Coming Home to Yourself
An Equine-Assisted Self-Compassion Series
July 9 – August 20, 2026
Thursday Evenings | 6:00–7:30 PM
Proceeds to benefit the Heart & Mind Equine Rescue Herd
A Journey Back to the Relationship That Matters Most
What if self-compassion wasn’t something you had to force? What if it was something you could remember?
This six-week experiential series offers a gentle invitation to come home to yourself.
Together, we will explore self-compassion through the wisdom of horses, reflective practices, mindfulness, creative expression, and supportive community. Participants will interact with the horses to build trust, establish boundaries, and practice present-moment awareness while developing greater compassion for themselves and others.
Why Horses
They live in harmony with themselves, their herd, and their environment. They do not criticize themselves for yesterday’s mistakes or worry about tomorrow’s uncertainties. They are fully present.
As highly attuned prey animals, horses respond honestly and immediately to the energy around them. Their natural sensitivity invites us to slow down, become grounded, and reconnect with our own innate wisdom.
Through observing and interacting with the herd, participants discover powerful lessons in:
Herd Principles for Self-Compassion
Skillful Leadership
Learning to lead from confidence, clarity, and authenticity rather than force.
Mindful Living
Returning to the present moment through awareness, breath, and connection.
Healthy Relationships
Understanding boundaries, trust, communication, and mutual respect.
It is often surprising to discover how beautifully horses navigate leadership and relationships. Their way of being reminds us of capacities that already exist within us—qualities we may have forgotten but can reclaim.
As we journey together with one another and the herd, self-compassion often returns naturally, with greater ease, gentleness, and love.
What to Expect
- A facilitated talking circle
- Guided reflection on self-compassion themes
- Experiential activities with the horses
- Journaling, drawing, and creative expression
- Time for personal insight and group sharing
- Practices to support healing between sessions
- Grooming horses
- Leading exercises
- Observing herd behavior
- Grounding and mindfulness practices
- Silent reflection in nature
- Non-verbal communication exercises
What We’ll Explore
- Self-criticism and self-kindness
- Trust and emotional safety
- Boundaries and healthy relationships
- Presence and mindfulness
- Emotional awareness and regulation
- Compassionate leadership
- Returning to your authentic self
Coming Home to Yourself
An Equine-Assisted Self-Compassion Series
July 9 – August 20, 2026
Thursday Evenings | 6:00–7:30 PM
Registration: $375-$575
Sustainable Economy/Sliding Scale Rates Available
Tools You’ll Take Home
- Self-compassion practices
- Breathwork exercises
- Guided mindfulness tools
- Sound healing meditations
- Reflection prompts
- A workbook for home practice
You Are Welcome Here
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, exhausted, or simply longing for a kinder relationship with yourself, this series offers a space to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember who you are beneath the pressure and expectations.
The horses already know.
Perhaps it’s time for you to know, too.
Your Registration Includes
✓ Six guided equine-assisted self-compassion experiences
✓ Facilitated group discussions and reflection
✓ Hands-on interactions with the horses
✓ Workbook and between-session practices
✓ Sound healing and breathwork exercises
✓ Journaling and creative expression activities
✓ A supportive community of fellow participants
✓ Ongoing opportunities to deepen self-awareness, self-trust, and self-care
At Heart & Mind Equine, we bring together decades of experience in emotional intelligence, leadership, and personal growth-guided by the wisdom of horses.
Alane Freund, LMFT
Founder of Marin’s first and premier equine assisted learning center, Alane is a licensed marriage and family therapist and lifelong horsewoman with over three decades of expertise in mental health, coaching, and group dynamics. She has spoken on emotional intelligence with Talks at Google and is known for her deep intuition and ability to create transformative experiences. Alane helps individuals, teams, and couples break through barriers and build stronger, more authentic connections.
Sara Moss, AMFT
Certified in equine-assisted learning, Sara brings a unique blend of therapeutic insight, production expertise, and management experience to HME. Passionate about innovation and connection, she designs engaging programs that help clients uncover new perspectives, improve communication, and build stronger relationships-whether in personal life or the workplace.
