07/12/2026
Rise Retreats at Valkyrie: Being “Herd”
Leadership & Personal Growth with Horses
- Learn About Leadership by Working Alongside Horses
Horses notice the things people often miss. They respond to body language, consistency, confidence, and clear communication. They don’t care about job titles, resumes, or the words we choose.
At Rise Retreats, you’ll work with horses from the ground while exploring how you communicate, make decisions, handle pressure, and build trust. The horses aren’t trained to “teach” leadership. Instead, their natural responses create opportunities to reflect on your own habits and interactions.
There’s no riding and no horse experience required. Every activity is guided and designed to be approachable, whether you come on your own or with a workplace team.
Whether you’re stepping into a new leadership role, managing a team, or simply looking to better understand how you show up around others, these sessions offer time to slow down, observe, and practice new approaches in a different environment.
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Meet your instructor
Alanna Berdan is the owner of Valkyrie Equestrian Centre and has spent more than a 15 years working with horses and the people who care for them. Running a boarding facility has meant helping clients navigate difficult conversations, build confidence, solve problems under pressure, and create trust: both with horses and with one another.
She combines practical horse knowledge with facilitated discussion to create an environment where people can experiment, reflect, and learn without judgment. The horses provide immediate, honest feedback, while Alanna helps participants make sense of what they’re experiencing and connect it to everyday leadership, communication, and relationships.
🧭 Program Options:
🕑 2-Hour Session — Being Herd: Awareness in Action
* Introduction to how horses communicate within a herd
* Learn how horses respond to human body language and intention
* Ground-based activity working with a horse
* Guided group discussion connecting the experience to everyday life or work
* Reflection journal prompt to take home
$120 per person
Minimum of 4 participants
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🌿 Half-Day Workshop — Lead Like You Mean It
Spend more time exploring how leadership and communication influence the horse’s response.
Includes:
* Observing herd behaviour and social dynamics
* Ground exercises focused on boundaries, communication, and teamwork
* Individual and group leadership activities with horses
* Guided reflection, discussion, and journaling
* Light refreshments
$225 per person
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☀️ Full-Day Retreat — The Authentic Leader
A full-day experience for individuals or teams wanting time to practice, reflect, and apply what they learn.
Includes:
* Morning session on awareness, presence, and communication
* Individual and team-based horse challenges
* Facilitated discussions throughout the day
* Journaling and personal action planning
* Catered lunch
* Take-home workbook
$395 per person
Group rates available.
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What to Expect
* No riding or horse experience is needed.
* Every activity takes place on the ground with a facilitator present.
* Small group sizes allow everyone an opportunity to participate.
* You’ll spend time observing horses, working with them through simple exercises, and discussing what happened afterwards.
* Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and closed-toe footwear.
* You’ll leave with practical observations, reflection notes, and ideas you can apply to your work and everyday relationships.
Optional Add-Ons
* One-on-one follow-up coaching
* Leadership strengths assessment
* Team debrief summary for organizations
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Contact
Valkyrie Equestrian Centre
5031 6th line
Erin, Ontario
📧 [email protected]
📞 (226) 507-7710
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