Queer Connection: Equine-Assisted Workshop

We are excited to invite folx in the LBGTQIA+ community (okay to enrollment an ally) to join us at Laughing Buck Farm on Saturday, November 15th for an Equine-Assisted Workshop, Limited to 12 participants (18+)

This intimate experience will offer participants an opportunity to:

• Connect with horses through engaging, ground-based activities. No riding experience is necessary, as all interactions will be from the ground.
• Cultivate connections with peers in a safe, supportive, creative, and calming environment.
• Deepen your relationship to self, nature, and animals; increasing a sense of well-being and belonging.

As prey animals, horses have evolved to attain a remarkable sense of awareness, perception, and attunement to their environment. They can accurately recognize and interpret micro-facial expressions and subtle changes to body language and behaviors. These are skills rooted in their biology and neurophysiology. Although, it could be said that this phenomenon extends beyond science. Often, horses serve as intuitive mirrors, helping us see ourselves and each other more clearly.

This event is about coming together as we are. No pretense, no expectations—simply arriving with an open heart, mind, and spirit.

About us:

Rachel Ann is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) instructor, with a Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) certification. She has learned from and worked with the neurodivergent, queer, disabled, and at risk youth communities for the last 25 years, and her favourite community to serve is LGBTQIA+ youth and adults. Rachel's passion is facilitating connection, understanding, and self- awareness through Horsemanship.

Christi Piker, MA LPC is a Trauma-focused & Mindfulness-based mental health therapist. She is the owner of Lotus Blooming Out LLC in Fort Collins. She attended Naropa University and graduated in 2020 with a Masters in Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist studies. Over the past several years, she has been bridging her love for the natural world & animal-assisted therapy into her work with clients. She is currenly working towards professional certification in Equine-Assisted Therapy though ARCH (Arenas for Change).

Together, Rachel and Christi are pleased to be growing thier partnership and expanding thier offerings, particularly into to communities that they hold intersecting idenities with. Please note, this is not a "therapy group" though we guarantee it will be therapeutic and fun!

Also check out other Workshops in Fort Collins, Health & Wellness events in Fort Collins, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Fort Collins.