Whispers of the Herd

An equine-guided women’s retreat of movement, experiential work, and integration at Copper Lodge. Five days shaped by horses, land, and what emerges when the pace is slow enough to listen.

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Overview • Experience • Lodging & Pricing • FAQ

WHAT THIS RETREAT IS

This retreat is for people who want depth without performance.

Over five days, we’ll work with rescued mustangs, the mountain environment, movement, and creative integration practices to explore awareness, contact, and change as they actually happen — in real time, in relationship, and in the body.

This is experiential, grounded, and intentionally spacious.

You will never be asked to share more than you choose.

WHO THIS IS FOR

This retreat tends to resonate with people who:

  • Feel overextended, inwardly busy, or at a transition point

  • Want experiential work

  • Are comfortable with depth and ambiguity

  • Are drawn to horses, land, and relational awareness

  • Value presence more than performance

No horse experience required. All bodies are welcome. Activities are adaptable and participation is always optional.

THE SHAPE OF THE DAYS

Each day follows a steady rhythm of presence, movement, and rest.

  • Mornings: Equine-guided group sessions with rescued mustangs

  • Afternoons: Integration activities (movement, sensory immersion, creative studios; weather-responsive)

  • Evenings: Quiet reflection and circle (Tuesday–Wednesday)

Arrival day includes an opening circle and gentle mat Pilates.

The retreat closes Friday with a final sound bath and departure.

WORKING WITH THE HERD

Horses are responsive, relational beings with their own boundaries, preferences, and pace.

Our equine sessions are ground-based and group-oriented. We work with:

  • Presence and attention

  • Boundary and contact

  • Impulse, hesitation, and response

  • What emerges between individuals and the herd

The work is experiential and non-directive. Insight arises through interaction, not explanation.

Mustang-Guided Sensory Immersion Hike

This retreat includes a guided sensory immersion hike informed by the presence and pacing of the mustangs.

This experience emphasizes:

  • Slowed pace and attunement

  • Sensory awareness (sight, sound, breath, movement)

  • Relational presence with land, herd, and group

The hike covers approximately 1.5 mile and includes a 200-foot elevation change up a mountainside. The pace is intentionally slow, with frequent pauses, options to rest, and permission to modify or step out at any point.

The experience culminates at a walking meditation labyrinth, where participants may spend quiet time in reflection. Optional journaling and art supplies are available for those who wish to stay with the experience in stillness.

Throughout the hike, the mustangs shape the rhythm — offering feedback through movement, proximity, and response.

No technical hiking experience is required. This is not about speed, endurance, or reaching a summit.

The trailhead is located approximately 15 minutes from Copper Lodge. Transportation details will be shared with participants.

AFTERNOON INTEGRATION & EMBODIED PRACTICES

Afternoons are intentionally slower — a time for integration through movement, sensory awareness, and creative reflection.

These experiences support nervous-system regulation and allow morning work with horses to settle in the body.

Movement & Attunement

  • Mustang-guided sensory immersion hike (described above)

  • Gentle mat Pilates to support grounding and embodied awareness

Creative Integration

  • Mandala of Parts-of-Self — a guided, non-clinical creative practice exploring inner states through shape, color, and symbol

  • Horsehair bracelet — a tactile project worked on gradually across the week

  • Labyrinth stone painting — contributing to the shared landscape

  • Pressed glass workshop — Create a small pressed glass piece to take home as a reminder of your time here.

EVENINGS

Evenings are quieter.

Circles offer space to reflect and integrate without pressure to speak. Silence is welcome.

One evening includes Dream Theater — an optional experiential process for exploring recurring dreams through guided re-enactment and reflection.

COPPER LODGE

Copper Lodge provides a grounded, comfortable base for the retreat — surrounded by mountain land and designed for rest, reflection, and community.

Expect:

  • Simple, well-appointed lodging

  • Shared gathering spaces

  • Immediate access to land and trails

  • A peaceful atmosphere that supports the work

Meals and indoor group activities take place in the main lodge.

Cabins & Lodging Options

Participants stay in private cabins at Copper Lodge. Options include private cabins and shared cabins, with pricing reflecting the level of privacy.

Cabin features may include:

  • Comfortable beds and quiet sleeping space

  • Coffee maker in each cabin

  • Some cabins include kitchenettes for light personal use

  • Easy access to shared gathering spaces and land

Room assignments are first-come, first-served.

Cabin Types

  • Private Cabin

    $3,250

    Private queen sized bed

    Single Occupancy

    Greater privacy and quiet

    Limited availability

    Toilet/shower facilities available in nearby cabin

  • Private Room in Shared Cabin

    $2,950

    Private queen sized bed

    Shared bathroom

  • Shared Room

    $2,750

    Separate twin-sized beds

    Shared bathroom

    Some shared rooms are in lofts with low ceilings

Pricing & Payment

Pricing includes lodging, meals, all retreat programming, and materials.

A $1,000 partially refundable deposit reserves your space.

Second payment due April 1, 2026. Final payment due May 1, 2026.

What’s Included

  • Five days / four nights lodging

  • All equine-guided group sessions with rescued mustangs

  • Gentle mat Pilates and daily integration experiences

  • Afternoon Integration Studios (mandala work, creative projects, reflective practices, equine-guided sensory hike)

  • Evening circles and sound baths

  • Breakfasts, lunches and dinners catered from local restaurants

  • Art materials and supplies for studio sessions

  • On-site facilitation throughout the retreat

Daily Nourishment

Each cabin includes a coffee maker. Some cabins also have kitchenettes for light personal use.

Some dietary needs and allergies can be accommodated with advance notice. Please reach out at least 60 days prior to the retreat.

PRACTICAL DETAILS

Dates: July 6-10, 2026

  1. Group size: Intentionally small

  2. Location: The Copper Lodge, Colorado. 8,000 ft above sea level.

  3. Physical requirements: Ground-based horse work; gentle walking; hiking optional. Ability to tolerate high altitude conditions.

  4. Weather: Mountain conditions vary — the retreat is designed to be meaningful in all weather

  5. Cell service: Limited

YOUR GUIDE

Erika Lehmann, PhD
Founder of Mustang Wisdom

Erika facilitates equine-guided retreats grounded in experiential learning, relational awareness, and nervous-system informed practice. Her work integrates group process, movement, and creative integration within land-based settings.

She brings a steady, grounded presence and a deep respect for what emerges when experience leads and interpretation follows.

Joining the Retreat

This retreat is intentionally small and offered by application.

The form below helps us understand what’s drawing you and whether this experience is a good fit.

FAQ

  1. Is this retreat women-only?
    Yes. This retreat is designed for women.

  2. Do I need prior horse experience?
    No. All equine sessions are ground-based and guided. No riding or prior experience is required.

  3. What is the physical intensity of the retreat?
    Activities include standing, gentle walking, and one optional hike with elevation gain. Participation is always optional, and alternatives are available.

  4. What happens after I submit a Request to Join?
    Requests are reviewed personally. If it feels aligned, we’ll follow up with next steps and registration details.

  5. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
    We can accommodate gluten-free and some other dietary needs with at least 60 days advance notice, but cannot guarantee against cross-contamination.

Deposits

A $1,000 deposit is required to reserve your space.

  • $500 of the deposit is non-refundable upon acceptance

  • The remaining $500 is refundable until April 1, 2026

Payment schedule

  • 50% of the remaining balance is due April 1, 2026

  • Final payment is due May 1, 2026

Cancellations

Because this retreat is intentionally small and venue costs become non-refundable, the following policy applies:

  • Cancellations before April 1, 2026: Any payments made beyond the $500 non-refundable portion of the deposit will be refunded.

  • Cancellations on or after April 1, 2026: All payments are non-refundable unless your space is filled from a waitlist.

If your space is filled, you will be refunded the amount paid minus the $500 non-refundable deposit.

NOTE: If minimum enrollment is not met by April 7, 2026, you will be notified and all payments will be fully refunded, including the full deposit