June 2, 2013 — If you are like most horsewomen, you spend your days helping others: feeding horses, cleaning stalls, caring for your family, taking care of any “critter’ who needs help and usually taking on way more than the average person. Why? Because you can, and you are “good at it. “ But who takes care of you?

Well, Colleen Cannon and Mary Ann Simonds have designed a retreat for the women who do too much and deserve a wonderful retreat surrounded by what nurtures her – the beautiful Rocky Mountains, the crystal river waters, the high mountain breeze blowing through the aspen trees, horses in all shapes, sizes and colors, healthy home-cooked food, music, yoga, massage, stress management tips and a community of sisterhood.

This retreat is designed to inspire your inner passion, allow you to “let go of stuff,” fill your soul with joy, help you find your purpose, work your body to feel good, teach you “Inner Rider” secrets about horses, deepen your connection to nature and create lasting friendships with some wonderful kindred spirits.

Only a few slots are left for this year’s Women’s Quest Horse Camp Adventure Vacation and Horsewomanship Retreat at Peaceful Valley Ranch outside of Estes Park, Colorado, Aug 12- 16, 2013. With over 800,000 acres of riding in the Roosevelt National Forest, you are sure to feel a sense of awe. Share a true Western-style chalet with a delightful group of like-minded women and the fabulous Women’s Quest staff. Enjoy delicious home-cooked meals prepared on site using local organics whenever possible.

All experience levels are welcome. Our specially qualified staff—led by renowned equine ecologist Mary Ann Simonds—will teach everything from horse-human communication to improved body and balance when riding. With a focus on Horsewomanship, you will learn how to apply the rhythms of life to your riding as well as your own life journey. Imagine what it would feel like to open your heart and allow the horse to be your teacher. You’ll learn to become more aware of your breath, your intention, and the calm, steady power of your center through Inner Rider exercises. With horses as our teachers, together we’ll learn to honor them and ourselves. When you leave this retreat, the first thing you’ll realize is that it will never leave you.

Cost is $1,900 and includes:

• The best riding Colorado has to offer with wonderful horses.

• Daily morning yoga class, including centering and breathing techniques.

* Lessons in Horse Behavior, Communication and Interaction.

• Riding lessons customized to you and your horse for better connection.

• Accommodations in an authentic mountain chalet, decorated with an old West flair.

• Three delicious, ranch-style meals per day, featuring local organic meats and produce, served in our own private dining lodge.

• Indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center on site.

* Ability to “let loose” without restraint and follow your heart.

• Immersion in nature, with plenty of time to play in the Rocky Mountains.

• Lots of laughter, friendship and relaxation.

For more information contact Women’s Quest or visit us at www.womensquest.com/retreats/horses.htm.

Mary Ann Simonds is an equestrian consultant and equine behavioral ecologist, as well as a speaker and an author. For the last 35 years, she has woven her passion for horses, nature, animals and people into various disciplines of consulting and educational practices. Her message is that life is a complex, constantly evolving system of relationships and humans are intimating connected. She loves sharing her wisdom and joy of horses and nature with others.

For more info visit maryannsimonds.com.

Colleen Cannon founded Women’s Quest in 1992 after a highly successful career as a professional triathlete. Motivated to share the confidence she developed through physical activity, Colleen continues to evolve adventures for Women’s Quest, delighting in ways to enchant women with the experiences that coax happiness grown from joyful physical experiences. For more information visit womensquest.com.