Healing with Horses: A Grief Retreat Rooted in Somatic Wisdom, Stillness, and Soulful Connection
September 18–21, 2025 | Malibu Dream Resort + Shakti Ranch
Come home to yourself in Malibu
HEAL WITH HORSES, GRIEF SUPPORT, AND SOUL-NOURISHING CONNECTION.
Nestled between the golden hills and ocean breeze, this intimate retreat is a sacred space to tend to your grief with care, curiosity, and compassion. Through equine-assisted learning, group support, somatic practices, and stillness, you’ll be invited to soften, exhale, and gently reconnect with the parts of yourself that have long been carrying pain.
This is not a wellness escape—it’s a grief-centered retreat led by seasoned therapists and trauma-informed facilitators who deeply understand the layers of loss, love, and longing. With the intuitive wisdom of horses and a supportive circle of kindred spirits, you’ll be guided through a process of honoring what’s been lost and making room for what wants to emerge.
Whether you’re moving through recent heartbreak or carrying the weight of long-held sorrow, you belong here. This retreat is an invitation to grieve freely, rest deeply, and remember that healing is possible—in the body, in community, and in the quiet rhythm of the herd.
Who this retreat is for
This retreat is lovingly designed for you if:
You’ve lost a parent, child, partner, or someone deeply significant—and feel like the world kept spinning while you were left holding the ache.
You identify as a Motherless Daughter and are seeking space to process that loss in the company of others who understand.
You’ve been feeling stuck in your grief—numb, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward.
You long for somatic, body-based healing beyond talk therapy.
You’re carrying childhood wounds that still echo through your nervous system, relationships, or sense of self.
You crave meaningful connection—with others, with nature, and with yourself.
You’re curious about the healing power of horses, even if you’ve never worked with them before.
You’re ready for a supported pause… a moment to soften, breathe, and begin again.
No prior experience with therapy or horses is required. Just bring your grief, your tenderness, and your truth. We’ll meet you there.
Meet Your Hosts
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Angela Schellenberg
THERAPIST & LEAD FACILITATOR
angelaschellenberg.comAngela is a trauma and grief therapist, Mother Hunger® facilitator, and equine therapy practitioner. With a background shaped by personal loss and deep clinical training, she creates spaces where healing feels not only possible—but sacred. Her gift lies in gently guiding others back to themselves, through the body, through story, and through the intuitive wisdom of the herd.
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Claire Bidwell Smith
GUEST FACILITATOR – GRIEF THERAPIST & AUTHOR
clairebidwellsmith.comClaire is a renowned grief therapist and author whose work has supported thousands through the complex landscape of loss. With compassion, clarity, and soulful presence, Claire helps participants explore the emotional and spiritual layers of grief with honesty and grace.
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Rose Mary Riggs
EQUINE FACILITATOR – SHAKTI RANCH
shaktiranch.comRose Mary is the founder of Shakti Ranch and a gifted equine facilitator. Her connection with the horses—and her deep understanding of their intuitive power—creates an environment where healing unfolds in ways words often cannot reach. She guides with grounded energy, humor, and a fierce reverence for the human–horse bond.
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Ace Yoga LA
YOGA & SOUND BATH FACILITATOR
aceyogala.comAce brings healing through breath, movement, and vibration. Her yoga and sound bath sessions are trauma-informed and deeply restorative—an invitation to settle the nervous system and reconnect with the present moment.
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Pamela Robins
SOUND HEALER & INTUITIVE GUIDE
pamelarobins.comPamela is a sound healer, intuitive guide, and founder of the House of Two Spirits Tipi in Agoura Hills. Drawing from her own journey through profound loss and healing, she creates immersive sound experiences that invite deep emotional release and restoration. Her sessions blend crystal bowls, gongs, and nature's rhythms to help participants reconnect with their inner wisdom and find peace within.
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Alexis Kimball
ADOPTION GRIEF LOSS & EMDR THERAPIST
alexiskimball.com
Alexis is a trauma-informed therapist and coach specializing in the unique experiences of transracial adoptees. Drawing from her own journey as a Black adoptee raised in predominantly white spaces, she offers a holistic, attachment-based approach that honors the complexities of identity, belonging, and healing. Through EMDR, somatic practices, and soulful connection, Alexis helps clients reclaim their voice and integrate all parts of themselves. -
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Robbi Firestone
FINE ARTIST & CREATIVE GUIDE
RoFirestone.comRobbi is a celebrated artist and transformational facilitator whose creative practices invite deep emotional expression and truth-telling through art. She’ll be offering sunset painting and vision journaling between sessions—gentle, intuitive invitations to process grief through color, symbol, and stillness. With a presence shaped by years of guiding healing art experiences around the world, Robbi brings soulful creativity and compassionate insight to the retreat space.
What’s included
EVERYTHING IN THIS RETREAT HAS BEEN LOVINGLY CURATED TO SUPPORT YOUR HEALING—BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT.
3 nights at the serene Malibu Dream Resort
Nestled in the hills with views of the Pacific and space to exhale.
6 hours of equine-assisted learning
Guided by trained facilitators and the intuitive wisdom of the herd.
Daily group grief sessions
Held with care, clinical expertise, and a commitment to honoring your truth.
Yoga + sound bath sessions
To settle your nervous system and bring your body into the healing process.
Chef-prepared meals
Nourishing, seasonal, and soul-soothing—with dietary accommodations available.
Optional bodywork & energy healing (additional cost)
Massage, reiki, and other healing sessions available for deeper integration.
Please note: If you’re not comfortable being photographed, we lovingly suggest you wait for a future retreat.
ACCOMODATIONS
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ACCOMODATIONS ✴
Let’s talk accomodations
Your stay at the Malibu Dream Resort is designed to be a retreat within a retreat—a space where you can truly rest, restore, and be held.
Every room is thoughtfully appointed with cozy linens, tranquil views, and touches of luxury to help you unwind after a day of deep emotional work and healing.
7 serene rooms with king-sized beds
Shared accommodations available (some rooms sleep 2–3 guests comfortably)
No one will share a bed
High-end rollaway beds available by request to support shared rooms
Whether you're gazing at the sunset from your window, journaling in quiet corners, or sipping tea under the stars—this is a place where your nervous system can finally exhale.
Let your room be part of your healing: soft, safe, and wholly yours.
Payment & Refund Policy
Please note: Due to the nature of this retreat and limited capacity, absolutely no refunds will be offered for any reason. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance if needed. This sacred space is intimate by design. Your reservation helps us prepare accommodations, meals, and therapeutic support with great care.
We know that investing in your healing is a meaningful decision—and we’ve structured our payment options to offer flexibility and ease.
Deposit:
A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
The remaining balance can be paid in full or split into monthly payments.
Payment Options:
1. Pay in full
2. Pay deposit + monthly plan through Stripe
3. Choose private room upgrade during checkout
Final payment due by: August 15, 2025
$5,500
Shared rooms, but each person will have their own bed.
Have Questions?
Call us at (425)628-3354
Located In
Santa Monica, California
Business Hours
By appointment only. Mon-Sat 9am-3pm
