Ritual Landscapes - A midsummer solstice day of connection
'Ritual Landscapes' presents a unique opportunity to experience the full spectrum of what we offer at New Coghurst. These special days meld together an exploration of local Bronze Age history and archaeology, Intuitive Horse work, nature connection and ritual practice. All of these offerings can be experienced as ‘gateways of connection’ to the natural world and our ancestral past, and can bring us into deeper unity with our own internal landscapes and rhythms.
For our ancestors, whose lives were so closely interwoven with the natural world and its seasonal rhythms, observing and honouring nature and its cycles would have been instinctual. Ritual and ceremony was a natural expression of this intimate and reciprocal relationship with nature and the land. In recent centuries, we have become increasingly distanced from the natural world, easily forgetting how much we rely on the earth and the sun for our survival and wellbeing.
In these worrying and chronically disconnected times, reclaiming and reviving the ancient practice of celebrating seasonal festivals can offer us a way of renewing our sense of the interconnectedness of all life. Ritual grounds us in awareness of the present moment and creates a sacred container in which to reflect on the passing of time, the cycles of life, death and renewal, and to give thanks for nature’s generous gifts. We will be coming together at Midsummer Solstice (Litha), Autumn Equinox (Mabon), Winter Solstice (Yule) and Spring Equinox (Ostara). Click here for booking and event details.
What to Expect
During this event, we will:
Spend a day on the land at New Coghurst Farm, a beautiful 110 acre pocket of the Sussex Weald, with wildflower meadows, ancient woodlands and Bronze Age archaeological sites of significance.
Spend time uncovering the secrets of the Bronze Age settlement and burial mound at New Coghurst, with lead archaeologist Cam Ross. We will explore what we can observe from the archaeology about the daily lives and ritual practices of our Bronze Age ancestors.
Experience an intuitive horse session led by Emma Ross. Spend time with the semi-wild herd, learning about their natural herd behaviours and daily rhythms. We will explore how the horses can help us to slow down, quieten the thinking mind, drop back into the present moment and into alignment with nature’s pace.
Learn about the importance of ritual practice to our ancestors and how it can help us to deepen our connection to the natural world with local animist and neopagan Molly Skelton. We will investigate the practical and symbolic significance of the midsummer solstice and explore how aligning with seasonal cycles and rhythms can bring us into a place of deeper understanding and greater connectivity with nature and ourselves.
Enact our own midsummer solstice ritual, to celebrate and honour the peak of the solar cycle and the turning of the seasonal wheel back towards shorter, darker days. Our ritual will draw on celtic, druidic and wiccan practices as well as dreaming into the kinds of rituals that may have been enacted here thousands of years ago, taking inspiration from the archaeological evidence uncovered at New Coghurst.
Is this event for me?
Are you...
Curious about the power of ritual and its ancient history of practice in the British Isles?
Looking to deepen your connection with nature, the land and the turning of the seasons?
Interested in an opportunity to slow down, step into the present moment, and deepen your reflective and integrative practices - with nature as a gateway and guide?
Interested in learning more about the summer solstice and how our ancestors have honoured this annual solar event for thousands of years?
Curious about rediscovering and reviving ancestral connections, by working with the land, archaeology and ancient ritual practice?
If you answered yes to any or all of the above, then we would love to welcome you to join us on our Midsummer Solstice day of ritual and retreat.
Light vegan lunch provided.
Cost £180
Following the Herds' Lead
This 2 Day Following the Herds’ Lead Retreat is the same offering as the 1 day FTHL Retreat except we immerse ourselves with the herd and the present moment for much longer over a 24hr period! This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with the herd at different times of the day and night witnessing their different behaviours whilst being amongst them. This is a unique opportunity to see first hand how they choose to spend their time through the day and night.
Throughout the day we spend time alongside the herd moving deeper into the present moment. As we follow the herd and slot into their pace of life, we too will shed layers of stress we are holding onto so that we can meet the herd in their world. The journey we go on to get there offers opportunity for:
Personal reflection on mindset, emotional states and life in general
Quieting the mind
Slowing down
Learning about the horses and herd life
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
We will visit the herd at different times throughout the day and evening.
This retreat requires you to stay on site, we have bell tents and a shepherds hut offerings, the opportunity to camp in your own tent is available as well.
*Payment for accommodation is separate and can be for as many nights as you choose.
Schedule for the 2 days
Saturday
10am arrive and led through mindfulness exercise.
First experience with the herd.
1pm Lunch (please bring your own)
2pm experience with the herd
4pm Finish
4pm-6pm Own time
6pm Vegan Dinner served
7.15pm experience with the herd
9pm Finish
Sunday
6am-6.45am morning cuppa with the herd
8.30am Regroup and meditation
Experience with the Herd
12.30pm Retreat ends
Cost £280
Following the Herds' Lead
This 1 day retreat is an extended version of the 3hr FHL mini retreat. It is for people interested in learning how to quiet the mind and align to the herds’ and nature’s natural rhythm.
Throughout the day we spend time alongside the herd going deeper into our minds, through some mindfulness techniques, to quieten them and bring ourselves into a state of present moment. As we follow the herd and slot into their pace of life, we too will shed layers of stress we are holding onto so that we can meet the herd in their world. The journey we go on to get there offers opportunity for:
Personal reflection on mindset, emotional states and life in general
Quieting the mind
Slowing down
Learning about the horses and herd life
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
We will visit the herd at different times throughout the day.
Cost £150
Following the Herds' Lead
This 1 day retreat is an extended version of the 3hr FHL mini retreat. It is for people interested in learning how to quiet the mind and align to the herds’ and nature’s natural rhythm.
Throughout the day we spend time alongside the herd going deeper into our minds, through some mindfulness techniques, to quieten them and bring ourselves into a state of present moment. As we follow the herd and slot into their pace of life, we too will shed layers of stress we are holding onto so that we can meet the herd in their world. The journey we go on to get there offers opportunity for:
Personal reflection on mindset, emotional states and life in general
Quieting the mind
Slowing down
Learning about the horses and herd life
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
We will visit the herd at different times throughout the day.
Cost £150
Half Day Following the Herds' Lead Retreat
A 3hr meditation/mindfulness wellbeing mini retreat exploring different ways of being with self through the influence of nature and the herd.
This workshop offers an opportunity to step away from the busy human world and immerse yourself with the herd and nature at their pace of life. No matter what the weather is doing come and discover what it truly means to be present with self and the environment whilst learning how to bring this into everyday life.
On the workshop we will explore:
Learning how to relax and quieten the mind
Learning how to observe your mind and how this can be helpful when it comes to managing the mind, emotions and behaviour states
Learning about horses and nature
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
These mini retreats are suited to anyone interested in their own personal development. No previous horse experience is necessary but if you are nervous of horses a 1-1 is recommended first.
Cost £95
2 Day Following the Herds' Lead Retreat
This 2 Day Following the Herds’ Lead Retreat is the same offering as the 1 day FTHL Retreat except we immerse ourselves with the herd and the present moment for much longer over a 24hr period! This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with the herd at different times of the day and night witnessing their different behaviours whilst being amongst them. This is a unique opportunity to see first hand how they choose to spend their time through the day and night.
Throughout the day we spend time alongside the herd moving deeper into the present moment. As we follow the herd and slot into their pace of life, we too will shed layers of stress we are holding onto so that we can meet the herd in their world. The journey we go on to get there offers opportunity for:
Personal reflection on mindset, emotional states and life in general
Quieting the mind
Slowing down
Learning about the horses and herd life
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
We will visit the herd at different times throughout the day and evening.
This retreat requires you to stay on site, we have bell tents and a shepherds hut offerings, the opportunity to camp in your own tent is available as well.
*Payment for accommodation is separate and can be for as many nights as you choose.
Schedule for the 2 days
Saturday
10am arrive and led through mindfulness exercise.
First experience with the herd.
1pm Lunch (please bring your own)
2pm experience with the herd
4pm Finish
4pm-6pm Own time
6pm Vegan Dinner served
7.15pm experience with the herd
9pm Finish
Sunday
6am-6.45am morning cuppa with the herd
8.30am Regroup and meditation
Experience with the Herd
12.30pm Retreat ends
Cost £240
Following the Herds' Lead half day retreat
A 3hr meditation/mindfulness wellbeing mini retreat exploring different ways of being with self through the influence of nature and the herd.
This workshop offers an opportunity to step away from the busy human world and immerse yourself with the herd and nature at their pace of life. No matter what the weather is doing come and discover what it truly means to be present with self and the environment whilst learning how to bring this into everyday life.
The workshop offers the potential for:
Learning how to relax and quieten the mind
Learning how to observe your mind and how this can be helpful when it comes to managing the mind, emotions and behaviour states
Learning about horses and nature
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
Cost £95
1 Day Yoga and EAPD Retreat DATE TO BE CONFIRMED
A one day retreat combining the healing powers of Equine Assisted Personal Development and Yoga.
This day is open to anyone, whether you are experienced in yoga or a beginner. The day will offer Yoga (classical Hatha), Pranayama and Meditation at various times throughout the day alongside the work we offer with the horses.
The day is an opportunity for participants to come and explore personal development through engaging with the herd whilst experiencing deep relaxation through the yoga practices (please note the yoga is NOT in the field with the horses).
The day offers an opportunity to:
Work with your body physically, emotionally and energetically
Learn from the herd to facilitate your personal growth
Experience deep relaxation
Quieten the mind
Become present and grounded
Work with deep breathing exercises whilst surrounded by nature
The day will be led by founder, coach and facilitator of the Intuitive Horse approach Emma Ross and by Yoga teacher Janice Kate Fisher, also Proprietor of Light Yoga space.
Cost £160
1 day Following The Herds' Lead Retreat
This 1 day retreat is an extended version of the 3hr FHL mini retreat. It is for people interested in learning how to quiet the mind and align to the herds’ and nature’s natural rhythm.
Throughout the day we spend time alongside the herd going deeper into our minds, through some mindfulness techniques, to quieten them and bring ourselves into a state of present moment. As we follow the herd and slot into their pace of life, we too will shed layers of stress we are holding onto so that we can meet the herd in their world. The journey we go on to get there offers opportunity for:
Personal reflection on mindset, emotional states and life in general
Quieting the mind
Slowing down
Learning about the horses and herd life
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
We will visit the herd at different times throughout the day.
Cost £150
3 Day Personal Development Retreat
Over three days you work intensively through the IH techniques which include group discussions and exercises away from the horses as well as working 1-1 with the horses and spending time with the herd. This is a truly empowering experience which takes you on a journey of profound self-discovery.
The three days offer the opportunity for:
Becoming aware of certain patterns which may be preventing you moving forward in life
A broader level of self-awareness
Working on a somatic level to further your self-development
Learning how to work with and quieten the mind
Learning about horses, their communication and behaviour
Trusting and working with your intuition
Getting a true grasp of how your environment responds to your emotional state
Coming away from the three days with tools and insights to use and further assist you in every day life
These retreats are very small in number to ensure proper attention to each person at all times.
Cost £390
3 Day Personal Development Retreat
Over three days you work intensively through the IH techniques which include group discussions and exercises away from the horses as well as working 1-1 with the horses and spending time with the herd. This is a truly empowering experience which takes you on a journey of profound self-discovery.
The three days offer the opportunity for:
Becoming aware of certain patterns which may be preventing you moving forward in life
A broader level of self-awareness
Working on a somatic level to further your self-development
Learning how to work with and quieten the mind
Learning about horses, their communication and behaviour
Trusting and working with your intuition
Getting a true grasp of how your environment responds to your emotional state
Coming away from the three days with tools and insights to use and further assist you in every day life
These retreats are very small in number to ensure proper attention to each person at all times.
Cost £390
Sound and vibration personal development retreat with horses
This 1 day retreat is led by Emma- Intuitive Horse facilitator and coach and Sian Meditation and Kundalini Yoga teacher specialising in sound and mantra.
Our personal vibration is important, it sets the tone for what we attract into our lives and the relationships and connections we make. Our unique vibration also influences our connection to our voice and brings our awareness to how we use our voice, where we perhaps hold back and why.
Our vibrations are made up from our thinking and emotional states therefore being mindful of the thoughts and feelings we have day to day is important for our health and overall wellbeing.
Slowing down gives us the opportunity to become aware of some of the internal thoughts and beliefs that are affecting us, it allows us to connect in with ourselves rather than being distracted from ourselves, it offers us the opportunity to move more towards occupying a heart centred state of being.
Spending time with horses, meditation and working with sound all allow us to move into this more desired state of flow and being. We will explore different styles of meditation influenced by the practice of Kundalini Yoga including both silent and mantra meditations as well as gentle movement meditations like walking and the use of repetitive movements. We will spend time with the herd working consciously with the intent and vibration we individually desire whilst learning from their way of being.
This 1 day retreat combines these 3 elements to offer you a truly magical day of deep connection. We will weave between spending time with the herd, working with sound and vibration and meditation to explore this.
Book now to avoid disappointment- limited spaces available
Sound and vibration personal development retreat with horses
This 1 day retreat is led by Emma- Intuitive Horse facilitator and coach and Sian Meditation and Kundalini Yoga teacher specialising in sound and mantra.
Our personal vibration is important, it sets the tone for what we attract into our lives and the relationships and connections we make. Our unique vibration also influences our connection to our voice and brings our awareness to how we use our voice, where we perhaps hold back and why.
Our vibrations are made up from our thinking and emotional states therefore being mindful of the thoughts and feelings we have day to day is important for our health and overall wellbeing.
Slowing down gives us the opportunity to become aware of some of the internal thoughts and beliefs that are affecting us, it allows us to connect in with ourselves rather than being distracted from ourselves, it offers us the opportunity to move more towards occupying a heart centred state of being.
Spending time with horses, meditation and working with sound all allow us to move into this more desired state of flow and being. We will explore different styles of meditation influenced by the practice of Kundalini Yoga including both silent and mantra meditations as well as gentle movement meditations like walking and the use of repetitive movements. We will spend time with the herd working consciously with the intent and vibration we individually desire whilst learning from their way of being.
This 1 day retreat combines these 3 elements to offer you a truly magical day of deep connection. We will weave between spending time with the herd, working with sound and vibration and meditation to explore this.
Book now to avoid disappointment- limited spaces available