*My Experience at the Heart & Herd Retreat at Los Sagrados Ranch* - by Caro

For 4 days, I had the opportunity to join the Heart & Herd Retreat at Los Sagrados Ranch in Baja California, guided by Noel and Joel. I flew into La Paz Airport, about a one-hour drive from the sanctuary.

As someone who is naturally very active, I was drawn to this experience after learning about the HeartMath Institute’s research, which suggests that spending time around horses may help regulate the nervous system and support emotional well-being. I was curious to experience it for myself, and it turned out to be much more than a simple retreat. It was an invitation to open your heart and slow down.

From the moment I arrived, I felt at home. The cozy room I stayed in overlooked the horses and donkeys, while the ranch beautifully blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Surrounded by the Baja desert, it was the perfect setting to disconnect from everyday distractions, immerse myself in nature, and build a deeper connection with both the horses and myself.

The retreat was thoughtfully designed around four themes: Respect, Oneness, Connection, and Feeling. Each day combined practical horsemanship, Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), personal development, and moments of relaxation.

We explored how horses communicate and how becoming more aware of our own emotions, body language, energy, and intentions helps build trust with them. Through communication clinics, groundwork, riding sessions, trail rides, equine-assisted activities, meditation with the herd, yoga, and bodywork, every activity encouraged us to slow down, listen more deeply, and engage more intentionally with both the horses and ourselves.

Delicious homemade meals were included throughout the stay, the beautiful Cerritos Beach is only 15 minutes away by car, and watching the sunset together after a day at the ranch was the perfect way to end it.

What makes Heart & Herd so special is the balance it creates between education, self-discovery, and genuine human connection. Whether you’re an experienced rider or have never been around horses before, the retreat meets you exactly where you are. It’s the perfect place to unwind, reconnect with yourself, and step away from the stress of everyday life.

I left Los Sagrados with a deeper appreciation for horses, a quieter mind, and a renewed sense of clarity. Sometimes, all it takes is a few days surrounded by nature, animals, and kind-hearted people to remember what truly matters.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire team for creating such a meaningful experience.