4th Annual Find Wild Horses Find Yourself® Alberta, Canada

---

Reflections on the Alberta Wild Horse Retreat 2024

Where to start in relaying the Wild Horse Retreat experience. 

It is multi-faceted, powerful, rewarding, and life-changing.

If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime then this is for you.

 I am not sure what I expected. I certainly traveled a long way for the adventure, and from the moment I joined the group of like-minded individuals, it was supportive yet challenging. 

My anticipation before going was focused mainly on seeing the wild

horses of Alberta in the landscape, having the ability to breathe in that awe-inspiring wilderness they accommodate.

In addition to the time spent with the wild horses in the backcountry, the time spent exploring our wilderness within using equine-assisted learning rocked my soul. I discovered the profound realities of my being and learned how my ego needed to listen to my soul more. I am still working on that. The exposure of being with the wild horses enabled me to engage in self-awareness, consider the interconnectedness of myself, the group, and the wild horses, and strive for natural balance.

Around the enormity of the experience, the accommodation, food, and environment. Debbie and Sandy provided comfort and sustenance in abundance. Enjoy.

Lynn Prendergast '24 

A bucket list experience! We photographed one of the world’s most beautiful animals, the wild horse, with master photographer, Sandy Sharkey.

 We connected with the gentle giants at the Lodge at Panther River with equine therapy guru, Deborah Draves-Legg. 

We shared experiences and laughs with new friends from around the world in one of the most spectacular mountain settings of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. 

I loved this retreat so much that I came back a second time!

Carol Byler, Cochrane, Alberta '24

"Horses, both wild and domestic, are a gateway to the soul.  They can heal you from within and give you joy.  This spectacular retreat in Alberta, hosted by Debbie and Sandy, is held in a gorgeous location with beautiful scenery and wildlife.  Through each of their sessions, whether with the ranch horses or out photographing the wild horses, you can explore yourself and what horses can bring to you.  Healing yourself, gorgeous horses, and the opportunity to create lifelong friendships is what this retreat is all about and I highly recommend it!"

~Heather - Alberta 2023~

My time with Eponicity was incredible. The experience of allowing a horse to share his soul and to show me what I needed was one of the most profound moments of my life. Deborah's wisdom and experience provided the space and support to allow that horse-human bond to speak for itself. I cannot thank her enough. 

Spending a week with Sandy Sharkey was an incredible privilege. Sandy is a world-class photographer who gave us a real insight into her huge knowledge and compassion for the struggles facing the wild horses of Alberta. It was so humbling to witness her commitment and dedication to saving these beautiful wildies and protecting their right to be free to live in their wild spaces without fear or disturbance from human activities. 

Both Deborah and Sandy worked incredibly hard sharing their love and respect for horses. They gave us unlimited access to their knowledge and experience They never stopped giving! They were always helping, teaching, and supporting us. I cannot thank them enough. 

The interactions and insights I discovered by being with horses were made all the more exciting and memorable because of the group of people around me. I spent time with the most fantastic women! We shared, we laughed, we cried and we supported each other throughout the process of digging deep into our lives and facing the challenges. I have made friends for life. 

The Lodge at Panther River was the perfect place for this retreat. It was in beautiful surroundings and hosted by the most generous and hard-working people. Jessica and her team made sure we wanted for nothing. The food was beautiful and delicious. We all asked for the recipes. Even my need for several mugs of tea every day was greeted with kindness and humor.....and several mugs of tea!

The retreat with Eponicity was life-changing because of the access we had to the way of the horse, the laughter we shared, and the opportunity we shall continue to share in supporting the wild horses and their environment. 

A retreat with Eponicity is magical. I went halfway around the world to take part and came home with more than I ever expected. 

Huge hugs and thanks for your incredible hard work.

~ Rachel - Alberta 2023 ~

 "Finding horses and finding yourself] was a wonderful experience. While exploring the world of wild horses, the breathtaking views, and the how-to's of photography, we also had a chance to pause and dig into our own personal work. It was the perfect balance of self-reflection and growth and exploring what it means to intentionally and actively care about something bigger than yourself. It was the inspiration I needed to step out of my routine, create, and grow into new possibilities while sharing space with some exceptional human beings."

~ Catherine - Alberta 2023 ~