This three-week immersive horsemanship retreat is an invitation to step out of urgency and into relationship — with horses, with nature, and with yourself.
Set in the Latvian countryside, the experience is rooted in calm, observation, and honest connection. There is no pressure to perform, no fixed idea of progress. Instead, days unfold around the rhythms of the horses: grooming, groundwork, movement, rest, and shared silence. You will learn to listen — with your body, your breath, and your attention.
The retreat can be joined solo, as a deeply personal journey, or shared by two people who wish to experience this time together. Couples, close friends, or a parent and teen (recommended 12+) are welcome to join side by side, learning from the same horses while moving at their own pace within the shared container.
No prior horsemanship philosophy is required. Riding experience is helpful but not essential; what matters most is curiosity, respect, and a willingness to slow down.
This retreat takes place in a holistic heart-space designed for recharging, grounding, and creative renewal. It is a deep dive into a sanctuary I have created here — in the middle of nowhere, which has become very much somewhere.
You are invited to experience a different way of being with horses — beyond riding — rooted in relationship, trust, and mutual respect.
“When all the needs of the horses are met, we can begin to talk about interacting with horses in an authentic way.
When we realise the need for the horse to become a willing participant in a relationship, we can begin the path towards true partnership.
Ask yourself not what the horse may do for you, but what we can offer to the horse.”
— Laima
Our horses are cared for through a gentle, preventative approach that prioritises balance, observation, and natural wellbeing.
Balanced nutrition
Horses receive high-quality hay and oat straw in slow-feeding nets to support healthy digestion. Diets are individually balanced with natural minerals and supplements.
Natural deworming & detox cycles
We work with natural herbal protocols, aligned with lunar cycles, supporting the horses’ systems gently and preventatively.
Calm, clean environment
Horses live in small, stable groups where they can move, rest, and interact naturally. Daily routines prioritise hygiene, airflow, and emotional balance.
Observation as prevention
Through daily presence, we learn to notice subtle changes — appetite, posture, mood, movement — and respond before imbalance develops.
This approach creates a peaceful, trusting herd. By participating in daily care, students learn how thoughtful management prevents many of the issues common in conventional stables.
Included are 5 individual lessons per week, alongside observations and free time spent with the herd throughout the day.
Possible topics include:
Communication through body language, breath, and intention
Intrinsic motivation and movement science
Liberty training
Training for relaxation and nervous system balance
Groundwork exercises
All sessions are horse-led and horse-centred, adapting to both your level and the needs of each horse.
Read the story of each horse in our blog here.
This is not work in a traditional sense, and there are no performance expectations. Instead, it is an invitation to slow down, observe, and learn through presence — becoming familiar with the rhythm of the herd and the subtle language of horses.
Depending on the day, the season, and the needs of the horses, this time may include:
Walking the herd to their large paddock and accompanying them across the open landscape
Spending quiet time with the herd in wide, open pasture, observing interactions and social dynamics
Simple grooming and body care
Practicing calm, mindful hoof picking
Working gently with sure-foot pads to support balance and body awareness
Standing, breathing, and being — allowing trust to form without agenda
Participation is adapted to your experience level and physical capacity, and no prior horse knowledge is required. Over time, this daily contact creates a sense of familiarity and ease — both for you and for the horses.
Through daily care you learn:
Rhythm and consistency — horses thrive on predictable, calm routines
Confidence through repetition — your body language softens and clarity emerges
Belonging — over time, you are no longer an observer, but part of the herd’s daily life
9:00-10:00 Morning horse care
Lunch and rest / personal reflection / you may add optional pottery lessons
14:00-15:00 Afternoon individual lesson (5x individual sessions per week)
Private room in our family home (bedding, towels, Wi-Fi included)
15 individual horsemanship lessons over 3 weeks
Daily access to the herd and learning environment
There is a shared kitchen for self-catering, as well as several excellent cafés and restaurants within 5–20 minutes by car.
A rental car is recommended, as we are 7 km from the nearest shop. However, it is possible to manage with public transport, occasional taxis, or shared grocery trips with us to local town Bauska.
Read travel and arrival tips here>
• Adults seeking deeper connection and understanding of horses
• Artists or creatives seeking grounding time in nature
• Students of horsemanship or equine studies
• Beginners welcome with open mind and physical readiness
• Confidence and skill in horse handling and groundwork
• Understanding of horse psychology and herd behavior
• Experience in stable management and horse care
• Self-awareness through mindful interaction with horses
When
This retreat is offered between September and May. Dates are arranged individually — please get in touch to enquire about availability.
Where
The retreat takes place at my paddock-paradise farm in the Latvian countryside next the pottery studio, approximately 1 hour from RIX airport.
By Whom
The retreat is led by me, Laima Piliņa — training horses and being trained by horses since 2016. The work here is shaped by lived experience, long-term relationships with the herd, and a listening-based approach to horsemanship.
Pricing Structure
Solo Immersive Experience
Total €2,700 per person
Includes full 3-week retreat, private accommodation
Deposit: €900
Final payment: €1,800
Shared Immersive Experience (2 Participants)
For couples, two friends, or parent + teen (recommended age 12+)
Shared Accommodation
€2,200 per person ( €4,400 total )
Includes full retreat participation for both guests, shared accommodation (double bed 140cm), and all sessions.
Private Sleeping Arrangement (where available)
€2,450 per person ( €4,900 total )
Includes full retreat participation with separate beds or rooms, depending on availability.
Deposit: €900 per person
Final payment: balance due before arrival
If you feel drawn to this experience, please write to laimaceramics@gmail.com and include:
a short note about your previous experience with horses
your intentions, goals, or questions for this retreat
If it feels like a good mutual fit, you’ll receive confirmation and be invited to reserve your place.
Full reservation terms are available via the Terms & Conditions page.
You’re welcome to follow along on @laimaceramics to get a feel for the rhythm of the place and the herd.
This three-week immersive horsemanship retreat is an invitation to step out of urgency and into relationship — with horses, with nature, and with yourself.
Set in the Latvian countryside, the experience is rooted in calm, observation, and honest connection. There is no pressure to perform, no fixed idea of progress. Instead, days unfold around the rhythms of the horses: grooming, groundwork, movement, rest, and shared silence. You will learn to listen — with your body, your breath, and your attention.
The retreat can be joined solo, as a deeply personal journey, or shared by two people who wish to experience this time together. Couples, close friends, or a parent and teen (recommended 12+) are welcome to join side by side, learning from the same horses while moving at their own pace within the shared container.
No prior horsemanship philosophy is required. Riding experience is helpful but not essential; what matters most is curiosity, respect, and a willingness to slow down.
This retreat takes place in a holistic heart-space designed for recharging, grounding, and creative renewal. It is a deep dive into a sanctuary I have created here — in the middle of nowhere, which has become very much somewhere.
You are invited to experience a different way of being with horses — beyond riding — rooted in relationship, trust, and mutual respect.
“When all the needs of the horses are met, we can begin to talk about interacting with horses in an authentic way.
When we realise the need for the horse to become a willing participant in a relationship, we can begin the path towards true partnership.
Ask yourself not what the horse may do for you, but what we can offer to the horse.”
— Laima
Our horses are cared for through a gentle, preventative approach that prioritises balance, observation, and natural wellbeing.
Balanced nutrition
Horses receive high-quality hay and oat straw in slow-feeding nets to support healthy digestion. Diets are individually balanced with natural minerals and supplements.
Natural deworming & detox cycles
We work with natural herbal protocols, aligned with lunar cycles, supporting the horses’ systems gently and preventatively.
Calm, clean environment
Horses live in small, stable groups where they can move, rest, and interact naturally. Daily routines prioritise hygiene, airflow, and emotional balance.
Observation as prevention
Through daily presence, we learn to notice subtle changes — appetite, posture, mood, movement — and respond before imbalance develops.
This approach creates a peaceful, trusting herd. By participating in daily care, students learn how thoughtful management prevents many of the issues common in conventional stables.
Included are 5 individual lessons per week, alongside observations and free time spent with the herd throughout the day.
Possible topics include:
Communication through body language, breath, and intention
Intrinsic motivation and movement science
Liberty training
Training for relaxation and nervous system balance
Groundwork exercises
All sessions are horse-led and horse-centred, adapting to both your level and the needs of each horse.
Read the story of each horse in our blog here.
This is not work in a traditional sense, and there are no performance expectations. Instead, it is an invitation to slow down, observe, and learn through presence — becoming familiar with the rhythm of the herd and the subtle language of horses.
Depending on the day, the season, and the needs of the horses, this time may include:
Walking the herd to their large paddock and accompanying them across the open landscape
Spending quiet time with the herd in wide, open pasture, observing interactions and social dynamics
Simple grooming and body care
Practicing calm, mindful hoof picking
Working gently with sure-foot pads to support balance and body awareness
Standing, breathing, and being — allowing trust to form without agenda
Participation is adapted to your experience level and physical capacity, and no prior horse knowledge is required. Over time, this daily contact creates a sense of familiarity and ease — both for you and for the horses.
Through daily care you learn:
Rhythm and consistency — horses thrive on predictable, calm routines
Confidence through repetition — your body language softens and clarity emerges
Belonging — over time, you are no longer an observer, but part of the herd’s daily life
9:00-10:00 Morning horse care
Lunch and rest / personal reflection / you may add optional pottery lessons
14:00-15:00 Afternoon individual lesson (5x individual sessions per week)
Private room in our family home (bedding, towels, Wi-Fi included)
15 individual horsemanship lessons over 3 weeks
Daily access to the herd and learning environment
There is a shared kitchen for self-catering, as well as several excellent cafés and restaurants within 5–20 minutes by car.
A rental car is recommended, as we are 7 km from the nearest shop. However, it is possible to manage with public transport, occasional taxis, or shared grocery trips with us to local town Bauska.
Read travel and arrival tips here>
• Adults seeking deeper connection and understanding of horses
• Artists or creatives seeking grounding time in nature
• Students of horsemanship or equine studies
• Beginners welcome with open mind and physical readiness
• Confidence and skill in horse handling and groundwork
• Understanding of horse psychology and herd behavior
• Experience in stable management and horse care
• Self-awareness through mindful interaction with horses
When
This retreat is offered between September and May. Dates are arranged individually — please get in touch to enquire about availability.
Where
The retreat takes place at my paddock-paradise farm in the Latvian countryside next the pottery studio, approximately 1 hour from RIX airport.
By Whom
The retreat is led by me, Laima Piliņa — training horses and being trained by horses since 2016. The work here is shaped by lived experience, long-term relationships with the herd, and a listening-based approach to horsemanship.
Pricing Structure
Solo Immersive Experience
Total €2,700 per person
Includes full 3-week retreat, private accommodation
Deposit: €900
Final payment: €1,800
Shared Immersive Experience (2 Participants)
For couples, two friends, or parent + teen (recommended age 12+)
Shared Accommodation
€2,200 per person ( €4,400 total )
Includes full retreat participation for both guests, shared accommodation (double bed 140cm), and all sessions.
Private Sleeping Arrangement (where available)
€2,450 per person ( €4,900 total )
Includes full retreat participation with separate beds or rooms, depending on availability.
Deposit: €900 per person
Final payment: balance due before arrival
If you feel drawn to this experience, please write to laimaceramics@gmail.com and include:
a short note about your previous experience with horses
your intentions, goals, or questions for this retreat
If it feels like a good mutual fit, you’ll receive confirmation and be invited to reserve your place.
Full reservation terms are available via the Terms & Conditions page.
You’re welcome to follow along on @laimaceramics to get a feel for the rhythm of the place and the herd.
