Question 1

Who is this workshop for?

Accepted Answer

This workshop is designed to serve romantic couples whether married or not. Whether you are a young (or young in your relationship) couple or old hats at this marriage thing, connection must be nurtured. LGBTQ+ identified couples are most welcome.

Question 2

What if we are fighting?

Accepted Answer

All couples go through challenging times, and we all know the challenges of communication while living our full lives. But for couples at a crisis point or considering divorce, this is not the workshop for you. We like to think of this day as proactively nurturing your connection & communication.

Question 3

Who are the facilitators and how are they qualified?

Accepted Answer

We are Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT and AMFT) who are both certified in equine assisted therapy and learning. With a combined experience of 45 years, half of that in the equine assisted world, we have helped hundreds of couples shift gears and begin to thrive in entirely new ways.

Question 4

Why Horses?

Accepted Answer

Horses are intuitive animals that can mirror human emotions, providing real-time feedback on your non-verbal cues. This interaction helps participants improve their self-awareness and emotional understanding, key components of emotional intelligence.

Question 5

How many couples will be in the workshop?

Accepted Answer

We are planning to have 4-8 couples, so it's a small and intimate group. We will work at times in the whole group, but often we will break off into pairs and take individual time to process and explore.

Question 6

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

We meet in a pasture with uneven footing and tall grass. Please be prepared to hike some, including uphill. Remember to wear layers that don't mind horsehair, and closed, dirt-friendly shoes (such as sneakers or hiking boots). We also recommend a water bottle and sunhat.

Question 7

Where the heck is this happening?

Accepted Answer

We have two facilities for Heart and Mind Equine. They are both a 15-20 minute drive from  downtown San Rafael, one in Woodacre and the other on San Antonio Road at the south end of Petaluma. The size of the group will determine the location.

Question 8

Is this sex therapy?

Accepted Answer

Intimacy can be a loaded word. This workshop will not include any sex coaching or therapy per se but holding your partner's hand while walking a horse can be very intimate. So, too, is looking into their eyes, asking to hear their truths, and listening with a soft chest and open heart.

Question 9

What if I have some physical or mobility limitations?

Accepted Answer

Let's talk. The horse corrals are on uneven ground with gravel, trees, tall grass, and hilly areas all part of the landscape. We can accommodate and support some mobility limitations, but it's a different experience. For this reason, we would like to chat and decide together if it's a good fit.

Question 10

What if my partner won't come?

Accepted Answer

That is actually fine. But, you will need to bring a friend. Perhaps you know someone who would also like to attend but has a reluctant partner. You can learn a lot from the horses and discussions. We believe one partner can implement change in a couple, but it's always easier when both people try.

Reconnect, Recharge, and Have Fun: Couples Workshop (with Horses!)