1. sports
2. horses

"A Spa Vacation with an Eponaquest Education "
Facilitated by:
Shelley Rosenberg, AI, RFI, POH, Eponaquest Senior Faculty
Deborah Draves Legg, Registered Nurse, Advanced Instructor, RFI
Special Guest: Dr. Rosalyn Berne Ph.D. Author of “When the Horses Whisper-The Wisdom of Wise
and Sentient Beings”
Hosted By: Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat, Costa Rica
August 19th- 28th, 2015
(9 nights)
What are Eponaquest workshops?
Eponaquest workshops provide participants with the tools to find
balance, renew strength, regain spirit, tap into their intuition and
rediscover their own inner power.
How does it work?
Horses are ancient creatures, a species that has survived for 50
million years. As prey animals, their lives depend upon the ability to
properly and correctly assess a situation and react accordingly.
Therefore they have developed extremely heightened intuitive
senses, enabling them to accurately perceive what is happening
around them and then communicate this to the rest of the herd.
Hence they have the ability to reflect back to us our internal state.
Invisible layers of electromagnetic energy guide them through their
daily lives. When humans begin to understand this energetic
interaction we learn about ourselves from what they are reflecting
back to us. They make the invisible visible, if we know how to see it.
This multifaceted workshop combines equine assisted learning with
the surreal beauty of a tropical paradise, nourishing farm-fresh food
and spa services all in one amazing package!
Space is limited. No prior riding experience necessary.
Why is this such an amazing opportunity?
Horses help make conscious in humans what is unconscious – our authentic selves – the person we were meant to be.
Highly sensitive prey animals, they respond to subtle changes in their handler’s body language, providing feedback
on how we are showing up in the moment. Examining our own reactions to equine behavior can lead to powerful new
insights into our own natural abilities and talents and help enhance and promote personal and professional growth.
During the workshop we will explore how to:
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Get the messages behind your emotions and move forward, particularly in challenging situations
Consistently access and more mindful and intuitive presence
Lead others through positive interactions (be the change)
Establish and maintain optimal personal space for your own personal well-being and the ability to
communicate that to others
Use your body as a sensory and communication device, accessing the “other 90%” (non-verbal
communication)
Recognize and move beyond the limiting, unconscious beliefs and behaviors that keep you stuck in old
patterns
Overcome counterproductive ways of thinking and reacting, learning to respond with heart-centered presence
instead.
This workshop offers the participant time to rest and reflect. A professional masseuse will do an evaluation and
devise a customized plan for your spa services. 8 hours of spa services are included in the rate. Services may include
reflexology, therapeutic and deep massage, chakra balancing and volcanic mud wraps.
This workshop experience is appropriate for emotionally secure individuals who are seriously interested in exploring
the transformational potential of human-horse interactions. No prior experience with equines is necessary.
This qualifies as an introductory or advanced workshop. Eponaquest Instructors can attend to meet their continuing
education/supervision requirements.
Dr. Berne will be available for private sessions with participates and their horses for an extra fee. $85/sessions
(session lasts 40-60 min). $160/2 sessions and $225 for 3 sessions. Sessions based on availability.
Workshop Itinerary
(Please be well rested for the start of the workshop. It is recommended to come in the
night before)
Day 1 (August 19th, 2015)
 Morning: Arrival by 11 am
 Midday: Welcoming Lunch and Introductions
 Afternoon: Horse Selection/Partnering
 Later Afternoon: Spa Evaluation and Recommendations
Days 2 - 9
 Workshop will include Epona round pen activities, riding days, group sessions,
private sessions, time for rest, reflection and spa services
 Participants are encouraged to schedule private reading with Dr. Berne and
your horse.
Day 10 (August 28th, 2015)
 Morning: Breakfast
 Departure: If you schedule your departing flight today, it should leave no
earlier than 1pm
Workshop Facilitators
Shelley Rosenberg has had a 38 year career as a dressage rider, competed for the long-list on the U.S. Olympic equestrian team and as a
professional horse trainer. In addition, she is a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) “L” judge, and certified USDF instructor. She
served as President of the Tucson Dressage Club and ran her own professional Dressage Center in Oro Valley, AZ for 18 years. She moved on
to become Ranch Manager for Linda Kohanov, author of ‘The Tao of Equus: A Woman’s Journey of Healing and Transformation through the
Way of the Horse’ (New World Library 2007) and founder of Eponaquest in 2005.
Shelley’s first book, ‘My Horses, My Healers’ (AuthorHouse 2006), is her personal story of childhood sexual abuse and trauma. Through the
healing power of horses, Shelley transforms her experience into a protocol for self-healing through the way of the Horse.
At Eponaquest from the beginning and as one of Eponaquest’s Senior faculty, Shelley’s innovative, multifaceted approach has supported
the evolution of Equine Experiential Learning. Shelley integrated riding with Eponaquest ground activities elevating the Eponaquest
process to a new level, and in 2013 Eponaquest officially added her riding program to the Eponaquest foundation. She conducts
Eponaquest Apprenticeships and workshops worldwide.
Deborah Draves Legg left her life in the USA and a 25 year career as a registered nurse in 2006 and created Leaves and Lizards Arenal
Volcano Cabin Retreat in Costa Rica with her husband Steve Legg. Horses found their way into Debbie’s life serendipitously after the move
to Costa Rica. Little by little as the herd grew to 20 plus horses so did the horse therapy programs and Leaves and Lizards is now the
Eponaquest headquarters of Central America. As an RN and an Advanced Riding Focused Eponaquest Instructor, Debbie is able to bring
insight and wisdom to hotel guests, local therapy clients and workshop participants in the glorious shadow of the Arenal Volcano in Costa
Rica.
Dr. Rosalyn W. Berne, Ph.D. explores the intersecting realms between emerging technologies, science, fiction and myth, and between the
human and non-human worlds. As professor at the University of Virginia she writes and teaches about engineering and technology in
society and the ethical implications of technological development, often using science fiction material in her classes. In her personal life she
continues to discover the transformational nature of human-equine relationships and offers facilitation and translation services for
enhancing communications between horses and their owners. She is author of ‘Nanotalk: Conversations With Scientists And Engineers
About Ethics, Meaning, and Belief in the Development of Nanotechnology’ (Earlbaum Press, 2005); ‘When the Horses Whisper’ (Rainbow
Ridge Books, 2013); ‘Waiting in the Silence’ (Spore Press, 2012); and ‘To Recreate Life from Life: Biotechnology and Science Fiction’ (Pan
Stanford Press, 2014). Rosalyn occasionally attends Eponaquest workshops at Leaves and Lizards as a special guest to enhance the horse
human bond of Eponaquest workshop participants.
What to Expect Beyond the Life Changing Epona Experience!
Maslow's hierarchy of needs (a popular framework in sociology research, psychology and management training) suggests that if
basic needs (Food, Water, Shelter) humans are able to focus on the secondary (Relationships, Learning) and as we move up the
Maslow’s pyramid, as needs are being met we have the capacity to reach the highest level of human fulfillment he calls “Self
Actualization”.
In the friendly, nourishing, beautiful and safe environment of Leaves and Lizards, your basic needs will be more than met,
creating the optimum opportunity to absorb the full benefit of the workshop.
The Horses: The Costa Rican horses, Costarricense de Paso also known as Criollo, are a combination of several Spanish horses and
the Peruvian Stepping Horse. This magical combination has created horses with a smooth, comfortable gait. The spirit of the Costa
Rican horses will touch your soul. They are fearless, sure footed, hardworking and extremely versatile.
The horses at Leaves and Lizards are cared for and trained using natural horsemanship techniques. We offer a variety of horses
to choose from and cater for all riding abilities. Options range from the highly spirited Criollo to low key Quarter Horses and
anywhere in between. The riding style is Western.
The Riding: You will interact with the horses both on the ground and in the saddle. Riding will include various terrain including
open pastures, rainforests, waterfalls, river crossings, spectacular volcano views with opportunities to experience tropical flora,
fauna and hospitality. Individuals with little or no riding experience to seasoned riders will find the riding to be just what they
need. The horses at Leaves and Lizards are extremely adaptable, sure footed and kind.
Spa Services: You will meet with a professional masseuse. She will do an assessment and determine the best treatments for you
including therapeutic, deep, hot rock massages, paraffin treatments, volcanic mud wraps, reflexology, chakra balancing and more.
Your package includes the consultation and 8 hours of spa services during your stay.
Nutrition/Lodging: You will enjoy farm fresh foods. We offer low carbohydrate, vegetarian, gluten free, vegan meal options. We
produce our own eggs, chickens, milk products and many fruits and vegetables. Cabins are well equipped with private bathrooms,
hot showers, comfortable beds, fine linen, Coffee makers, microwaves all with amazing views of jungle and the volcano. There is
WiFi at the one-site Lava Lizard Restaurant. Go to the Leaves and Lizards website for lodging information.
Guide Services: Horseback trips will be professionally guided by a bilingual naturalist guide. Spot monkeys, birds, sloths and learn
about the flora and fauna of Costa Rica.
Included: accommodation, 8 hours of spa services, meals, all workshop tuition,
guide services and riding. Private Sessions with Dr. Berne are an extra fee.
$2950/person/double occupancy (space is limited)
Single supplement $800 for private lodging
Go to www.leavesandlizards.com for more information.
Extra nights available, there is much to see and do in the area. The special
nightly rate for a cabin is $150/night plus 13% tax and includes breakfast /
double occupancy.
Not included: flights, airport transfers and tips.
Recent Participant Testimonial:
“I live in a corporate world, in the city, where it is incredibly hard to keep your head in touch with your heart. That
reconnection is what the Eponaquest experience enables, plus so much more.
The other words I must use here are Authentic Community - such a rare thing to find these days - which the incredible
leaders Shelley, Debbie and Nancy created together with the horses. Trust, mutual respect, understanding, support
and connection follow such authenticity. Fun and laughter do too of course! What a huge relief and weight off my
shoulders to be in this authentic environment and to be free to be me. And accepted just the way I am.
That is truly a rare gift and I wish everyone had the chance to experience it.
When my horse, Beauty, picked me (yes I was selected by my horse rather than the other way around!) it was an
incredibly moving experience. To know that this beautiful, powerful, noble animal actually wanted to work with me
was like being given a precious gift of trust, connection and validation. The understanding, unconditional love and
support she gave me throughout the whole workshop was the most moving experience of my life - all the more so as it
was freely and willingly given, with no expectation of anything in return.
She also taught me some tough life lessons: to stand in my own power (in fact to be aware of where and what my
power and life force is in the first place), to maintain boundaries, to know when I am being true to myself.....a horse
(so I have learned) will react like a mirror to your energy and to where your attention and thoughts are. As she is a
horse, I really couldn't blame her reactions to me and what I was doing on anyone else, or use any other typical human
excuses - which meant I didn't get away with anything as she called me out immediately with her reaction, so I
learned about myself and my impact on others extraordinarily fast.
I have done many personal development, team building and leadership exercises in a corporate or business school
setting and can honestly say that nothing is a patch on this. Talk about fast-track to self-awareness, clarity and truth!
The horses are extraordinarily genuine, compassionate and giving - their interaction with me brought out feelings I
had not expected to surface and I worked through blocks and identified barriers I didn't even know were
there. Working with the horses in the group dynamic was also a fascinating mirror to how I show up in other life
situations.
Horses really do give you what you need, rather than what you think you want. This is their most powerful lesson as
so often we focus on what we think we want and ignore what we actually really need to grow. So we end up just
surviving, rather than thriving. That was a big lesson for me.
With all my basic needs being met at Leaves and Lizards (actually more than met with blissful comfort, fabulous
food, inclusive, genuinely friendly atmosphere and ooh! the spa treatments, let alone the views and the volcano!) I
was in such a wonderful safe and nourishing place, leaving me free to experience, explore and learn from a totally
different perspective.
All I can say is what an opportunity and what an enriching, empowering and life-changing experience! The whole
group (a diverse mix, many with little or no horse experience) felt the same.
If you are at all interested in learning, positive growth, action and solutions, to feel that you are moving forward, to
find clarity and identify things swiftly, to expose and examine your real truth and how you show up in the world, all
in an authentic, non-threatening, supportive and quite literally heart-warming place then this experience is a must for
you.
Authenticity is hard to find, I found it here.”
To register contact Deborah at Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat
[email protected]
Call: 1-888-828-9245 OR 1-866-860-7613 for more information.
A 50% deposit is required to secure your place in the workshop. The remainder is due 60 days before the event. We can offer a refund for
Cancellations > 60 days before the event, less a 20% processing fee. Cancellations < 60 day we cannot offer a refund.