The Refuge: Between Worlds
A Seasonal Yoga and Horses-Inspired Gathering of Mind, Body, and Spirit
Equine-assisted coaching · Herd meditation & breathwork · Yin yoga at sunset · Seasonal nourishment & connectionAbout
There is a space between things.
Between summer and winter.
Between daylight and dusk.
Between holding on and letting go.
Between who we've been and who we're becoming.
The Refuge: Between Worlds invites you to spend an afternoon in that space.
With the horses and spirits as our guides, we'll slow down, reconnect, breathe, and listen. We'll explore through equine-assisted coaching, gather with the herd for meditation and breathwork, and settle into a grounding Yin practice as the sun slips behind the Sierra.
And as daylight gives way to dusk, we'll light the candles, share something nourishing, and linger awhile.
Because sometimes we don't need to know exactly where we're going.
Sometimes we simply need a place to pause long enough to hear what is calling us forward and what is asking to be released.
An afternoon to soften.
A moment to reflect.
A space to reconnect.
A threshold to cross, together.
The Experience
Arrive · 3:00–3:30
Settle in, meet the herd, enjoy a warm drink, and leave the outside world behind.
Herd Connection and Presence
Connect · 3:30–4:50
We'll begin with a gentle horse safety and orientation to create a foundation for moving into the herd's space with awareness and respect. From there, we'll spend time with the horses through facilitated equine-assisted coaching and experiential exercises.
Horses have a remarkable way of bringing us into the present moment. They respond to what is happening right now — our energy, attention, breath, and body language — without judgment or expectation. In their presence, we often notice things we might miss when we're caught up in the noise of everyday life.
With the herd as our companions and teachers, we'll explore presence, connection, boundaries, and whatever is asking for our attention in this particular season of our lives.
No horse experience is necessary. Simply come curious and see what the horses have to show you.
Closed-toe shoes are required for all. Minors are required to wear helmets.
At the Turning of the Light
Soften · 5:35–6:35
As the sun begins to disappear behind the Sierra, we'll settle into the barn for a slow, grounding Yin practice led by Dawn Cushing, RYT-200.
Beginning in the warmth of late afternoon and moving gently into dusk, we'll have the opportunity to soften, become still, and notice what emerges when we stop trying to move forward.
No yoga experience is necessary, but please bring a yoga mat if you have one.
When Day Becomes Night
Nourish and Connect · 6:35–7:00
We'll end our afternoon differently than we began it.
Candles will glow throughout the barn. We'll share seasonal food and drink, linger in conversation, and have space to reflect on the afternoon.
You might journal.
You might talk with someone new.
You might simply sit quietly and watch the last light disappear.
There is nowhere else you need to be.
Stay awhile.
Your Guides
The Refuge is a collaborative experience hosted by Equus Insight in collaboration with Hannah Waen, ACC, and Dawn Cushing, RYT 200.
Our Gathering Space
Views of Washoe Valley
Connect with the Herd
Melinda and Joey
Melinda Blackwell and Equus Insight
Host + Equine Partner
Melinda and Equus Insight provide the beautiful setting, herd, and experienced equine team that make this unique experience possible.
Hannah and Dancer
Hannah Waen, ACC
Coach + Equine-Assisted Facilitator
Hannah is a certified coach and lifelong equestrian who brings together coaching, nature, and equine-assisted experiences to help people slow down, reconnect, and navigate change. Her coaching business is Hest Creative.
Dawn
Dawn Cushing, RYT 200
Yoga + Breathwork
Dawn has been teaching yoga since 2018 and is trained in Yin, Yoga Nidra, and multiple movement modalities. Her approach combines breath, movement, and embodied awareness to cultivate greater clarity, resilience, and balance.
The Details
Friday, October 30, 2026
3:00–7:00 PM
Equus Insight
Washoe Valley, Nevada
Investment: $185
Please bring:
Comfortable layers appropriate for changing temperatures
Closed-toe shoes suitable for being around horses
A yoga mat (if you have one)
Water bottle
A flashlight or cell phone with light to walk back to your car
We will offer some light seasonal refreshments.
Please Note
The Refuge: Between Worlds is a ground-based experience; there is no riding. No previous horse or yoga experience is required, and all levels of yoga practice are welcome.
Participants must be 16 years of age or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the event and must wear a helmet during designated activities with the herd.
All participants are required to complete a liability waiver before participating. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. If the event must be canceled by the organizers due to weather, illness, or other circumstances, we will make every reasonable effort to reschedule the event before issuing a refund.
Activities take place both outdoors and around horses. The experience includes walking and standing on uneven or unstable ground, navigating natural obstacles, and being in close proximity to moving animals. Participation involves inherent risks, and guests are responsible for determining whether they are physically able to participate safely.
Please review the full Terms & Conditions during registration before completing your purchase. If you have questions about the event, accessibility, safety, or whether it is appropriate for you, please contact us before registering.
Register
Join The Refuge: Between Worlds, an equine-assisted retreat near Reno in Washoe Valley featuring horses, meditation, breathwork, sunset Yin yoga, seasonal nourishment, and meaningful connection.
Space is limited to 10 participants; don’t wait to register!
What’s next in this series?
Breathe is the first gathering in The Refuge, a seasonal series exploring different ways to reconnect with ourselves, nature, animals, and one another.
Future gatherings will explore themes such as Tend and The Quiet, with a larger full-day retreat possible down the road.