Recalibrate alongside Horses Retreat

EFL is an experiential coaching approach that leverages interactions with horses to help participants explore emotional awareness, communication, problem solving, tools for boundary setting, creativity, and more.

EFL is not therapy. Sessions are not used to diagnose, treat, or address mental health conditions. They’re meant to deepen participant self awareness, and help empower intentionality in relationships with themselves and others. Typically you’ll hear about “equine-assisted services” and historically that work has been focused on therapeutic riding. Today working alongside horses has such a positive impact that offerings continue to expand.

A shuttle transfer is provided from Spokane Airport to the ranch, with return transfers at the end of the retreat. The ranch is located approximately 16 miles from Sandpoint, Idaho. Guests may also choose to arrive independently by car.

No. While riding is offered, the core of the experience focuses on working with horses from the ground.

We partner only with ranches that uphold high standards of horse care. All horses involved in our sessions are healthy, well cared for, and respected within their environment. Horse wellbeing is a core principle of every retreat.

There are an extensive amount of resources available on the power of Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL) and Equine-Assisted Services. Research shows that horses are highly sensitive to human behavior and physiological signals such as body language, heart rate, and stress levels. Studies using heart rate variability (HRV), a biological marker linked to stress regulation, have found that interaction with horses can influence the human nervous system and support a more regulated, calm state. There is also evidence of physiological synchronisation between humans and horses during interaction, meaning that heart rate and stress responses can align in real time. Importantly, these effects are not dependent on prior experience with horses. Research involving adults with little or no equine background shows that even short-term interaction can influence physiological responses such as heart rate variability. Overall, the evidence suggests that horses respond directly and consistently to human behaviour, providing immediate, observable feedback that supports awareness, communication, and regulation. Relevant research: Heart rate variability & stress regulation (systematic review): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32379693/(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32379693/) Physiological synchronization (heart rate & cortisol): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39827702/(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39827702/) Effects of short-term human–horse interaction (including beginners): https://rune.une.edu.au/web/handle/1959.11/30234(https://rune.une.edu.au/web/handle/1959.11/30234) Rescued Hearts (trust and communication) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FmvLNHp3l0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FmvLNHp3l0)

The HERD Institute® was founded by Dr. Veronica Lac, based on her HERD Model™, and prepares Equine-Facilitated Practitioners through hands-on training that supports both competence and personal transformation.