There are losses the world does not see. This retreat sees them.
Losing someone or something we love — a person, a relationship, an animal, a version of ourselves — leaves marks that do not disappear with time. The world asks for strength.
The heart asks for space. This retreat is that space.
Over 5 days at Quinta São José dos Montes, in Tomar, surrounded by nature and in the silent presence of horses, it is possible to cross what has been left uncrossed — without rushing, without judgement, with specialist support and the unique wisdom of these animals that feel what cannot be said.
You don't need to be okay to come. You just need to want to feel again.
What you will experience in this retreat
- Connection with the horses: presence, listening and reconnection through equine energy
- Family Constellation with Horses: revealing invisible patterns and dynamics with the support of the horses
- Nature walks: silence, movement and reconnection with the body
- Bonfire and sharing circles: a safe space to speak and be heard
- Stories and dynamics in nature: immersive experiences of self-knowledge
- Professional grief guidance: specialist support from a nurse specialised in grief
- Cacao Ceremony: a ritual of opening the heart and setting intention
- Dance and Movement: the body as a path back to life
Who is this retreat for?
For those going through any kind of loss — the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of an animal, a job, an identity. For those who feel they have not yet been able to cross what happened. For those who want to feel again, to breathe again, to live again — in a safe, welcoming and transformative space.
You don't have to make this crossing alone. Sign up now.
Schedule
1 July | Wednesday
15:00 — Check-in
18:00 — Retreat Presentation
19:30 — Dinner
21:00 — Meeting at the Stone Hall
2 July | Thursday
06:00 — Silence walk at sunrise
08:30 — Breakfast
10:00 — Connection with the herd
12:30 — Lunch
15:00 — The crossing of losses
19:30 — Dinner
21:30 — Stone Hall | Sharing circle
3 July | Friday
08:30 — Breakfast
Walk to the River Zêzere
12:30 — Lunch
17:00 — Dynamics with Horses
19:30 — Dinner
21:30 — Bonfire and sharing
4 July | Saturday
08:30 — Breakfast
10:30 — Constellation with Horses
12:30 — Lunch
15:30 — Cacao Ceremony
17:30 — Constellation with Horses
19:30 — Dinner
22:00 — Dance and Movement
5 July | Sunday
08:30 — Breakfast
10:30 — Closing
12:30 — Lunch
Free afternoon
What is included
- 5 days of experiences with horses and specialist facilitators
- Shared dormitory accommodation
- Vegetarian meals (all meals included)
- All programme activities and dynamics
- Professional grief guidance
Price Does Not Include
Transport to Quinta São José dos Montes, Tomar
Investment
- €699 (full payment) — until 5 June
- €810 (3 instalments) — last instalment 1 July
- €760 (full payment) — 6 June to 25 June
Payments are non-refundable, except in the event of cancellation by the organisation. It is possible to transfer the registration to another person.
About Xanda Bard
Xanda Bard is a pioneer in Family Constellation with Horses in Portugal since 2017. Creator of the Guardians of Horse Medicine, she is a constellation trainer, Apometrist and Master in NLP, specialist in horse/human communication. Originally from Brazil, she immigrated to Portugal in search of a new path — and found it alongside the horses. In 2024 she founded the Refuge of the Guardians of Horse Medicine in Espinho, where she works with her herd in service of human transformation.
More Information
If you have anything else send us a whatsapp message on this issue link.
Contact WOU: 918 136 805
1. What are Family Constellations with Horses?
A: Family Constellations with Horses is a therapeutic tool that integrates the wisdom of horses with the principles of family constellations. Horses, with their unique sensitivity, act as mirrors of the dynamics and blockages within the family system — revealing unconscious patterns, repressed emotions and unresolved issues that affect balance and wellbeing.
2. Is this retreat only for those who have lost someone through death?
A: No. This retreat welcomes any kind of loss — the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of an animal, a job, an identity or a version of yourself. Any loss that has not yet been crossed deserves space and support.
3. Is prior experience in constellations or personal development work required?
A: No. The retreat is accessible to anyone, regardless of prior experience. The programme was designed to welcome those taking their first steps in their healing process, as well as those who already have some background in self-knowledge work.
4. What is the accommodation like during the retreat?
A: Accommodation is in shared dormitories at Quinta São José dos Montes, in Tomar. It is a space in the heart of nature, conducive to rest, reconnection and the sense of community that the retreat provides.
5. Are meals included? Are special dietary options available?
A: Yes. All meals are included and the food is vegetarian. If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, we recommend communicating them at the time of registration.
6. Is the retreat limited in capacity?
A: Yes. To ensure close and quality support, the number of participants is limited. We recommend early registration to secure your place.
7. Are payments refundable in case of cancellation?
A: Payments are non-refundable, except in the event of cancellation by the organisation. It is possible to transfer the registration to another person of your choice.
8. How can I secure my place?
A: You can register directly through the WOU form. For additional questions, you can contact us via WhatsApp.
