Return to the Wild Within
June 5 @ 3:00 pm - June 7 @ 12:00 pm
A 3-day small-group Alberta horse & nature retreat guided by Chantel White
June 5–7 | Riverside Acres Retreat Property
Just north of St. Albert, Alberta
No horse experience needed
By the river.
Under big skies.
Away from the noise.
There comes a point where more thinking doesn’t help.
You’ve read the books.
You understand your patterns.
You can explain why you react the way you do.
And yet… your body still feels tight.
Your mind still runs.
You still carry responsibility that doesn’t feel like it was ever fully chosen.
This weekend is not about learning more.
It’s about finally giving your system enough space to settle so you can hear yourself again.
What This Retreat Is (and isn’t)
Return to the Wild Within is a small-group immersive experience designed to help you slow down, reconnect to your body, and listen to your own inner clarity without constant pressure, noise, or performance.
This is not a workshop, therapy program, or lecture weekend. It’s a guided experiential retreat.
For three days, you step out of managing life and into:
nature
quiet
honest conversation
guided experiences with horses
No phone buzzing every five minutes.
No fixing yourself.
No pretending you’re fine.
Just room to breathe and notice what’s actually true for you. You are free to participate at your own pace the entire weekend.
Why Nature and Horses
This retreat is not about riding horses or learning horsemanship.
The herd simply creates an environment where honesty becomes easier.
Horses respond to presence — not your words, your role, or how well you explain yourself. Around them, people often notice, gently and quickly:
where they over-give
where they hold back
where they lose their voice
where they don’t trust themselves
I guide what you notice and help you understand how it connects to your real life — relationships, decisions, boundaries, and direction.
The horses don’t change your life.
Clarity does.
The Setting — Riverside Acres
We will gather at Riverside Acres, a peaceful 14-acre retreat property surrounded by trees, open sky, and river landscape.
Simple shared cabins
Outdoor shower & washrooms
Healthy, nourishing meals
Space to walk, sit, rest, or be quiet
The simplicity is intentional.
When the environment quiets, your nervous system does too.
Located approximately 30 minutes north of St. Albert or 20 minutes southeast of Westlock.
Detailed directions are sent after registration.
What the Weekend Looks Like
Arrival: Friday at 3:00 PM
Departure: Sunday at 12:00 PM
Friday — Settling In
Arrival, cabin setup, meeting the group and the land.
Gentle introduction to the herd.
The focus is on grounding and safety.
Saturday — Experiential Work
Guided time with the horses, reflection, and group conversation.
This is where people begin recognizing patterns they couldn’t see while inside daily life.
There is space between sessions for rest, walks, journaling, or quiet conversation.
Sunday — Integration & Closing
On the final morning, we shift into integration.
We close with a guided water ceremony led by Rev. DeeAnne Rose Hope Riendeau (Akashic practitioner and intuitive guide) to help you release what you’re finished carrying and leave grounded in what you’re stepping into next.
Who This Is For
This retreat is open to both women and men.
Group size is intentionally small (maximum 14) and participants are chosen carefully to maintain a respectful, grounded environment.
You may feel drawn if:
- You’ve done personal growth or therapy work already
• You understand your patterns but still feel them in your body
• You feel mentally aware but physically exhausted
• You overthink conversations or decisions
• You avoid necessary conversations
• You’re entering a transition or next chapter
• You sense what you need most right now is quiet and space
You do not need horse experience.
You do not need to consider yourself spiritual.
Only willingness and a bit of curiosity.
What People Often Leave With
- calmer nervous system
• clearer boundaries
• more confidence in decisions
• less rumination
• trust in their perception
• a sense of direction
Not motivation.
Clarity.
What’s Included
Your retreat experience includes:
• guided time with the herd (no riding required)
• facilitated group experiences with Chantel
• guided reflection and grounding practices
• drumming circle
• closing water ceremony for integration
• quiet time on the land and by the river
• small group circle conversations
• 2 nights shared cabin accommodations
• healthy, nourishing meals throughout the weekend
• a preparation email and packing list before arrival
You are not expected to perform, share more than you want, or have prior experience with horses or meditation.
Everything is guided and optional at your comfort level.
What past participants have shared
“It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders.”
— Patty
“It was freeing… like dancing in your living room when no one is watching.”
— Linda
Investment
Early Bird: $997 (until April 20)
Regular Price: $1,197
Limited to 14 participants.
Payment Options
- Pay in full
• 3 monthly payments of $333
• $250 non-refundable deposit to hold your space (balance due May 15)
A short call with Chantel is required before confirmation to ensure the group remains supportive and safe for everyone.
You might be wondering…Retreat FAQ
About Chantel White
Chantel White is a Wild Truth Mentor and the founder of Equine Reflection. She guides people in recognizing self-negotiation patterns and learning to live with greater clarity and self-trust. Through grounded conversation, small groups, and experiential work with horses, she helps participants carry insight into real-life relationships, decisions, and boundaries.
Interested?
If something in you feels a quiet pull toward this weekend, trust that.
Click below to join the interest list or schedule a short connection call.