We host events themed around wellbeing for humans and horses.
WELLNESS
Beautiful Dark Horse Farm provides the perfect space and energy for our wellness retreats.
True wellness encompasses mental, emotional and physical fitness. We explore all these elements in a weekend experience designed to introduce a powerful, yet simple practice to enhance each participant’s wellness.
The program is complemented by naturally grown, vegetarian meals and cosy, comfortable accommodation.
If you’re a horse person you can learn to create a deeper connection with your horse through the practice of meditation, mindful breathing, visualisation and dream design. When you’re Brave, Confident and Strong your horse can count on you to lead well.
What guests say about the retreats -
“Most of us Exist in life and Others Truly Live it!
What an amazing clinic to be part of “Holistic Horsewoman” run by Heather Swan and her husband Dr. Glenn Singleman on a beautiful farm in Yackandandah. I first came across Heather after listening to Warwick Schiller’s fantastic ‘Journey On Podcast’ (Episode 69) and thought WOW, this woman is incredible and I would love to meet her. This clinic lived up to all my expectations and more - Mindfulness, Meditation, Wellness, Horses, Delicious Healthy Food with other like-minded lovely ladies, learning how to control all our random thoughts and fears, to strive to make our dreams come to fruition, from making small but consistent changes to our lives - feeling positive and re-energised. I can’t wait to do a follow up clinic in 2023. Thanks again Heather and Glenn for sharing your incredible knowledge and journey thus far.
Nicola Riseborough, September 24th 2022
“life feels full of possibilities”
It’s been a month since I attended the retreat at Dark Horse Farm and life feels of possibilities and opportunities. Heather’s simple but profound advice and outlook left me completely inspired to commit to not one but two dreams! In that weekend Heather introduced me to tools and ideas to get me started and committed. Now with Heather’s generous ongoing support anything seems possible with my horses, relationships and work. Thank you so much.”
Heidi Lodi.
Why horses?
We love them. We aspire to be worthy of them in every way. We want to know as much as we can about them and the best way to care for them. We want to be the best version of ourselves for them.
Our horses offer a unique kind of support to us, on our journey to become more present and deepen our bond with them.
Horses can mirror our emotional landscape.
Horses are sensitive and vigilant to body language and movement, and therefore reflect back the inner world of their humans. This honest, non-judgemental feedback can provide invaluable insight into the self, and offer opportunities for self-awareness, personal growth, as well as a deeper connection to the present moment. When we learn to be present (and know when we’re not) our relationship with our horses strengthens and deepens.
Who are these retreats for:
The retreats are for women who want to improve their emotional and physical wellbeing. They particulary good for those affected by fear and anxiety, who want to put in the work needed to understand and move past it.
To get the most from the Holistic Horsewoman retreats, you’ll need to come with a mindset of curiousity, generosity and personal responsibility for your wellbeing. A commitment to growth and an understanding that there are no 'hacks' or quick fixes, as this is a lifetime learning process (but the process itself is to be valued as much as the desired outcome).
Our retreats are also well-suited to people who wish to form a deeper bond with their horse, or for those who are looking to form a deeper connection to the present and to the world around them.
What you’ll gain:
Through hands-on experience, our retreats exist to teach you simple but effective tools that will help you manage and transcend anxiety and fear, along with a process to help you sustain genuine happiness;
Improved fitness of both mind and body;
Delicious food, fresh air, and a peaceful getaway in a beautiful part of the state, and;
Connections with animals, nature and like-minded people.
“An amazing weekend”
My weekend at Dark Horse Farm for the meditation retreat was amazing, simply the best and exactly what I needed. Not to be over the top, but in some ways, a little life changing. For a long time, I have wanted to learn to meditate but haven’t been able to stick with it, nor see the benefits. This time it was different. Heather makes it easy to do, to grasp, understand and enjoy. I have meditated every day since. It has been just two weeks and I see the benefit. The weekend has a holistic approach, covering diet, exercise and mind. The setting is simply divine,, beautiful mist in the morning, horses, sheep, geese, dogs and more. There are nature walks, or you can just stroll around the beautiful property. There is even a deliciously warm outdoor spa to soak in. The guest cottage is gorgeous and private with picturesque views.
Mostly the weekend is special and unique because of Heather and Glenn’s generous hospitality and spirit. Both being world class athletes, wingsuit flyers, base jumpers and adventure sport professionals, they share their story of the role meditation played in achieving their world breaking records. I drove from Sydney and it was well worth it. I can’t recommend this retreat enough. ”
Roxanne Calder.
Frequently asked questions:
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We, we have 11 horses on our farm and we can match one of them to best suit you for your retreat.
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Absolutely. In fact, if you feel uncomfortable mounting a horse then the horse is most definitely going to be uncomfortable too! You do not need to ride the horse to benefit from these retreats. You can simply walk with your horse or be with present with it in another way.
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We’re developing a program for men to be run by Dr. Glenn Singleman. If you’re interested please join our newsletter mailing list so you’ll be the first to know.
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Generally no, because we’re focused on the horses. If you wanted to stay with your dog and your horse, you can book the guest cottage for a weekend getaway.
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Generally no, as the retreats are focused on you. You’re welcome to book a getaway with your child or children.
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The Holistic Horsewoman Retreats start with a light breakfast on Saturday morning and include lunch and dinner that day and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.