In the Ribatejo region of Portugal steeped in history and only an hour from Lisbon airport, Quinta Carvalhas is a luxury farm stay and retreat centre offering state-of-the-art yoga studios and meditation spaces, farm-to-table nourishing food and transformative retreats including their specialism in equine therapy. Michelle Thomas, the visionary behind Quinta Carvalhas has created a sanctuary that blends modern luxury with a unique experience for body, mind and soul in beautiful surroundings.

This is where you can kick off your shoes when you arrive, come to breakfast in your pyjamas, and have the best sleep of your life in luxurious accommodation. Experience the service of a top hotel but with the feel of your favourite aunt’s country house.

Equine Therapy is a unique experience that incorporates horses for emotional healing. An emerging body of scientific evidence suggests that interacting with horses improves health and well-being bringing people and horses together for the sake of healing, wellness and self-discovery.

Studies show that people working with horses experience decreased blood pressure, lower stress levels, and reduced feelings of tension, anxiety, and anger. In addition, studies show you gain feelings of self-esteem, empowerment, patience, and trust. All in all, these are some very powerful results.

Horses are incredibly intuitive creatures, sensitive to the subtlest shifts in energy and emotion and they have an incredible ability to mirror our emotions, offering insights and fostering deep personal growth. When we open ourselves up to their presence, we can learn to communicate without words, forging a deep and meaningful connection.

Michelle commented, “As a teenager I spent so much time at stables, and just sitting in stables, with horses. My asthma always improved, and I somehow felt better from all the teenage angst after just hanging out with a horse. Then when I became a mother, I was looking for new therapies and solutions for my daughter who had ADD and other challenges, and time and again equine therapy was suggested. We tried it, and it was a game changer. Later as I trained to be a life coach and therapist I studied more about it. When we started creating this retreat centre, that was the first thing I was certain of as a therapy here. We acquired horses, and I started using my skills as a therapist with what I know about horse behaviour in sessions with clients. Horses are mirrors, and bring incredible insights and growth”.

During your stay at Quinta Carvalhas you can experience a guided equine therapy session that will help you to understand and connect with these magnificent creatures, promoting self-awareness and emotional healing.

Join the herd in the field for a free-flowing interactive experience. Connect with the horses through touch, matching breath and energy and let the sounds of nature and the peace of these gentle beings take you on a journey. Experience their energy as they mirror yours, will bring deeper insight into the way we are with others and ourselves.

In the personal development coaching session, the horse acts as a powerful mirror, reflecting your energy and giving direct feedback on your intentions in a non-judgmental way. You will be taken through a series of exercises allowing you to see yourself through the lens of the horse, which is incredibly healing and provides a fresh perspective on any life questions or challenges.

Whether you're new to horses or have loved them all your life, this experience will leave you feeling more grounded and in tune with yourself.

5 incredible benefits of horse interaction:

Soulful Connection: Imagine the serenity of connecting with a majestic horse. It's not just an interaction; it's a soul-to-soul connection. Through interactions with these majestic creatures, emotions find expression, fostering a deep sense of empathy and trust.

Stress Relief: The serene presence of horses and the rhythm of their movements create a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety. Their presence and gentle nature create an oasis of tranquility.Engaging with horses cultivates focus and mindfulness, offering a sanctuary from the chaos of daily life.

Self-Discovery: Horses are mirrors of our emotions and intentions. They help you explore your inner self, fostering self-awareness and growth. Learning to understand a horse's cues enhances non-verbal communication skills, vital in human interactions.

Trust and Empathy: Working with horses cultivates trust and empathy, essential skills for building deeper connections with others.

Empowerment: As you master the art of horse interaction, you'll feel a sense of empowerment that extends beyond the retreat, enriching your everyday life.

Equine therapy at Quinta Carvalhas can be experienced as part of their regular group wellness retreats or 1:1 as part of their build your own retreat package.

The 3 night build your own retreat package starts from €720 per person and includes accomodation and all meals.

Ends 

Victoria Watson – victoria@victoriajanewatson.com

Notes to Editors 

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