Picture of horse ears and eyes. Connection And Synergy logo and Be Heard, Be Seen.

Brave Connections

An Equine Gestalt Retreat for Parents of Children Who Live with Seizures

You’ve carried so much. It’s time to reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with peace.

You’re living in survival mode.

Young horses playingOne moment, everything’s fine. The next, it’s not.

Whether it’s your child’s first seizure or their hundredth, you know what it’s like to watch, wait, and wonder. The ER visits. The medications. The alarms. The worry.
And through it all, you keep showing up.

But inside? You’re stretched thin. Tired. Worn down.
Maybe even invisible.

You’re not broken. You’re exhausted.
And you deserve a place to breathe.

Who This Retreat Is For

  • Parents of children (of any age) who live with seizures
  • Parents living in constant alert mode, carrying fear, guilt, or grief
  • Parents who feel emotionally dehydrated from years of giving without receiving
  • Parents longing for rest, reflection, and relief
  • Parents who know they need to take care of themselves — but never seem to have the space

This isn’t just a retreat – It’s a Turning Point.

woman and ponyIt’s a reset. A reconnection. A reclaiming.

Brave Connections is a unique Equine Gestalt retreat for parents of children (minors or adults) who live with seizures, epilepsy, or seizure-related disorders.

It’s a space where you are the priority. Where the pressure lifts. Where healing begins — in the company of horses, in the presence of others who understand, and in the quiet that’s been missing from your life.

I Know This Journey — Because I’ve Lived It.

After 5½ years of caregiving for my husband through complex medical challenges, I thought I might finally rest.

But just three years later, our nearly 21-year-old son began experiencing seizures.

horse's eyeI know the terror, the grief, and the weight of being the one everyone leans on. I know what it’s like to live moment to moment, to function while emotionally flooded, and to lose pieces of yourself in the process.

This retreat isn’t theoretical. It’s deeply personal.
With the help of horses and the healing power of Equine Gestalt, I found my way back to myself — and now I offer that same path to you.

Need to talk it out? I get it.

This isn’t just a weekend — it’s an emotional investment. Let’s chat and see if this retreat supports what you need most right now.

Why Horses? Why Equine Gestalt?

Horses are masters of truth and presence. They don’t judge. They don’t ask questions.
They simply reflect the parts of us that are most in need of healing.

Equine Gestalt is a somatic, experiential process that combines emotional coaching with the intuitive presence of horses. It offers deep release, profound insight, and true reconnection.

  • No riding involved
  • No horse experience necessary
  • All work is done safely on the ground
  • Closed-toe shoes required (no Crocs or sandals)

What’s Included

Equine Gestalt SessionEquine Gestalt Sessions
Let go of what you’ve been carrying. Reconnect with your truth. Feel the healing presence of horses beside you.

Parent-to-Parent Connection Circles
No explaining. No judgment. Just deep conversations and shared understanding with others who truly get it.

Space to Rest & Restore
Enjoy unstructured time to journal, nap, or simply be.

Creative & Grounding Activities
Gentle practices like mindful movement, mandala creation, and guided meditation help integrate the healing.

Delicious Meals & Beautiful Views
Wholesome, nourishing meals provided onsite — with plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful scenery of Serenity Ranch. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions.

Retreat Details

Horses in pastureDates: April 10-12, 2026
Location: Serenity Ranch, Oskaloosa, Kansas
(Full address and directions will be emailed upon registration.)
Lodging: Shared double-occupancy rooms included
Meals: All meals, snacks, and beverages included
Group Size: Intimate, limited to 6 participants

Not sure yet?

Rooming Information & Optional Upgrade

ranch houseAll accommodations are double occupancy to encourage connection and shared support. If you’d prefer your own room, a single occupancy upgrade is available for an additional $222, subject to availability.

Let us know during registration if you’re interested in upgrading to a private room.

Investment

$1,111 per participant
Includes lodging, meals, materials, and all retreat sessions.

Deposit: $333 due at registration
Balance: Due 14 days before the retreat
Payment Plans Available: For details, please contact us SusanB@ConnectionAndSynergy.com.

Reserve Your Spot

Space is extremely limited to just 6 participants.
We keep the group size small to ensure safety, connection, and individualized attention.

Schedule a brief call to ensure this retreat is a good fit — and to prepare you for a life-giving weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: I’m not sure I can leave my child, even for a weekend.

A: We understand completely. As a parent of a child with seizures, stepping away can feel impossible — or even selfish. But the truth is: if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of them. This retreat provides an opportunity to refuel both emotionally and physically, enabling you to return stronger and steadier.

Q: What if I don’t know anyone? I’m nervous I won’t fit in.

A: Everyone attending this retreat is walking a version of your path. Whether your child is a toddler or in their 30s, you’ll be among people who get it. We keep the group small and intimate — just 6 people — so you’ll never feel like a number. You’ll feel seen, heard, and held.

Q: What is Equine Gestalt? Will I have to ride?

A: Equine Gestalt is not about riding — it’s about emotional healing through connection with horses. You won’t be asked to get on a horse. You don’t need any prior experience. You’ll simply be in their presence and guided in gentle, powerful experiences designed to help you reconnect with yourself.

Q: It sounds amazing, but I just can’t afford it.

A: We’ve kept this retreat as affordable as possible and offer a payment plan to help. If cost is the only thing holding you back, please reach out — we’re happy to talk through options. We know you’re used to investing everything in your child’s care. This is your chance to invest in yourself — and it matters.

Q: What if I get emotional? I’m afraid I’ll lose it.

A: This space was built for real feelings. You won’t be judged, rushed, or silenced here. Whether you cry, sit in silence, or laugh unexpectedly — you’ll be surrounded by understanding. The horses and the humans here hold space for the full truth of your experience.

Q: What if the timing just isn’t right?

A: There’s rarely a perfect time — especially when you’re in survival mode. But if you wait until life calms down, you may wait forever. Give yourself permission to press pause. One weekend can shift everything.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Equine Gestalt sessionWe understand that life as a caregiver is unpredictable. That’s why we offer a flexible cancellation policy:

  • Cancel 30+ days prior: Full refund minus $50 admin fee
  • Cancel 15–29 days prior: 50% refund of total fee
  • Cancel within 14 days: No refund, unless your spot is filled from our waitlist

We strongly recommend trip insurance to protect your investment.

You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup.

You’ve given so much to everyone else.
It’s time to give something to you.

Brave Connections will help you rediscover your strength, your peace, and your truth — one breath, one step, one horse at a time.

Questions?

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