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This is a donkey gentling retreat (hence wild ass) and it will take place in the beautiful foothills of the Sierras known as Caliente, California (aka Twin Oaks).  You will stay inside the Lodge in shared bedrooms at Wild Horse Canyon part of the 1300 acre horse rescue ranch belonging to LIFESAVERS WILD HORSE RESCUE.  The Lodge has a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and 3 bedrooms with a total of 5 beds. TV and Wi-fi are also provided.

Your meals will be prepared by our support staff. They will create a menu that should satisfy everyone's taste. However, if you have dietary restrictions, please bring your own food as we cannot promise we will have your exact preferences. Beverages and snacks will be avalable throughout the day. 

 

 

The wild ass gentling activity will partner our guests with rescued juvenile donkeys in a round pen and you will have the opportunity to connect with one, hands-on, helping it learn to trust humans and preparing it for a life of domestication. This entire program consists of ground activities only.  There are NO riding opportunities. 

As you learn about the little donkey you are partnered with, you will also learn a lot about yourself. The gentling instructors will guide you while you make new discoveries within yourself that will give you a deeper understanding of your relationship with your donkey partner and others. This Gentling Journey is about horsemanship first and foremost, but don’t be surprised if you have a revelation or a light bulb moment that reaches beyond the round pen and straight to your soul.

It is important for our participants to know that our Gentling Journey is not Equine Assisted Therapy, or Life Coaching. It is not a Growth and Development program. It is a unique experience where you will connect your heart with an equine by learning “wild horse (donkey in this case) gentling” horsemanship and if you do have a life changing moment it was not planned by us. (Big Smile)

After a day of wild ass gentling you will wind down with some crafting in the lodge where you will create a vision board that will help you plan your future and create your dream-come-true. All activities are voluntary – you are not required to do any if you prefer not to. But we ask that when you participate – you put your whole heart into it.

 

There will be wine and beer (for those that partake) and non-alcoholic beverages available at dinner time. This is the best time to share experiences with each other and to work on your vision boards. At the end of the program, before check out, our Wild Ass Women will have the opportunity to share their completed board and the vision that inspired it. 

 

 

PLEASE ARRIVE Friday evening, September 27, 2024 BETWEEN 2PM & 5PM, to get settled and rested before the activities begin Saturday morning. Our last activity is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, September 29th, with the program concluding after lunch.

The fee for the retreat is $1295 and is limited to 8 participants. We will require a deposit of $500 to hold your space. If you cancel no later than 2 weeks prior to the retreat, we will refund your payment in full including the deposit.  Cancellations 2 weeks or less prior to the retreat will forfeit the $500 deposit and will be considered a tax deductible donation.

From Los Angeles area take the I-5 North to 14 Fwy North through Mojave.  Take Hwy 58 West about 30 miles toward Bakersfield.  Take the CALIENTE exit to the right. 

Stay on paved canyon road for 17 miles.  You will lose cell service when you pass the Post Office about 2 miles in.  At about 5 miles in you will come to a “Y” in the road – stay to the right heading down hill.  Watch for cattle and other wildlife in the road.

Nearing the 17 mile stretch you will see a sign that says “Welcome to Twin Oaks”.  Just ahead there is a red feed store on the left and a long line of mailboxes.  Turn left on this road – Sand Canyon Road.  Stay on it for 3 miles always following the general direction of the power poles until you reach the location address.

The address of Wild Horse Canyon is 35700 Sand Canyon Road, Caliente, California 93518, 661-865-6366,  lifesavers@wildhorserescue.org  Wi-fi will be available for you to make calls and emails - so bring your phone.

 

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