About this trip
AN IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE
Join us on a remarkable 5-day horseback journey from Cabilla Cornwall, riding through ancient temperate rainforest, across the wild expanse of Bodmin Moor, past sacred ruins and free-roaming ponies, before reaching the dramatic Cornish coast. Each day offers a chance to travel through landscapes rich in history and alive with rewilding, where forest, moor, and sea weave together in a tapestry of nature, heritage, and healing.
Cabilla Cornwall is more than a farm — it is a living rewilding project dedicated to restoring ancient ecosystems and creating a sanctuary for both people and wildlife. Here, beavers build their dams, birds fill the air with song, and mosses and trees flourish in one of Britain’s last surviving temperate rainforests. This is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the grounding rhythms of the natural world — where restoration of nature and restoration of self walk hand in hand.
Our horses come through a partnership with Equine Connect, a unique equine therapy centre whose herd is made up of two families: a home-bred group raised with love, and a rescued feral herd brought from Portugal. Together, they embody resilience, freedom, and trust. On this journey, they are not only companions but guides — leading us into deeper connection through daily at-liberty sessions, somatic horse meditations, and quiet moments of grooming and care.
Complementing the riding, we will also receive a rich programme of healing practices. Harriet Emily will share her transformative sound healing, while guests will be guided each day through led meditations, breathwork journeys, and trauma-informed yin yoga classes designed to support integration and release. The combination of horses, nature, and these practices opens pathways for clarity, awareness, and personal growth — creating a retreat that nurtures both body, mind, and spirit.
Highlights
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Explore Cabilla’s ancient temperate rainforest, a rare ecosystem dating back thousands of years, now flourishing through regenerative rewilding practices
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Journey on horseback with the Equine Connect herd, a mix of rescued Portuguese horses and home-bred companions whose stories embody resilience and trust
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Experience at-liberty horse connection and somatic horse meditations, deepening awareness and communication with your horse
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Restore body and spirit through trauma-informed yin yoga and the transformative sound healing of Harriet Emily
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Receive daily led meditations and a breathwork journey to open energy pathways and support emotional release.
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Immerse yourself in Cornwall’s wild beauty — from winding forest trails and wild ponies on the moor to secluded coves and the dramatic ocean coastline
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive at Cabilla Cornwall by 1:00 PM, where we’ll open our circle and set intentions for the days ahead. From there, we’ll travel to Equine Connect, where each guest will rotate through a liberty 1:1 session with their paired horse, a gentle riding assessment, and mindful grooming time with the herd. As evening settles, we’ll return to Cabilla for a nourishing welcome dinner before sinking into a deeply restorative yin yoga and yoga nidra session accompanied by sound healing — an invitation to land fully in the body and begin the journey inward.
Day 2:
Begin the morning with a wholesome breakfast and grounding meditation before meeting the horses for a gentle somatic meditation — a quiet moment of presence and connection through breath and energy. We’ll then saddle up and ride directly from Cabilla, beginning our journey across ancient forest paths, past wild moor ponies, and among sacred ruins scattered across Bodmin Moor. The rhythm of the ride will guide us deeper into stillness and relationship with the land. After returning to Cabilla, the afternoon offers space to rest before gathering for yin yoga and yoga nidra with live sound healing to restore and integrate the day’s experience.
Day 3:
After breakfast, we’ll begin with a grounding meditation before setting out for another three-hour ride through the open countryside and forest trails. In the afternoon, we’ll gather for a guided breathwork ceremony and sound healing — a powerful practice to open, release, and realign with the heart of the journey. The evening closes gently with a nourishing dinner shared in community at Cabilla.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 4:
A slow morning unfolds with breakfast and meditation before our final and most expansive ride — a three-hour journey that carries us across the moor and down to the ocean’s edge. Here, we’ll pause to take in the vast horizon — a moment of reflection and awe before returning to Cabilla. The afternoon invites deep restoration in the sauna, followed by our closing yin yoga and yoga nidra session. The evening will conclude with a celebratory dinner honoring our time together and the journey we’ve shared.
Day 5:
We’ll rise for our final morning together with breakfast and a beautifully led meditation and closing circle. Departures from Cabilla will take place by 11:00 AM, carrying the stillness, connection, and quiet transformation of these days home with you.
End of trip
Itinerary
Meet your guides
Aniela Gottwald
CALIFORNIA, USA
Aniela Gottwald is the founder of Riding Wild, a 1% For The Planet nonprofit organization that takes women on transformative wilderness expeditions, com- bining personal and collective healing with intersection- al environmentalism. With over 20 years of experience in horsemanship, Aniela is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy. Aniela’s lifelong connection with horses began in childhood, but it was her solo 1,300-mile backcountry expedition with wild horses she trained herself that deepened her understanding of the mirroring power of these animals in the healing process. Her work with Riding Wild stems from this understanding, offering equine-guided journeys that foster empowerment, personal sovereignty, and a sense of freedom. Through these immersive experiences, Aniela helps women, especially BIPOC and Indigenous communities, reclaim their voices and rediscover their inner strength. Guiding horse-riding expeditions throughout the world, Aniela has created a powerful program that seamlessly integrates tools for nervous system regulation and therapeutic practices into each journey. Her approach is grounded in the belief that individual healing contributes to collective well-being, creating a ripple effect of generational healing and transformation. Riding Wild’s purpose is to make these healing experiences accessible through scholarships, providing safe spaces for adventure, connection, and the discovery of new possibilities. Through her work, Aniela invites women to step into a journey of personal growth and resilience, supported by the essential connection between humans and nature. She believes that empowering women to heal, we also open pathways to advocate for the healing of nature - recognizing that personal and environmental restoration are deeply interconnected.
Harriet Emily
England, UK
Harriet Emily is an internationally recognised Sound Healing Practitioner and Meditation Guide with over a decade of experience in the wellness industry. She specialises in creating immersive sound experiences that invite deep rest and support emotional harmony. Blending crystal singing bowls, gongs, flute, and her own voice, Harriet guides participants through soothing journeys that cultivate presence, stillness, and inner connection. Her approach is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of sound. Through both private and group experiences, Harriet creates sacred spaces where guests can soften, let go, and reconnect with the stillness within. Her sessions invite participants on a sensory journey, where sound becomes the bridge to inner harmony.
OUR OFFERINGS
01 Mindful Riding
Mindful riding is the practice of riding in a state of meditation through developing a present connection of mutual trust with your horse. Riding in this state of trust, presence and openness allows the rider to receive countless somatic benefits by being held by an intuitive, pure, and grounded sentient being. The rider will learn about their own energy through slowing down enough to see how they communicate and in turn receive messages from their horse’s body language. They will tap into the naturally meditative energy of horses and sensitize their intuition, the ability to energetically communicate, and connect with their true nature.
OUR OFFERINGS
02 Horse Guided Somatic Healing®
We offer horse-guided somatic healing through present-moment connection, guided meditation, and attuned observation—inviting deep embodiment, spiritual remembering, and intuitive healing alongside horses. Inspired by Equine Guided Empowerment®—a unique approach developed by The Reflective Horse®—this work honors the horse as an energetic mirror and guide. Through relational presence and the healing energy of horses, participants are gently led back to their innate wisdom, authentic connection, and a sense of grounded wholeness.
OUR OFFERINGS
03 Trauma Informed Breathwork
Ceremonial, trauma-informed breathwork, drawing inspiration from Taren Maroun’s teachings, integrates the science-backed benefits of breathwork with the depth of a spiritually grounded healing journey. Guided by her shamanic studies and rooted in her Celtic (Irish) and Phoenician (Lebanese) ancestry, this practice invites profound transformation by releasing stored energy or trauma within the body, restoring emotional resilience, and opening pathways to expanded states of consciousness. Through the rhythm of intentional breathing, the body’s innate wisdom is reawakened, guiding you into deeper connection, and the emergence of your authentic self. It is within this sacred integration of body, mind, and spirit that true healing unfolds.
OUR OFFERINGS
04 Somatic Yin Yoga
Somatic Yin Yoga is a trauma-informed, embodied practice that reconnects you with the body’s innate wisdom. Rooted in nervous system regulation and somatic awareness, this slow, intuitive approach supports the release of tension, emotional stress, and energetic blockages. Through long-held postures and deep listening, it nourishes connective tissues, enhances flexibility, and fosters resilience. Its meditative quality soothes the mind and strengthens the body's capacity for deep repair, renewal, and integration.
OPEN TO BEGINNER - ADVANCED RIDERS
July 18th-22nd, 2026
Join us
If paying in two installments, your second payment due January 1st, 2026 . Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.
Price includes: All meals, guides and activities. Your own private koyt accomodation.
Price doesn’t include:Travel insurance, and transportation to and from the Cabilla Cornwall, England. Group size: 12 riders. Weight restriction: For the well-being of our horses, there is a weight limit of 190 lbs (85 kgs / 13 stone) for riders.
Testimonial
“Time in the backcountry on horseback surrounded by an incredible group of women who share the same values and inspiration was balm for my soul. Riding Wild created a beautiful safe space for heart centered healing and connection through every aspect of this journey. Thank you for an epic adventure of body and spirit.”
- Jenn whitney
TACKING ABILITY & PARTICIPATION
On this journey, the experience goes beyond simply spending time with the horses — it’s about building a genuine partnership. Each session invites you to take part in the daily care of your horse, including brushing, grooming, tacking, and untacking. This hands-on involvement not only deepens your connection but also nurtures trust, respect, and confidence between horse and human. Through these simple yet meaningful rituals, you become attuned to the horse’s needs and presence, learning to communicate through touch, patience, and awareness. Preparing your horse in this way creates a foundation of calm cooperation, opening the space for transformation, self-discovery, and the joy of working in true partnership with these remarkable animals.
TRIP CONDITIONS & REQUESTED EXPERIENCE
The landscapes of Cornwall are wonderfully varied, shaped by its mild climate and lush greenery. You’ll ride through wooded areas rich in foliage, along winding lanes bordered by picturesque Cornish hedges, and across open moorland and marshes that can at times be wet underfoot. Our horses, who go barefoot, enjoy the comfort of the softer ground in these environments.
The Cornish coast adds another dimension to the journey, with its secluded coves, soft sandy beaches, stretches of pebbles, and rock pools glistening in the tide. Together, these diverse terrains create a truly memorable backdrop for exploration and connection with both horse and nature.
EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT
At Equine Connect, we prioritize the comfort of both horse and rider. Many of our horses are ridden bitless, and the majority go barefoot, allowing them to move naturally and freely. Some bridles reflect traditional Portuguese style, while our saddles are mainly English, with Strada saddles being the most popular in our tack room. These saddles are designed with the perfect balance of fit and comfort in mind.
Pace & Riding Ability
Riders will be divided into two groups — one for beginners and one for more experienced riders — allowing each to move at a pace that feels natural and enjoyable. A short riding assessment on the first day will help determine which group each guest will join, ensuring safety, comfort, and harmony within the group.
For beginner riders, the journey will be taken entirely at a walk, offering a gentle introduction to riding and a supportive way to connect with the horses and landscape. Previous riding experience is not required, though it is recommended to ensure comfort and ease during the ride.
For more experienced riders, the pace will vary with the terrain, combining walking, trotting, and cantering across open stretches of the Cornish countryside and moor. Riders should feel confident and in control at all gaits.
Time in the saddle will generally be up to three hours each day.
HORSES
Equine Connect's therapy horses each carry a remarkable story of resilience and renewal. Many began their lives in hardship, rescued from neglect and fear, yet through time, patience, and compassion, they have transformed into the extraordinary partners they are today.
The herd is made up of two families: a home-bred line raised with care and respect, and a rescued feral herd brought from Portugal. The Portuguese horses arrived in Cornwall after years of survival against hunger, wounds, and mistrust. With gentle handling, they learned to heal and to trust, blossoming into individuals with distinct personalities — playful, spirited, sensitive, and deeply engaging.
Their upbringing and freedom to express themselves has shaped them into wonderfully receptive therapy partners. Whether through their calming presence, their curiosity, or their strength of spirit, they offer a unique connection that inspires trust, encourages emotional expression, and supports growth in all who work alongside them.
Riding our Lusitanos is often described as sitting in an “armchair” — broad, balanced, and remarkably smooth. Their high-stepping, energetic movement makes them a joy to ride, while their eagerness to work shines through in every step. With relaxed hands and a focus on riding from the seat, the experience becomes less about control and more about connection: simply feel, and let the horse carry you on the journey.
GUIDE & LOCAL TEAM
Our guides bring a lifetime of experience, passion, and a deep connection with horses. Lisa Deacon has been riding since the age of four, with a background in affiliated dressage, showjumping, and cross-country competitions in Holland, as well as performing in show teams with her stallion. Horses — especially Lusitanos — have always been a part of her journey, and now back in Cornwall she shares her knowledge and love of horses to help others experience their healing presence.
Her daughter, Yamea, grew up immersed in this world and has become a skilled equestrian with a natural, effortless bond with horses. From performing in display teams to playing a key role in backing and training both the adult and young herd, she brings calm leadership, confidence, and support to every session. Together, Lisa and Yamea form the heart of the Equine Connect team, offering guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to grow alongside these remarkable horses.
Getting There
Cabilla Cornwall is set in the heart of Bodmin Moor — a remote and restorative landscape that feels worlds away, yet is surprisingly accessible.
The closest airport is Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY), approximately 35 minutes by car from Cabilla. Direct flights run from several UK and European cities, though some routes are seasonal. For those traveling internationally, London Heathrow Airport is about a 4 hour drive, and Bristol Airport is around 2.5 hours by car. Both offer connecting domestic flights or train routes into Cornwall.
For guests arriving by train, the nearest station is Bodmin Parkway, located about 15 minutes away. From there, an Uber, short taxi or pre-arranged transfer can bring you directly to Cabilla.
CLIMATE
In mid-July, Cornwall enjoys its mildest weather of the year — long daylight hours, fresh air, and gentle warmth. Temperatures typically range between 13–19°C (55–66°F), with soft sunshine and passing clouds. Light rain is possible, though showers tend to be brief.
Days are comfortable for riding, while mornings and evenings can feel cool and misty on the moor. The weather here changes quickly — part of the beauty of this wild and living landscape.
The Koyts at Cabilla
The Koyts are beautifully crafted, round timber-framed cabins inspired by ancient Cornish dwellings once used for shelter and gathering. Reimagined for modern comfort, they offer a peaceful retreat within the wild beauty of Cabilla Cornwall. Each guest enjoys their own private Koyt — a warm, natural space designed for deep rest, reflection, and immersion in the surrounding ancient oak woodland.
Intentionally simple and uncluttered, the Koyts do not have electricity, inviting you to slow down and reconnect with the quiet rhythms of nature. A communal barn is available for those who need to charge devices.
The Koyts also do not have private bathrooms. Just a short walk away, guests have access to high-quality shared washrooms with hot showers, eco-friendly amenities, and thoughtfully designed facilities that reflect Cabilla’s commitment to sustainability and comfort.
Meals at Cabilla celebrate the abundance of Cornwall — fresh, seasonal, and thoughtfully prepared. We’ll be working with local chefs to create nourishing farm-to-table dishes that reflect the rhythms of the land and the season. Ingredients are sourced from nearby farms and producers, with an emphasis on organic, sustainable, and locally grown foods.
Each day begins with a simple, healthy breakfast. On our riding days, we’ll carry packed lunches, offering fresh and balanced options that can easily accommodate gluten-free and vegan diets. Evenings are spent gathered around the table, sharing wholesome meals, conversation, and reflection — nourishment for both body and spirit.
OTHER ITEMS
- gloves for riding
- scarf/bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain
- sunglasses with a cord attached so they don’t fly off when riding
- swimsuit
- light travel towel
- toiletries
- hand sanitizer
- pair of slippers to wear in your koyt or the communal barn
- water bottle
- camera & accessories
- rechargeable power bank
- notebook/journal
MEDICAL KIT
- high uv sunscreen
- insect repellent
- any medication you regularly take
- band aids and second skin plasters for chafing
- pain reliever
- ear plugs (for light sleepers)
CLOTHING
Upper body
- long sleeved shirts (provide protection from the sun or extra warmth)
- warm sweater (wool or fleece)
- short sleeves shirts
- comfortable pajamas
Lower body
- riding pants
- casual clothes for the evenings
- shorts
- comfortable yoga clothes (for practicing yin yoga & breathwork)
- comfortable pajamas
Outerwear
- waterproof jacket/waterproof rain pants to wear over riding pants
Footwear
- comfortable riding boots (we recommend short boots with half chaps)
- hiking boots, rubber boots (bring a pair of these in case your riding boots get wet)
- warm socks, at least a few pairs
- comfortable sandals / waterproof shoes for going in the creek
Headwear
- riding helmet (we have riding hats available to borrow, though we highly recommend bringing your own helmet if you have one, to ensure the best fit and comfort)
- sunhat
- warm hat for cold evenings
HEALING
- Untethered Soul - Michael Singer
- Healing Collective Trauma - Thomas Hübl
- Attuned - Thomas Hübl- If Women Rose Rooted - Sharon Black
- Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May- Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma - Peter A. Levine
- The Power of Now - Ekhart Tolle
- Being Peace - Thich Naht Hahn
- One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder - Brian Doyle
- The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief - Francis Weller
- Gender(s) - Kathryn Bond StocktonRELATIONSHIP
- Us - Terrence Real
- Perfect Love, Imperfect relationships - John Welwood
- Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick
- The Conscious Heart - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick
- Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg
- The Power of Attachment - Diane Poole Heller
- Eight Dates - John Gottman
ENGLAND
- Our Oaken Bones - Merlin Hanbury Tenison
- Letting in the Wild Edges - Glennie Kindred
- Walking with Trees - Glennie Kindred
- The Magical Year - Danu Forest
CLIMATE
- All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katherine K. Wilkinson
- Rooted - Lyanda Lynn Haupt
- The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle
of Oppression to Protect People + Planet - Leah Thomas- The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown - Adam Weltz
HORSE
- Tao of Equus - Linda Kohanov
- Riding Between Worlds - Linda Kohanov
- Sacred Spaces: Communion with the horse through science and spirit - Dr. Susan Fay
please note, this is an optional reading list for your enjoyment
We can't wait to meet you!
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AVAILABLE TO BEGINNER TO ADVANCED RIDERS
All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior riding experience is recommended but not required to participate.
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on March 3rd.
Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.
Price includes: meals, guides/wranglers/cooks. A bed in a shared room, and bus transport to and from Reykjavik.
Price doesn’t include: travel insurance, flights to and from Reykjavik, accomodation in Reyjavik and airport transfers. Group size: 12-15 riders
Photography credits: Sam Rogers, Beth Druce, Sophie Bolesworth & Beth Aston.
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AVAILABLE TO BEGINNER TO ADVANCED RIDERS
ALL RIDING LEVELS - SOLD OUT
Available to strong intermediate to advanced riders. All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior riding experience is required.
March 19th-23rd
PRICING
$5,995
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on July 14th for the November ride and September 1st for the March ride. Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.
Price includes: 1:1 healing session with Candice & her herd, our program, meals, horseback safari, guides, and your own private room at the Belle Balance Bush Hideout for 4 nights.
Price doesn’t include: gratuities, travel insurance, transport to and from Belle Balance, flights to and from Plettenberg Bay. Group size: 5 riders per trip
ADVANCED RIDE - SOLD OUT
Available to strong intermediate to advanced riders. Comfortable and in control at all gates and terrains in open country.
March 27th-1st
PRICING
$5,995
Equine Connect
Equine Connect is an equine therapy centre in Cornwall offering a unique space for healing, connection, and personal growth through the presence of horses. The herd brings together two very different families: a home-bred group raised with love and security, and a rescued feral herd from Portugal, each carrying their own story of resilience and transformation. The rescued horses embody courage and transformation, while the family herd reflects connection, joy, and the quiet strength of lifelong bonds. Together, they offer a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover what it means to be fully present. Founded by Lisa Deacon, whose background spans competitive riding and equine performance, and supported by her daughter Yamea, a calm and intuitive horsewoman raised within the herd, Equine Connect is grounded in generations of experience. Through liberty-based, mindfulness-led sessions, they offer a gentle, authentic path to healing and awareness, guided by the quiet leadership of the horses themselves.
Join us
OPEN TO INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED RIDERS
Comfortable and in control at all gates and terrains in the open country. Comfortable in the saddle up to 5hrs per day.
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
July 10th-14th, 2026
PRICING
TBD
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on October 1st. Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.
Price includes: All meals, guides and activities. A bed in a shared room, and all transport to and from the trip start and end point in Puerto Natales, Patagonia.
Price doesn’t include: travel insurance, and flights to and from Puerto Natales, Patagonia. Park Entrance Tickets: Each guest is responsible for purchasing their entrance ticket to Torres del Paine in advance, as this must be done online before we enter the park. Group size: 8 riders Weight restriction: For the well-being of our horses, there is a weight limit of 200 lbs (90 kg) for riders.