Thursday April 30, 2026 - Sun May 3, 2026 | Malibu Dream Resort + Shakti Ranch

Healing with Horses: A Grief Retreat

Rooted in Somatic Wisdom, Stillness, and Soulful Connection

SAVE YOUR SPOT NOW

THURSDAY APRIL 30, 2026 - SUN MAY 3, 2026

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MALIBU DREAM RESORT + SHAKTI RANCH

THURSDAY APRIL 30, 2026 - SUN MAY 3, 2026 ✴ MALIBU DREAM RESORT + SHAKTI RANCH

Come home to yourself in Malibu

HEAL WITH HORSES, GRIEF SUPPORT, AND SOUL-NOURISHING CONNECTION.

Nestled between the golden hills and ocean breeze, this intimate retreat is a sacred space to tend to your grief with care, curiosity, and compassion. Through equine-assisted learning, group support, somatic practices, and stillness, you’ll be invited to soften, exhale, and gently reconnect with the parts of yourself that have long been carrying pain.

This is not a wellness escape—it’s a grief-centered retreat led by seasoned therapists and trauma-informed facilitators who deeply understand the layers of loss, love, and longing. With the intuitive wisdom of horses and a supportive circle of kindred spirits, you’ll be guided through a process of honoring what’s been lost and making room for what wants to emerge.

Whether you’re moving through recent heartbreak or carrying the weight of long-held sorrow, you belong here. This retreat is an invitation to grieve freely, rest deeply, and remember that healing is possible—in the body, in community, and in the quiet rhythm of the herd.

Now booking for 2026!
Thursday April 30, 2026 - Sun May 3, 2026 | Malibu Dream Resort + Shakti Ranch

SAVE YOUR SPOT NOW

Who this retreat is for

This retreat is lovingly designed for you if:

  • You’ve lost a parent, child, partner, or someone deeply significant—and feel like the world kept spinning while you were left holding the ache.

  • You identify as a Motherless Daughter and are seeking space to process that loss in the company of others who understand.

  • You’ve been feeling stuck in your grief—numb, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward.

  • You long for somatic, body-based healing beyond talk therapy.

  • You’re carrying childhood wounds that still echo through your nervous system, relationships, or sense of self.

  • You crave meaningful connection—with others, with nature, and with yourself.

  • You’re curious about the healing power of horses, even if you’ve never worked with them before.

  • You’re ready for a supported pause… a moment to soften, breathe, and begin again.

No prior experience with therapy or horses is required. Just bring your grief, your tenderness, and your truth. We’ll meet you there.

Meet Your Hosts

  • Angela Schellenberg

    THERAPIST & LEAD FACILITATOR
    angelaschellenberg.com

    Angela is a trauma and grief therapist, Mother Hunger® facilitator, and equine therapy practitioner. With a background shaped by personal loss and deep clinical training, she creates spaces where healing feels not only possible—but sacred. Her gift lies in gently guiding others back to themselves, through the body, through story, and through the intuitive wisdom of the herd.

  • Claire Bidwell Smith

    GUEST FACILITATOR – GRIEF THERAPIST & AUTHOR
    clairebidwellsmith.com

    Claire is a renowned grief therapist and author whose work has supported thousands through the complex landscape of loss. With compassion, clarity, and soulful presence, Claire helps participants explore the emotional and spiritual layers of grief with honesty and grace.

  • Rose Mary Riggs

    EQUINE FACILITATOR – SHAKTI RANCH
    shaktiranch.com

    Rose Mary is the founder of Shakti Ranch and a gifted equine facilitator. Her connection with the horses—and her deep understanding of their intuitive power—creates an environment where healing unfolds in ways words often cannot reach. She guides with grounded energy, humor, and a fierce reverence for the human–horse bond.

  • Ace Yoga LA

    YOGA & SOUND BATH FACILITATOR
    aceyogala.com

    Ace brings healing through breath, movement, and vibration. Her yoga and sound bath sessions are trauma-informed and deeply restorative—an invitation to settle the nervous system and reconnect with the present moment.

  • Alexis Kimball

    ADOPTION GRIEF LOSS & EMDR THERAPIST
    alexiskimball.com

    Alexis is a trauma-informed therapist and coach specializing in the unique experiences of transracial adoptees. Drawing from her own journey as a Black adoptee raised in predominantly white spaces, she offers a holistic, attachment-based approach that honors the complexities of identity, belonging, and healing. Through EMDR, somatic practices, and soulful connection, Alexis helps clients reclaim their voice and integrate all parts of themselves.

  • Emma Barnosky

    EQUINE FACILITATOR & SOMATIC PRACTITIONER
    emmabarnosky.com

    Emma is a certified Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator and somatic practitioner whose work bridges science, spirituality, and the healing power of the horse-human bond. With a deep understanding of how trauma disrupts connection, she helps clients regulate their nervous systems and rebuild trust in relationship—without needing to retell their story. Alongside her equine co-facilitators, Emma offers experiential sessions that invite safety, presence, and a return to authentic connection.

  • Angel Rae Okino

    GUEST FACILITATOR – Certified Somatic Facilitator & Coach
    https://www.raeokino.com/

    Rae Okino is a holistic wellness practitioner specializing as a Certified Somatic Coach & Facilitator, Reiki & Qi Gong Master, Sound Healer, and Laughter Therapist.

    Through these modalities, Rae promotes balance, healing, and self-discovery for those seeking embodied living and nervous system regulation.

What’s included

EVERYTHING IN THIS RETREAT HAS BEEN LOVINGLY CURATED TO SUPPORT YOUR HEALING—BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT.

3 nights at the serene Malibu Dream Resort
Nestled in the hills with views of the Pacific and space to exhale.

5 hours of equine-assisted learning
Guided by trained facilitators and the intuitive wisdom of the herd.

Daily group grief sessions
Held with care, clinical expertise, and a commitment to honoring your truth.

Yoga + sound bath sessions
To settle your nervous system and bring your body into the healing process.

Chef-prepared meals
Nourishing, seasonal, and soul-soothing—with dietary accommodations available.

Optional bodywork & energy healing (additional cost)
Massage, reiki, and other healing sessions available for deeper integration.

Please note: If you’re not comfortable being photographed, we lovingly suggest you wait for a future retreat.

  • Jennie

    “I’ve done decades of talk therapy — I’m a therapist myself — but the level of change I noticed in my body and nervous system after this retreat was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

    I came home with a new ability to show up for myself, to hold my own goodness and power. The somatic shifts were life-changing. I never knew I could feel this much not alone — to grieve in this way, in community, and in connection. Knowing that kind of healing is possible has changed everything.”

  • Jayne

    “The retreat just was… I can’t even — Angela, I want to help you tell everybody about it, and I’m still trying to find all the right words because even when you say life-changing, that doesn’t quite do justice to what we experienced.”

  • Jen

    “The retreat was amazing. I’ve never done a retreat like that ever. It was awesome — awesome doesn’t even… I have no words for it, really. It’s still unfolding.”

  • Jessica

    “I feel like I know you all on such a different level. My heart is choked up — in the best possible ways. These are some of the best human beings I’ve ever gotten to know.”

  • Alexis

    “It was so nice to be with everybody and in the same space — it felt so good. It was such a high. And then getting home, it was just kind of like splat on the couch — ups and downs. But now I’m starting to get excited about the next one. It was amazing to be with everyone, and I can’t wait for us to be in the same space again and connected.”

ACCOMODATIONS

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ACCOMODATIONS ✴

Let’s talk accomodations

Your stay at the Malibu Dream Resort is designed to be a retreat within a retreat—a space where you can truly rest, restore, and be held.

Every room is thoughtfully appointed with cozy linens, tranquil views, and touches of luxury to help you unwind after a day of deep emotional work and healing.

  • 7 serene rooms with king-sized beds

  • Shared accommodations available (some rooms sleep 2–3 guests comfortably)

  • No one will share a bed

  • High-end rollaway beds available by request to support shared rooms

Whether you're gazing at the sunset from your window, journaling in quiet corners, or sipping tea under the stars—this is a place where your nervous system can finally exhale.

Let your room be part of your healing: soft, safe, and wholly yours.

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The total amount for the retreat is $5,500.

We know that investing in your healing is a meaningful decision, and we’ve structured our payment options to offer flexibility and ease.

Deposit:

  • A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.

  • The remaining balance can be paid in full or split into monthly payments.

Payment Options:
1. Pay in full
2. Pay deposit + monthly plan through Stripe
3. Choose private room upgrade during checkout

Final payment due by: April 2nd, 2025

Payment
& Refund Policy

  • Pay in full

    Secure your spot now and have your retreat fully paid.

    No additional invoices or steps.

    PAY IN FULL

  • Standard Payment Plan

    Ideal if you're joining early!

    $500 deposit to hold your spot.


    Then 5 monthly payments of $1,000 from November 2025 to March 2026.

    STANDARD PAYMENT PLAN

  • Condensed Payment Plan

    For those joining a little later!


    $500 deposit to hold your spot.


    Then 4 monthly payments of $1,250 from January to April 2026

    CONDENSED PAYMENT PLAN

Please note: Due to the nature of this retreat and limited capacity, absolutely no refunds will be offered for any reason. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance if needed. This sacred space is intimate by design. Your reservation helps us prepare accommodations, meals, and therapeutic support with great care.

  • Have Questions?

    Call us at (425)628-3354

  • Located in:

    Santa Monica, California

  • Business Hours:

    By appointment only:
    Monday - Saturday
    9am-3pm