Wednesday, October 16 - Sunday, October 20, 2024

Ages: 18+ years

Capacity: 10 participants

Tuition: $1,000 (base rate), $1,400 (restoration rate)*

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Ekone’s horses are not the “dude ranch” plug-and-play variety—you won’t just be a passenger on these rides, but an active partner learning, listening, and responding to your equine friend as we collaborate to explore as many miles of beautiful Ekone Ranch as we can cover in three days of riding!

 

Shonie and Jenna will provide active coaching to help set you and the horses up for the best connection and communication possible. We'll include some time engaging in horse observation, communication, bodywork, relaxation, and connective activities that are the foundation of a positive relationship.

 

We always prioritize the safety of riders and the wellbeing of our beloved horses. Depending on the skills of our riders and the needs and limits of the horses, we may or may not include speed in our rides—riders wishing to be considered for speed are asked to submit a video documenting their readiness, as we just don't have time to teach these advanced skills during the course of three days.

 

We will be using saddles for these rides, with some options for western or english saddles based on rider preference and saddle fit, and bareback riding possibilities for experienced riders. We provide helmets for all riders, and require riders to wear shoes/boots with smooth(ish) soles and a low heel.

 

Camp structure

• Arrival Wednesday between 4-6pm

• Lodging options include our open-floorplan shared bunkhouse, your own tent or vehicle, or hotels in Goldendale

• With 10 participants total, we’ll divide into two riding groups

• Each group of 5 will ride either in the morning or afternoon each day

• Participants will help with catching, grooming, and tacking horses

• Depending on how efficient we are, we expect rides to be 1-3 hours long

• When not with the horses, participants will be on their own to enjoy Ekone! Options include:

  • Hiking (we can provide a trail map and directions)

  • Reading by the pond

  • Your own art

  • Rope swings…you are not too old, promise!

  • Naps or other unwinding from your busy life

  • Solo sits by the canyon

  • Visiting Goldendale's world-class observatory

• You may also join the Ekone staff and volunteer team on projects of the day if you like. Those may include gardening, forestry, gravedigging, lodge cleaning, horse chores, etc.  

• One session will be spent in service to the horses, with massage, bodywork, and relaxation activities to thank them for their hard work

• Departure Sunday after lunch

• We will offer a simultaneous Personal Retreat Camp for folks who would like to spend relaxed time at Ekone without the riding part. Maybe your partner or friend would like to join?

• We obviously love kids but this time is for adults—participants must be 18+

• Of course, all meals are provided and will be delicious!

 

Requirements

• No riding experience is necessary, we have horses for all levels and we’re good teachers!

• Willingness to put safety and the well-being of the horses above the need for speed

• Appetite for adventure and beauty!

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*$1,000 base rate, $1,400 restoration rate, with 2 spaces offered at pay-what-you-can sliding scale for folks who would not otherwise have access to this experience, with a priority for BIPOC or other marginalized identities.

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Please contact us with any questions! shonie@ekone.org | 509.773.4536​

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