6-DAYS RETREAT: 18 – 24 July 2026

“Every encounter with wild creatures has brought symbolic messages to me; has brought me teachings that I could never find in a textbook. It has been my life’s path to rekindle the wildness in all of us; to bring people into the presence of wildness, and help open their souls to its beauty, wisdom, and infinite power to heal.”             Sicelo Mbatha

During this retreat, we will explore how to align with the ‘story of Interbeing and Ubuntu’; feeling our kinship with all life by learning to build and co-create spaces for renewal, reciprocity, healing, and reverence – specifically with the more than human world. For this we have the opportunity to engage with a large horse-herd, born and bred at this event’s unique location ‘Saint Jean’ and the surrounding Celtic Forest of Brocéliande in Brittany, France.

Sicelo Mbatha

We have the fortune to have Sicelo Mbatha joining us, a spiritual nature guide from South Africa, who will be our guide in fostering deep connections between humans, the horses and nature. He will invite us to learn from the indigenous Zulu wisdom of his people to ensure the right relationship with the vast community of life – and to act as a member of this larger family. We will explore experientially what inner and outer leadership emerges or revives from being grounded in care and interdependence.

Who is it for?

For anyone who is curious about deepening their connection with the human and more -than – human world. We hope to welcome people from diverse fields and background – from early-career professionals to elders, leaders, change agents, grassroots activists, coaches, artists, caregivers, social entrepreneurs and anyone else who is curious about how to play their part in the thriving of all life on Earth.

We ask participants to fully engage with the whole program, to have an intention to be open, curious and co-learn. Some prior experience in meditation, or other introspective disciplines is preferable. No experience with horses is necessary; no riding is involved.

More information in the brochure, click here

Or you can contact Annick Nevejan through our contact page of Spiritual Ecology Netherlands

What participants shared after this retreat in July 2024
“Our encounters with the horses were cleverly structured. For me the highlight of the retreat was the individual exercise in the encounter with me and one horse. This “dance” between the horse Xistosa and me was a deep spiritual experience. I am only slowly beginning to understand its significance. The decision to go my own way in the way I relate to the horse was triggered and supported by everything that took place around this encounter. This unique experience has brought deep healing and is something I can draw on again and again.”
-Maria

“A wonderful web emerged, in which each could become who they were. Without the unnecessary interference of questions and explanations. What was there was allowed to be there, took firm shape or flew with the wind. It was like being allowed to sit for a moment at the source of life, like being allowed to flow with your little stream with the great stream that carries us all.”
-Hermien

“I was very touched and moved by the metamorphosis of my son.
And I enjoyed every minute of it
I am very grateful that this has happened to him.
That he, for once, has felt what it means to be open and connected.
He felt trust and he felt safety in himself.
I must say, I was gratefully flabbergasted.
He said: I am glad I said yes.”
-Kees

“I have been home for over two weeks now and still feel the retreat with the horses in my body. The week has brought me so much closer to nature, I can experience for myself that there is no difference and feel a huge admiration for everything.
I found the guidance from Annick and Sicelo fantastic, each time we were told exactly what we were going to do, where and at what time. That gave my system a lot of peace of mind. Also the time there was to be completely on your own was wonderful. Sicelo is a man of the heart, very disarming that he guided us so freely and so present. In short, Annick and Sicelo’s guidance, Christine’s immense hospitality and her dedication with the horses, SeeU the dog and the sublime meals made this retreat an unforgettable experiential journey. I will definitely be there again next year!”
-Evelyn