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Embodied Communication Retreat – Decoding the Language of the Herd **1 Spot Left**
Join senior clinician Heidi Potter for a transformative immersion into the art and science of the horses’ authentic language system.
Have you ever wondered what a horse is thinking when they shift their weight, tilt an ear, or let out a long sigh? So many of us spend our time with horses guessing at their needs and making assumptions about what they’re telling us, often resulting in a one-way conversation where we make a request and hope for compliance. And if the horse doesn’t respond, we often feel we have to “get louder” to be heard.
Embodied Communication is your invitation to stop guessing and start listening — with your eyes, your body, and your heart. As you learn to decode the tremendous amount of communication horses offer, you will be able to move away from “telling” and into a true partnership where the horse finally feels understood.
This intensive is centered on Horse Speak®, a logical approach to understanding horses developed by Sharon Wilsie. This isn’t a new training system; it is a communication breakthrough.
While training focuses on teaching cues to elicit behaviors, Horse Speak focuses on the conversation behind the cues. You will learn to recognize and mimic the precise gestures, postures, signals (GPS), and breath messages that horses use to communicate with each other. Imitating their GPS system allows us to answer their most pressing questions — usually regarding safety, protection, and clarity.
When we learn to answer these questions in their own language, horses begin to engage with us from a place of curiosity, and we have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships based on mutual understanding.
THE INSIGHT
One of the most profound aspects of this work is realizing that we are always communicating, whether we mean to or not. Horses are masters at reading the subtle shifts in our posture, the micro changes in our breath, and the quality of our energy. During our time together, you’ll explore:
- The Unconscious Message: Understanding how small, unintended movements or internal tension may be communicating mixed signals to the horse.
- The Power of Breath: Learning how to imitate horses’ breath messages to signal safety and invite a horse into communication.
- Intentional Presence: Discovering how to use your own body posture and energy as a clear, quiet “vocabulary” that replaces the need for loud or forceful cues.
THE RHYTHM OF THE WEEKEND
This unmounted clinic provides a safe, low-pressure environment to build your skills. Because we’re always listening to the horse with respect and compassion, this approach is accessible, calm, and clear for everyone.
- Observe the Discussion: Through guided observation of a variety of herds, you’ll learn to begin seeing the “vocabulary” in action.
- Practice the Expression: Engage in interactive human-to-human exercises to learn the basic gestures and signals before bringing them to the horses.
- Deepen Rapport: Apply these skills with the herd to foster mutual respect, offer enrichment, enjoy each other’s company, and, when needed, modify undesirable behaviors through clarity rather than force.
THIS IS A PARADIGM SHIFT
Be prepared to see horses through an entirely new lens. Once a horse realizes you speak their language, they will have a lot to say!
WHAT YOU’LL TAKE HOME
You will leave this experience with more than memories; you’ll have a practical toolkit for a lifetime of better communication:
- An Equine Decoder System: A foundational vocabulary of gestures, postures, and signals you can use with any horse, anywhere.
- Increased Body Awareness: A deeper understanding of your own physical presence and how to work with your energy to create a safer environment.
- De-escalation Tools: The ability to navigate conflict or resistance by addressing the communication gap rather than increasing pressure.
- A New Perspective: A permanent shift in how you view the sentient world, grounded in the knowledge that true connection is always a two-way street.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This clinic is for everyone who wants to build connected and collaborative relationships with horses, from those with no prior experience to professionals.
- Horse Enthusiasts: Interested in building rapport and deepening their capacity for communication.
- Professionals: Looking for the missing link to resolve behavioral challenges and build a quieter, more effective partnership.
- Rescue Volunteers & Advocates: Seeking to provide better emotional and mental support for horses in transition.
- The Horse-Curious: Anyone interested in animal communication, mindfulness, and the healing power of a two-way connection with the natural world.
*Participating in this workshop helps raise much-needed funds for 13 Hands Equine Rescue. This very special farm offers a peaceful sanctuary, where almost 200 horses and other equines are healing and finding their way to a new purpose after abuse, neglect, and wild capture.
13 Hands Equine Rescue – More than just a location…
When you join us at 13 Hands, you are entering an extraordinary landscape of deep restoration and inspiration. Nestled on 100 expansive acres in New York’s Hudson Valley, the rescue offers a stunning natural environment with sweeping views of the surrounding hills. This land is more than a backdrop; it is a quiet partner in all of our offerings, supporting the transition from vigilance to vitality that so many of us are seeking.
With almost 200 current residents — from miniature horses and mustangs to donkeys, mules, and even zebras — the energy of the farm is palpable. Whether they are partnering in our equine-assisted learning programs, enjoying a well-earned retirement, or preparing for their perfect adopter, these animals have found new purpose here.
You will feel the impact of their resilience the moment you pass through the gates.
At 13 Hands, the healing of the herd happens alongside the learning and growth of our human participants, creating a rare and potent space for mutual transformation.
While diving into the learning offered by Heidi and the horses, allow yourself to settle into the land and our home at the rescue, with meals provided for a deeply restorative experience.
The house is truly special, with views of the hills and the horses from every window. During breaks and evenings, enjoy a large two-story living room with a stone fireplace, comfortable bedrooms with queen-size beds, a comfy porch with Adirondack chairs, a recreation room with pool tables, and a cozy reading room. Borrow a yoga mat or a good book, or take a walk around the heart-shaped pond.
This is a space designed for comfort, community, and quiet reflection. Plus, no driving!
Options for Farm or Local Stays
Pricing options include Commuter rates and Full Retreat prices, which include clinic tuition, accommodations, meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, and coffee, tea & snacks throughout the day, for one participant. If you’d like to inquire about sharing a room, please let us know.
Ensuite Ground Floor Room
A spacious ground-floor room with a queen-size bed and private ensuite bathroom (with a soaking tub from which you can see the horses from!), allowing you to retreat and integrate each day’s learning in solitude fully.
Ensuite Half-Bath
Quiet second-floor rooms with queen beds and wonderful views of the horses. These rooms feature private half-baths (toilet and sink) with direct access to a shared pass-through shower, used by just one other guest.
Private Room Shared Bath
Two second-floor rooms provide beautiful, sun-lit private spaces with queen beds and access to a hall bathroom. The bathroom is shared with just one other room, so it is easy to coordinate and is just steps from your door.
The Commuter Experience: Local Connection and Flexibility
Commuter spaces are available for folks who live locally or would like to stay elsewhere in the Rhinebeck area. Our Commuter registration ensures you are a full member of our “human herd” without the overnight stay. You are warmly invited to join us for our Friday night Welcome Dinner to kick off the weekend, and you will be fueled throughout the clinic with delicious farm-to-table lunches and refreshments. It is the ideal way to access world-class learning while returning to your own home or favorite local inn each evening.