information and to begin the application process, contact booking@theeponacenter.com.

Facilitated by Epona Approved Advanced Instructors Carol Roush and Mary-Louise Gould, with special presentations by Linda Kohanov

This two-part advanced intensive program is an in-depth exploration of the Way of the Horse as a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation. With horses as your inspiration and guides, you will learn skills for increasing self-awareness, accessing inner peace, and developing an approach to life that enables you to live deeply and awaken to your life’s purpose.

In the programs currently available, a maximum sixteen (16) carefully chosen individuals will meet for a week on two occasions. Prior to acceptance in the program, applicants must complete an introductory level Epona Approach workshop. Please see the listings on the Epona website of Introductory Workshops at Epona and Introductory Workshops Worldwide for qualifying workshops. Preference will be give to participants who resonate deeply with the Epona Approach, who have understood and begun integrating in their personal lives the information taught in the Emotional Message Chart, the False Self/Authentic Self metaphor, and the insights gleaned from their own personal reflective round pen experience at an Epona Introductory workshop. The EASE program will further define and integrate the Nine Essential Skills for Authentic Community Building through reflective, active, and mounted work with horses and through group process work with two-legged herd members.

The sixteen (16) individuals accepted into the program will be divided into smaller groups, and each group will be assigned a facilitator who will act as a guide and advisor, both at Epona and during the months between sessions. (Group facilitators are Epona Approved Instructors who have successfully completed the Apprenticeship Program and are actively engaged in their own practice of assisting individuals through the Way of the Horse.)

The overall theme of the program is beautifully described by Sue Monk Kidd in her book, When the Heart Waits:

“Is it possible, I asked myself, that I am being summoned from some deep and holy place within? Am I being asked to enter a passage in the Spiritual life, the journey from false self to true self? Am I being asked to dismantle old masks and patterns and unfold a deeper, more authentic self, the one I intended to be? Am I being compelled to disturb my inner universe in quest of the undiscovered being who clamors from within?”

In response to those questions, The EASE program will focus on teaching you how to take new tools and expanded self-awareness back into your life, family, relationships, and community. You will learn how to be more authentic, set healthy boundaries, and actually live from a larger perspective of who you are and what’s possible for you. You will learn how to apply Epona principals to everyday life: congruency over conformity, authenticity over perfection, and adaptability and inquisitiveness over methodology.

The program will offer experiences in the following areas:

  • Distinguishing False Self from Authentic Self Beliefs and Behaviors
  • Advanced Reflective Round Pen Work
  • Energy Boundary Work
  • Active Round Pen Work
  • Mindfulness Practices
  • Intuitive Communication
  • Horse Dancing
  • Consensual Leadership Techniques
  • Reflective Riding
  • Holotropic Breathwork

In the end, what horses know is that everything changes...constantly. They teach us to be mindful of the present moment, free of preoccupation and judgment. It is then that we are automatically imbued with lightheartedness; it is then that we can step far enough from our old survival beliefs and behaviors to make room for a sense of humor, self-acceptance, and loving kindness that are at the core of our authentic selves. It is from this connected place within that we discover the true nature of who we are, create authentic relationships, and live in peace. In the safe and congruent environment of EASE you will have the opportunity to explore what feels emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually expansive for you and become truly awake to your life’s purpose!

We will take as our texts for the program all three of Linda Kohonov’s books; The Tao of Equus, Riding Between the Worlds, and Way of the Horse, as well as Eckhart Tolle’s, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, and from the Institute of Noetic Science, Living Deeply: The Art and Science of Transformation in Everyday Life.

SCHEDULE AND FEES

Week 1: August 23-29, 2010
Week 2: November 8-14, 2010

Tuition: $6560 (USD)

Payment Schedule

$80 (USD) non-refundable application fee
$500 (USD) deposit due upon program acceptance
$2740 (USD) due July 10, 2010
$3240 (USD) due October 10, 2010

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Please take the time to thoughtfully answer the following questions and return your application as an attached Microsoft Word document to Carol Roush at booking@theeponacenter.com.

Applicants will receive email notification as to whether or not they passed the paper-screening phase. Phone interviews for those passing will then be scheduled. The application process will continue until the program is full and a waiting list is established.

APPLICATION FORMAT:

Date application and include name, address, phone number, and email address.

  1. What was your initial experience with Epona? Indicate nature of experience (workshop, private sessions, or an intensive), the name(s) of facilitator(s) and of workshop(s), and dates.
  2. How has your initial experience with Epona influenced your life?
  3. How has this influenced your relationship with your horses?
  4. Which of the Epona concepts or activities were difficult to integrate when you returned home?  For example, the concept of emotion as information, authentic community building skills, and the false self/authentic self metaphor.
  5. Which of the concepts were most useful?
  6. What area of interest appeals to you most during the year of the advanced study program?
  7. A significant emphasis in the EASE program will be on building authentic interspecies communities. Do you feel ready to participate in an intensive group experience which will require you to be able to sit with uncomfortable emotions, identify your own triggers, and hold the sacred space of possibility for others to allow them to move through their own process?
  8. Describe the role that intuitive insights and/or shamanic states of consciousness play in your life.
  9. Do you have an idea or a desire to integrate this experience with your career or life’s work?

For more information contact booking@theeponacenter.com or 520-455-5908.

Qualified EASE participants interested in becoming Epona Approved Instructors may apply for the Apprenticeship Training program that will be scheduled in 2011. Please indicate if you have a desire to continue with Epona in an apprenticeship program.

Back to Top

Black Horse Wisdom

Thursday, October 14 through Sunday, October 17, 2010
Facilitator: Linda Kohanov
Cost: $2,000

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, includes lunch and materials each workshop day.

This powerful workshop is for people who would like to exercise their intuitive abilities through reflective and active engagement with horses, journeying, and interactions with mythic equine images and archetypes. Linda Kohanov will coach participants in multiple intuitive/creative techniques, including accessing the Horse Ancestors (the collective wisdom of horses), simple yet profound animal communication techniques with members of the Epona herd, visionary/journeying experiences with music, and ways of using Linda’s Way of the Horse wisdom cards (art by Kim McElroy) and guidebook for personal reflection and guidance.

This is an advanced seminar requiring previous attendance at a basic workshop facilitated by any of our Epona Approved Instructors worldwide. To apply, please email rasa@theeponacenter.com with a brief statement of interest in this particular workshop, including the date (month/year is fine), place, and name of the Approved Instructor who facilitated the workshop you attended, as well as why you would like to attend this particular seminar. Upon acceptance, you will receive registration, directions, and lodging suggestions.

 

"I highly recommend Black Horse Wisdom. This was my third workshop with Linda Kohanov, and I was again changed by my experiences with her and her horses as my teachers. In this intimate setting, Linda shared with us the essence of the wisdom the horses have to teach us. She facilitated interactions with members of her herd that allowed us to access our heart's desire, convey that image to the horse, and to interact in ways that defy description. She guided us through journeys to meet the horse ancestors, helped us call in horse spirits with whom we each shared communication, and she helped us access myths from a separate, ancient realm that inform our lives today. In my work with Linda over the past five years, I have come to appreciate her as an intuitive teacher, a passionate writer, and a wise guide in learning the way of the horse. I am grateful for her patience, grace, and eloquence in helping me on each new step of my journey."

--M. Ruth Davenport, PhD.

 

For more information please email booking@theeponacenter.com or call 520-455-5908.

For those wishing to apply but who have not had the opportunity to attend an Introductory workshop, one has been scheduled immediately before Black Horse Wisdom for your convenience. Click here for details on the Introductory Way of the Medicine Horse workshop.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation up to 30 days prior to the event start date results in a credit of one-half the workshop tuition. There is no tuition credit for a cancellation 30 days or less before the event start date.

Back to To

 

Accessing Your Inner Horse Whisperer

the epona approach to integrated horsemanship and enlightened riding

November 1-7, 2010
Facilitated by: Shelley Rosenberg, AAI, Epona Senior Faculty
With other Epona Approved Advanced Instructors
Cost: $2300

Workshop begins at 10:00 a.m. on November 1 and concludes at 5:00 p.m. on November 7. Fee includes workshop materials, lunch, snacks, and bottled water each workshop day.

Shelley R. Rosenberg is an accomplished horsewoman, trainer, rider, artist, teacher, and author of My Horses, My Healers, a book about healing from childhood trauma with the help of her horses.

Rosenberg's skills with horses and humans help people develop awareness and authenticity within themselves and in their relationships with others. As a U.S. Dressage Federation "L" judge, she also continues to provide lessons and training for riders from beginners to the Grand Prix level. Riding since the age of 12, she has over 30 years of experience training horses, teaching riders in western, jumping, dressage, hunter, and driving horses. Rosenberg's experience with horse breeds spans from Arabians to Haflingers, Warmbloods, rescued Mustangs, and horses recovering from abuse that require rehabilitation. In her long career she has successfully competed for the long-list on the U.S. Olympic equestrian team; co-created and run (with Barbara Rector) a therapeutic riding program for adolescents at Sierra Tucson; and conducted Dressage clinics. Rosenberg was president of the Tucson Dressage Club, and for 18 years ran her own Dressage Center in Oro Valley, Arizona.

Shelley Rosenberg's Integrated Horsemanship and Enlightened Riding Programs incorporate the Epona Approach to developing emotional fitness applied to the relationship between horses and humans.

This unique and powerful workshop applies the Epona Approach principles (emotional fitness, body awareness, mindfulness, and authentic interspecies community building skills) to working directly with horses, taking into consideration the physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual dimensions of both species.

Throughout this extended clinic, participants will explore innovative ideas on riding and relationship building. Participants will learn to recognize and respect the energetic boundaries of the horse, as well as themselves and the other participants. 90% of our interspecies communication is non-verbal and goes unacknowledged creating dysfunctional relationships and unhappy horses leading to dissatisfied owners.

Shelley says “When you begin to learn how to read 'misbehavior' as a form of communication you will be well on your way to developing your inner horse whisperer."

Daily mindfulness practices along with the core Epona principals are combined with riding and training experiences, teaching participants how to more efficiently and enjoyably develop authentic and satisfying relationships in the saddle as well as on the ground.

Assessing Your Inner Horse Whisperer ultimately explores ways of more effectively collaborating with these remarkable animals, of finding that often elusive balance between setting boundaries and giving your equine partners choices, as well as listening to the needs of your own body and soul. The week-long class includes a day of integration for relaxation, reflection, connecting with nature, and herd observation. The agenda will incorporate at least 3 private riding lessons for each participant, with your own horse or one of ours.

We welcome new horse owners, people who are just getting back into riding/training, as well as accomplished riders and instructors in all disciplines. Some previous riding, training, and/or horse handling experience is suggested but not required.

This class is limited to 12 participants, and involves a brief application process.

If you would like to attend this 7-day clinic, please send a letter of interest to dressagecenter@theriver.com attn: Shelley, briefly outlining your horse experience, your training/riding challenges and interests, your general fitness level, if you have attended a previous Epona workshop, and your goals for attending this program. Don’t forget to include your contact information (email and phone number).

The workshop fee of $2,300.00 includes all workshop materials, lunch, bottled water, and snacks each workshop day. For more information or to register and make payment arrangements please call Shelley Rosenberg at 520-455-5918. A deposit of $500 is required upon registration with final payment due no later than October 1, 2010.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation up to 30 days prior to the event start date results in a credit of one-half the workshop tuition. There is no tuition credit for a cancellation 30 days or less before the event start date.

Back to Top

Horses as Healers

November 19-22, 2010
Facilitated by: Shelley Rosenberg, Epona Advanced Instructor and Senior Faculty Member, and Nancy Coyne, MD, Epona Advanced Instructor
Cost: $2300

Workshop begins at 10:00 a.m. on November 19 and concludes at 5:00 p.m. on November 22. Fee includes lunch and snacks every day.

Horses as Healers is a four-day workshop utilizing experiential learning and corrective emotional experience with horses as our wise co-facilitators. Each day will include specific information on trauma and healing from trauma. Work with the horses will mobilize healing and help restore damaged trust. Tools for healing and self care include mindfulness exercises and yoga practice, creative process-drawing, writing, and painting to awaken creativity, attention to the body, healthy food and plenty of exercise. Work on safety, boundaries, authentic relationship and community, and emotion as information will be reviewed and deepened. Other available strategies—bodywork, psychotherapy, EMDR, medication (for healing from trauma) will be discussed and may be demonstrated, where appropriate. Ample time will be available for walks, pleasant meals, and good conversation.

The daily schedule will include interaction with horses on the ground and on horseback. No riding experience is required. Epona tools will be reviewed and practiced, including the emotional message chart, skills for authentic community, body scan, reflective round pen work and reflective riding. Shelley Rosenberg will offer the connected round pen and journey ride as well as ritual pony painting. Nancy Coyne will offer yoga, and a creative process to record the horse-human experience in images and writing. Riding lessons will be available, as well as psychotherapy sessions, individual and group yoga coaching and massage.

The Facilitators:

Shelley Rosenberg is an accomplished dressage trainer, rider and judge. An Epona Approved Advanced Instructor, she is the author of recently published My Horses, My Healers, a memoir chronicling her journey to healing from a childhood of neglect and sexual abuse. She is also a gifted horse artist. dressagecenter@theriver.com

Nancy Coyne, M.D. is a psychiatrist with many years experience working with trauma survivors. An artist herself, she uses creative process—writing and drawing—yoga and bodywork, EMDR and equine facilitated psychotherapy, as well as talk therapy, to help people heal from trauma and flourish in their lives. She is an Epona Approved Advanced Instructor. ncoyne@gwi.net

Questions and registration may be directed to Shelley Rosenberg by email at dressagecenter@theriver.com or by phone at 520-455-5918.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation up to 30 days prior to the event start date results in a credit of one-half the workshop tuition. There is no tuition credit for a cancellation 30 days or less before the event start date.

Back to Top

Discover Your Life Path Through the Way of the Medicine Horse

Facilitated by: Carol Roush, LMT, AAI, and Epona Senior Faculty Member Assisted by: Sarah Sander, Equine Natural Movement Specialist
Cost: $1495 and includes 3 nights of lodging, all meals, bottled water, and workshop materials. Additional nights of lodging are $125 per night, meals included.
Dates: November 29-December 2, 2010; or February 5-8; or March 12-15; or March 25-28; or April 9-12, 2011

This advanced intensive program is an in-depth exploration of the Way of the Medicine Horse as a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation. With horses as your inspiration and guides, you will learn skills for increasing self-awareness, accessing inner peace, and developing an approach to life that enables you to live deeply and awaken to your life's purpose.

The Way of the Medicine Horse program will further define and integrate essential skills for Authentic Community Building through reflective and active work with horses, mother nature, and in group process with two-legged herd members. No previous horse experience is required.

The overall theme of the program will focus on teaching you how to take new tools and expanded self-awareness back into your life, family, relationships, and community. You will learn how to be more authentic, attracting all that you desire, and actually living from a larger perspective of who you are and what's possible for you. You will learn how to apply the following principles to everyday life: congruency over conformity, authenticity over perfection, and adaptability and inquisitiveness over methodology. Discover the nature of your inner wisdom through the Way of the Medicine Horse. Take this step and make the transition into the next exciting segment of your life a time of deep fulfillment and satisfaction.

e

The program will offer experiences in the following areas of the Epona Approach to Equine Experiential Learning:

  • Energy Field Exploration; Active Round Pen Work; Horse Dancing
  • Development of a Spiritual Practice through meditation and shamanic journeying for living deeply and more fully connected to your inner guidance
  • Emotional Fitness Skills to consciously navigate life's challenging transitions
  • Ways to distinguish and shift between self sabotaging and productive beliefs and behaviors, exploring the hidden vices and gifts of the shadow side
  • A deeper sense of your authentic self for creating the quality of life you want to experience every day
  • Profound experiences in nature in the Native American traditions of the Vision Quest and Shamanic Journeys

In the end, what horses know and what nature teaches us is that everything changes...constantly. They teach us to be mindful of the present moment, free of preoccupation and judgement. It is then that we are automatically imbued with lightheartedness; it is then that we can step far enough from our old survival beliefs and behaviors to make room for a sense of humor, self acceptance, and loving kindness. It is from this connected place within that we discover the true nature of who we are, create authentic relationships, and live in peace. In a safe and congruent environment, surrounded by the Coronado National Forest, Medicine Horse Ranch will give you a profound opportunity to explore what feels emotionally, physically, and spiritually expansive for you and become truly awake to your life's purpose!

This program is proceded by an introductory workshop and combined meets two of the prerequisites (one intro and one advanced) for those participants interested in applying to the Epona Apprenticeship program.

For more information please contact Carol Roush at carol@medicinehorseranch.com or call 520-455-5058.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation up to 30 days prior to the event start date results in a credit of one-half the workshop tuition. There is no tuition credit for a cancellation 30 days or less before the event start date.

Back to Top

 

 

 

 

 

to top

Copyright © Epona Equestrian Services