Yoga with Horses in Costa Rica
Imagine practicing yoga here...
What Is Included
EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER
Combine ancient teachings of yoga with sensory wisdom of horses. Add in cutting-edge modern science to create a life-changing, deeply experiential and unique journey of mindful self-discovery.
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Horses are true zen masters.
TRAIN YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM
The philosophy of yoga is more than just movement, it's a way of being. Yet sometimes we get stuck on "go" with less Being & too much Doing. Training a flexible & resilient nervous system allows us to move, do & still relax and “go back to grazing” – moving fluidly in balance like the horses.
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One hour with the horses is like a month in the studio!
STEP BACK IN TIME
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100% Off-the-Grid, surrounded by volcanos and forest, life is slower, simpler and sweeter here. An ancient, timeless, natural wisdom of finding balance and cultivating self-connection, a practice of internal and external peace. Re-find yours here.
Relaxing, Nourishing, Energizing
STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH
Sometimes the greatest wisdom comes from animals, who see the world more simply and purely. And the lush, vibrant green valleys of Costa Rica are the best classrooms in the world.
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You are in the right place.
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"When the student is ready, the teacher appears." Lao Tzu
Tula Vida Horses are Wise, Generous and Compassionate Guides
There’s no need to have prior horse or yoga experience.
Just bring your curiosity, and an open mind and heart.
Daily Yoga & Movement
Iyengar-based flow & Mindful Movement
Nature-based Experiences
Scientific studies prove being in nature is good for wellbeing
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Delicious home-cooked meals made with love
Transformational Horse Experiences
Mindfulness secrets from those who truly live it
Restorative Massage
Soothe out the tension & let the energy flow through your body again
Tula Vida Ranch Accommodation
Stunning location, beautiful rooms, peaceful retreat
Self-Discovery
Adventures
Coaching & reflection, group & individual
Mindfulness
Tools & Practices
Tune-in to what works best for you & create your own toolkit
Sunset Meditations
Watch the sun paint the sky as it sets over 3 volcanos in the valley
Our mission is to provide a deeper connection with self, through horses, nature and experience.
WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU
Sally Nilsson and Eric Kolesar are experts in self-discovery, cultivating presence and practicing mindfulness with the magic of horses, nature and experience as teachers.
In addition, Eric is a 500hr certified yoga instructor, SUP yoga instructor and an expert in multiple modalities of energy work. He teaches his own blend of Iyengar-based yoga, martial arts & mindful movement.
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Together with a wise herd of rescue horses, they offer the practices, tools and support you are looking for...
What is a Horse Experience?
Imagine practising yoga with your group, out in nature with the horse herd grazing all around you. The many coloured birds sing your music while the fresh breeze fills your lungs.
One horse starts to graze slowly closer to you, taking his time. You notice that his movements and speed are totally in synch with your practice, and you smile softly. You close your eyes and feel his strong, gentle presence even more deeply.
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A thought comes up – do I need to move? Your eyes fly open and the horse immediately stops. It seems like he knows what’s going on inside you even before you do, and your trust in what you are feeling from him flows warmly back through you. You welcome his approach. You feel his warm, soft breath on your arm and you lean in closer, resting on his neck, exchanging energy.
It is the most magical connection, a deeply grounding experience, and something you will remember for a long time.
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What Happens
on Yoga with Horses Retreats?
What We Do:
Regular daily yoga and mindfulness practices in beautiful spots, sometimes on our treetop, volcano view yoga deck, sometimes out with the horse (they love sharing a practice with us!), mixed in with transformational horse experiences, exploring how to tap into your body wisdom and intuition, to find and maintain a state of true presence or flow, and to develop a deeper connection with yourself.
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Yoga, Qi Gong, Mindfulness & Horses:
The art of yoga and the wisdom of horses blend beautifully together. Breathing is truly a language in this world and our bodies and energy are an infinite source of information.
We find that when we really tune-in to ourselves, and learn to regulate our nervous systems, the horses feel it and are drawn to be around us. They come to us, offering visual and physical feedback of when our systems are in balance and we find our flow, enhancing our practice - and making it even more fun!
You can read a lot more about how horses can help us on the WHY HORSES page on our website, there is plenty of science, psychology and ancient teachings to back it up.
Why it is Powerful:
This kind of experience teaches us things that books, talks and even human interactions cannot, which is why it is hard to describe in words. It stays with us at a deeper level than just the brain, as the body doesn’t forget – and once you have felt something, you know what you are looking to recreate when you go home.
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Tula Vida Horses
We also have a 501c3 charity registered in the US - all of our rescue horses came from difficult situations or backgrounds and yet are now offering their unique gifts, deep wisdom, support and encouragement to us humans as we each navigate our own path. So when you join a retreat you are also supporting these beings and the mission of Tula Vida Foundation.
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No prior horse or yoga experience is necessary, we cater to all levels.
We Listen to You:
Our schedule is flexible depending on the needs and focus of each group, but we will be practicing mindful movement and yoga every day, as well as mindfulness activities with the horses and out on the ranch, and other offsite excursions.
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What you Take Home:
You will learn tools, practices and have experiences carefully designed to allow you to access your own internal wisdom and learn to regulate and co-regulate nervous systems based on Polyvagal principles (the idea that feeling safe and connected is the key starting point for everything).
That’s not all…
The horses live in the valleys all around us and there are miles of beautiful trails, abundant with wildlife, so even in-between facilitated sessions you have more opportunities for your own mindfulness and self-discovery adventures.
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Join us for a life-changing week of yoga and self-discovery, where nature, horses and experience will open your eyes to a whole new idea of balance.
Testimonials
YOUR NEXT STEPS
BOOK YOUR YOGA & HORSES RETREAT
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Take that step & book this Retreat or see below to find out about our other retreats and experiences.
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SEE ALL OUR RETREATS
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We offer a range of different adventures at Tula Vida including mindfulness, self-discovery, wellness and bespoke experiences. Check out our other planned retreats here or see below to design your own.
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DESIGN YOUR OWN!
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Where else can you design your very own custom retreat for you or your group? Send us a message to receive our sample itineraries & group hosting ideas.
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START RIGHT NOW!
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You don’t need to wait until you come - we have a FREE MINDFULNESS GIFT for you that will start your nervous system settling immediately.
Would you like to be able to tune in regularly to your own sense of peace, balance & intuition?
SIGN UP below and a gift from Costa Rica will arrive in your inbox and let you tune-in to the magic here from wherever you are.
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“Horses embody the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and freedom.
Experience is the best teacher.
Combine the two and magic happens.”
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Sally
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