Epona Ridge: a decidedly different retreat center.

Maybe it's the fact that the Epona Ridge horses facilitate personal growth and healing retreats as well as private sessions every bit as much, probably more, than their human companions/ facilitators. Or perhaps it's the facility itself--a stunning private green home with many outdoor rooms and a spacious barn equipped with an indoor Picadoro (an intimate and enchanting Spanish arena). It could also be the setting, close to the end of a winding private road and halfway up a majestic mountain in north Asheville, with west-facing, long-range mountain views above pasture, surrounded by woods, a stream, and the peaceful sounds of nature.

These are only some of the reasons that Epona Ridge Retreat Center and Day Spa is decidedly different. Named after the Celtic horse goddess Epona, protector of horses and a symbol of healing, transformation, and balance, this retreat in north Asheville combines facilitators, human and equine, to help people deepen their spiritual connections, gain more clarity in their lives, and learn the meaning of living authentically.

The Epona Ridge philosophy begins with the premise that horses are great teachers, possessing an innate wisdom of those around them through the energy fields we all share. Horses are prey animals and have existed thousands of years in the wild based on their ability to pick up on the subtle energy of others, especially predators. The horses in the wild and those involved in the Epona work have a keen sense of awareness and simultaneous presence (being aware of and fully present with themselves and others in the moment), qualities humans can struggle a lifetime trying to learn. The retreat experience, ranging from two to five days, differs for each person, but includes lecture, reflection time, experiential work with amazing horses (there is no riding, only experiential work done safely from the ground), social time with good healthy food, and specific workshops that include massage therapy, ceremonial art activities and sessions with Crystal Singing Bowls, similar to Tibetan singing bowls. Using a holistic approach, these seminars are powerful for non-horse people and equestrians alike.

The careful structure of the Epona Ridge retreats helps strengthen self-awareness and enhances personal empowerment. Participant Don Dallas of Atlanta was deeply touched by his experience. "You have to experience it to understand. I really had no idea the level of sensitivity and boundaries one truly has, especially the horse. These types of workshops may help prevent divorces, abuse, and cruelty. For what it's worth, I think most men would benefit from this greatly if you could get them to take off their armor plating at the door."

During the experiential work with the horses, people learn about themselves. I speak from personal experience. I attended an Epona Ridge introductory seminar several months ago. I have a passion for horses, have been an equestrian for a dozen years, yet it took forever (at least it seemed that way) before my teaching horse, a large bay mare named Cierba, chose to amble over to me, laying her nose on my heart. She knew I was caught up in my ego, and reflected her experience of me. Thinking, of course she knows I am a horse person, so she'll come right over, I was surprised that she didn't. It was only when I released my need to look good that I understood the message she had for me. When this happened, my heart opened and I was deeply moved.

A basic premise for the work at Epona Ridge involves the effect of energy fields and the vibratory impact they have on our overall health and . We now know through studies from the Institute of Heart Math that the heart's electrical field is by far the most powerful rhythmic field produced by the body. It not only envelops every cell of the body, it extends out in all directions into the space around us. The Institute's research also shows that the heart is about sixty times greater in amplitude then the electrical activity generated by the brain. This field, measured with Electrocardiograms (ECG) can be detected anywhere on the body's surface.

Unfortunately, as our brain and intellectual functions grow, we listen less and less to our bodies, especially our hearts. The horses feel that electrical field and the messages we are sending out non-verbally. When our hearts and head don't match, when we are incongruent, the horses reflect that experience. One exercise in a seminar helps students learn to feel these energetic layers of connection; the horses let them know in subtle ways when they are connecting with you or if you are crossing their level of comfort. A switch of the tail, a flick of an ear, a discreet look--all these are clear signals. Students learn to feel a horse's energy field and the different layers of connection, which, interestingly, exist with humans as well. Other students give them feedback from watching the experience while they are simultaneously learning to feel within themselves. It's an uncanny experience.

The Center bases its teachings on the work of author, lecturer, and horse trainer Linda Kohanov. Her landmark book, The Tao of Equus, explains her method and personal experiences in detail. She has gained international attention for innovative programs with horses in the work of human development. Epona Equestrian Services, a natural offshoot of Kohanov's work, was founded by her in 1997. It is a collective of educators, counselors, physical therapists, and riding instructors who are exploring the healing potential of horse/human relationships.

Kohanov believes in the Way of the Horse, a philosophy based on the way horses respond. By being in tune with their environment, horses gather information they relay to the rest of their herd in an energetic field, where they all either respond or relax and go back to grazing. This example helps people explore the power of authentic community and harmony.

Epona Ridge is owned by Barbara Alexander, a corporate drop-out who discovered a new passion for life five years ago. A former highly successful account executive, she moved to Asheville nine years ago. She has spent four years training in the Epona Approach and studied with Kohanov in Arizona; she is an Epona Approved Instructor, authorized to use The Epona Approach[TM] anal a graduate of the Epona Advanced Study Experience. She is also a Reiki Master, learning the healing art of Reiki in Hong Kong.

"Although by most standards I was highly successful in my business career, I found that I was missing this incredible call from my heart. I had to listen carefully. As I began to bring horses back into my life again, I realized how much they could teach me. These generous wonderful beings react without judgment, giving people exactly what they need in the moment through the gift of clear reflection--it's an amazing experience," she says.

"As I learned about working with horses, I learned about myself. I was never comfortable with disrespectful dominance, whether it was parental, a partner or spouse, management, horse trainer or a friend. I felt I could succeed at anything I put my heart into but that drive came from within me, and conversely, the experience of being negatively controlled or dominated could just about break my spirit. The work with the horses showed me their innocent compassion and wisdom, and how through disassociation they learned to survive when they had no choice," she continues. "Many people try to dominate and totally miss the level of love and devotion that far exceeds anything gained from force or dominance both with people or horses. Understanding this helped me understand so much about myself and life. The horses teach us how to be sensitive to each other and ourselves simultaneously; it is ah incredible gift."

For more information:

Epona Ridge: eponaridge.com/retreats * 828-253-6002

Workshops and personal sessions in the wisdom of the horse.

Local resources for a variety of

horse-assisted therapies:

Equinection: equinection.org

Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning workshops and personal sessions.

Horse Sense of the Carolinas: horsesenseotc.com

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs

Mountin' Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center: mountainhopes.org

Therapeutic horseback riding center for children and adults with special needs.

... or for caring for your horse:

Equine Wellness Solutions: www.horseperspective.com

Natural horse care, holistic horsemanship.

Melissa Stanz, M.A., is a freelance writer and marketing communications specialist with more than two decades of experience in these fields. She partners with a variety of local, regional and national clients, and writes feature stories for regional and national magazines. Contact her at [e-mail].