Thrilled to announce that bookings are now open for our 2025 ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’ Retreat in Alberta Canada!
Hosted by yours truly and equine-assisted facilitator Debbie Draves-Legg, this retreat takes place in Alberta wild horse country! Join me to experience (and photograph) the stunning wild horses of Alberta, and enjoy transformative sessions with Debbie Draves-Legg, partnering with the lodge’s domestic horses. This retreat supports the wonderful work of ‘Help Alberta Wildies Society, dedicated to the protection of the magnificent wild horses in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Kindred spirits join each year in a stunning wilderness landscape, with horses as our teachers. ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’ feeds your soul and leads to lifelong friendships. This retreat is for all fitness levels. No photographic experience or experience with horses required. There are two sessions, April 28th-May4th 2025 and May 5-May 11th 2025. Limited to 10 guests per session. To book your spot, please click here.
Some testimonials:
“If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime then this is for you.
I am not sure what I expected. I certainly traveled a long way for the adventure, and from the moment I joined the group of like-minded individuals, it was supportive yet challenging.
My anticipation before going was focused mainly on seeing the wild
horses of Alberta in the landscape, having the ability to breathe in that awe-inspiring wilderness they accommodate.
In addition to the time spent with the wild horses in the backcountry, the time spent exploring our wilderness within using equine-assisted learning rocked my soul. I discovered the profound realities of my being and learned how my ego needed to listen to my soul more. I am still working on that. The exposure of being with the wild horses enabled me to engage in self-awareness, consider the interconnectedness of myself, the group, and the wild horses, and strive for natural balance.
Around the enormity of the experience, the accommodation, food, and environment. Debbie and Sandy provided comfort and sustenance in abundance. Enjoy.”
Lynn Prendergast '24
United Kingdom
Wonderful guests at ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’ Alberta equine wilderness retreat 2024
“A bucket list experience! We photographed one of the world’s most beautiful animals, the wild horse, with master photographer, Sandy Sharkey.
We connected with the gentle giants at the Lodge at Panther River with equine therapy guru, Deborah Draves-Legg.
We shared experiences and laughs with new friends from around the world in one of the most spectacular mountain settings of the Alberta Rocky Mountains.”
I loved this retreat so much that I came back a second time!
Carol Byler, Cochrane, Alberta '24
Experiencing the wild horses of Alberta at ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’ 2024
A pair of bonded wild horses (photographed with long lens) in the Alberta wilderness
“My time with Eponicity was incredible. The experience of allowing a horse to share his soul and to show me what I needed was one of the most profound moments of my life. Deborah's wisdom and experience provided the space and support to allow that horse-human bond to speak for itself. I cannot thank her enough.
Spending a week with Sandy Sharkey was an incredible privilege. Sandy is a world-class photographer who gave us a real insight into her huge knowledge and compassion for the struggles facing the wild horses of Alberta. It was so humbling to witness her commitment and dedication to saving these beautiful wildies and protecting their right to be free to live in their wild spaces without fear or disturbance from human activities.
Both Deborah and Sandy worked incredibly hard sharing their love and respect for horses. They gave us unlimited access to their knowledge and experience They never stopped giving! They were always helping, teaching, and supporting us. I cannot thank them enough.
The interactions and insights I discovered by being with horses were made all the more exciting and memorable because of the group of people around me. I spent time with the most fantastic women! We shared, we laughed, we cried and we supported each other throughout the process of digging deep into our lives and facing the challenges. I have made friends for life.
The Lodge at Panther River was the perfect place for this retreat. It was in beautiful surroundings and hosted by the most generous and hard-working people. Jessica and her team made sure we wanted for nothing. The food was beautiful and delicious. We all asked for the recipes. Even my need for several mugs of tea every day was greeted with kindness and humor.....and several mugs of tea!
The retreat with Eponicity was life-changing because of the access we had to the way of the horse, the laughter we shared, and the opportunity we shall continue to share in supporting the wild horses and their environment.
A retreat with Eponicity is magical. I went halfway around the world to take part and came home with more than I ever expected.
Huge hugs and thanks for your incredible hard work.”
‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself’ guest Rachel Marramo , U.K.
‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself 2024 guests with Darrell, Barb and Carmela of ‘Help Alberta Wildies Society’, and rescued Alberta wild horses Dusk and Cheyenne
Mel Rowe, advocate for Australian brumbies and founder of Australian Brumby , at ‘Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself 2024 in Alberta :
“Through my passion for horses and being a voice for our wild horses I recently travelled to Alberta Canada to attend a retreat: ‘finding wild horses finding yourself’.
It was a perfect blend of Photographing wild horses with Sandy Sharkey and equine facilitated learning with Deborah Draves Legg in the stunning Clearwater region.
To express in words, my experience - Life changing… I have a better understanding about my relationship with my horses and the life of wild horses.
I could not recommend the retreat highly enough.”
“When looking for a way to celebrate my retirement from a long real estate career, I happened upon the most perfect of adventures.
Find Wild Horses, Find Yourself was a way to do something solely for myself and learn about photographing beautiful Canadian Wildies, and be the student in Equine Facilitated Learning, something I am certified in.
The combination was wonderful, and meeting wonderful women from all over was perfect. The lodge, food, surroundings…. laughter and tears….., and the northern lights….. each day packed with the most fun kind of learning.
Sandy and Deb provided individual inspiration for each of us, and the combination of being with domesticated horses and wild ones was simply amazing. I feel I have made new friends and memories that I will cherish forever.
Already looking forward to another opportunity to do this again!
Susan Allan - '24
Willaway Farm Inc., Ontario, CA
A stunning wild Alberta stallion!