Deepening Presence, Emotional Intelligence & Connection through Qigong, Equine Energy & Expressive Arts

Seasonal E.Qi Retreats

Our Seasonal E.Qi Retreats invite individuals and groups into immersive experiences that harmonize the rhythm of the natural world with the transformative power of E.Qi — a holistic practice weaving Qigong, Equine-Inspired Insight, Equine-Inspired Insight, and Expressive Arts  into an integrated path of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and embodied resilience.

These retreats offer half-day (4 hrs) and full-day (7-8 hrs) formats designed to align with the symbolic energy of the seasons — from renewal and growth in spring, to expansive vitality in summer, grounding and reflection in autumn, and restorative stillness in winter.

Meet Our E.Qi Team

Dr. Elizabeth Warson

Certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist | Expressive Arts Therapist

Dr. Elizabeth blends her deep understanding of equine-assisted therapy with her background in expressive arts to create transformative healing experiences. She guides individuals through emotional and personal growth, using horses as powerful partners in the therapeutic process.

Sifu Kurtis Tilley

Licensed Massage Therapist  |  Teacher of Chinese Martial Arts, Kung Fu & Taiji

Sifu Kurtis brings decades of expertise in traditional Chinese martial arts and Qigong, alongside his knowledge as a licensed massage therapist. His teachings focus on the flow of energy (Qi) through the body, helping individuals cultivate balance, strength, and vitality.

Kyla Howard

Equine Trainer & Specialist

With a deep understanding of horses and their natural ability to connect with humans, Kyla brings expertise in equine training and behavior. She helps foster an intuitive relationship between people and horses, facilitating healing and empowerment through their unique connection.

Elizabeth Warson a Certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist & Expressive Arts Therapist, Sifu Kurtis Tilley a Licensed Massage Therapist & Teacher of Chinese Martial Arts, Kung Fu & Taiji, and Kyla Howard and Equine Trainer & Specialist stand together in a horse arena. These members make up the E. Qi. Team for Healing Pathways.
Kyla Howard guides a horse around a corral
Kurtis Tilley leans against a stable door while engaging with a horse.
Lunch Included with

Chef Shehaunessy

We’re thrilled to have Chef Shehaunessy bringing his culinary expertise to our E.Qi events here in Colorado! With a background as a former ski racer and instructor, Chef Shehaunessy has spent over 10 years as a private chef, crafting delicious meals that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re joining us for a special event or simply enjoying the flavors of Colorado, you’re in for a treat! Chef Shehaunessy’s unique blend of experience in the kitchen and on the slopes adds a special touch to every meal.

Shehaunessy the chef that caters the E. Qi events

Why Seasonal E.Qi Retreats?

Why Seasonal E.Qi Retreats?

  • Cycle-Centered Growth
    • Nature’s seasonal shifts provide a powerful lens for self-reflection and intention setting. Each retreat uses seasonal themes as a metaphor and momentum for emotional, relational, and energetic inquiry.
  • Embodied Emotional Intelligence
    • Through mindful movement, equine-guided connection, and creative reflection, participants cultivate awareness of their inner experience and how it shapes interaction with others.
  • Integration of Mind, Body & Spirit
    • Gentle Qigong practices enhance energy flow and regulation, equine work supports authentic presence and attunement, and expressive arts deepen insight through symbolic expression.

E. Qi Retreat Features:

Full-Day Retreat (7–8 Hours)

A rich, immersive experience with structured sessions that balance movement, relational exploration, creative reflection, and integration.

Includes:
  • Morning grounding & seasonal Qigong practice
  • Equine energy work and team dynamics exploration
  • Guided expressive arts reflection
  • Lunch and intentional community connection
  • Integration circle and take-home practices

Half-Day Retreat (4 Hours)

A condensed, yet impactful version of the full-day model, perfect for groups seeking depth with flexibility.

Includes:
  • Seasonal Qigong introduction
  • Equine-assisted emotional awareness work
  • Creative reflection session
  • Closing grounding practice

 

    Retreat Details:

    Location

    Scenic outdoor settings (e.g., ranch, nature preserve) to support reflective immersion in the seasonal landscape.

    Group Size

    Intimate, supportive groups (8 min. and 20 max. participants) optimized for relational connection and collaborative exploration.

    All Levels Welcome

    No prior Qigong or equine experience required — retreats are designed to meet participants where they are with heart, curiosity, and safety.

    What You’ll Experience:

    ✓ Embodied Grounding & Energy Regulation

    Learn gentle Qigong sequences to deepen self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and regulate emotional states in sync with the season’s energy.

     

    ✓ Equine-Guided Insight

    Horses serve as intuitive co-facilitators, mirroring human emotional cues and helping participants develop greater emotional awareness, leadership presence, and relational attunement.

    ✓ Creative Reflection & Meaning Making

    Using expressive arts — journaling, natural materials, visual art, and more — participants translate felt experience into insight, narrative, and embodiment, fostering durable personal and interpersonal growth.

    Continuing Education Opportunities
    • Professional participants may earn continuing education credits through EMDRIA and Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) by request for qualifying retreat offerings. CEU approval is available for both half- and full-day formats, making these retreats ideal for clinicians, therapists, and helping professionals seeking growth in their practice.
    Additional Takeaways
    • Each participant receives:
      • A guiding retreat workbook with Qigong practices, seasonal themes, and reflection prompts
      • Practices for integrating awareness and resilience into daily life
      • Option to continue learning through follow-up sessions or advanced retreats
    Elizabeth Warson doing bilateral art using two feathers.
    Sifu Kurtis Tilley practicing Qigong.
    An E. Qi. event lead by Sifu Kurtis Tilley and Elizabeth Warson in Northern Colorado.
    A handicap symbol showing they are ADA-compliant

    Our services are designed to be accessible, and we are proud to be ADA-compliant to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their needs, can participate fully in our programs.

    Join Us on Our Next Retreat!

    Seasonal E.Qi Retreats are offered throughout the year. If you’re seeking deepened emotional presence, connection with others, and embodied insight aligned with the rhythms of the natural world, we invite you to step into a space of reflection, renewal, and growth.

    Contact us to book your retreat or inquire about CEU approval for your professional credentialing board.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who are these retreats for?

    These retreats are ideal for:

    • All levels are welcome
    • Individuals seeking embodied personal growth
    • Therapists, clinicians, and helping professionals seeking renewal
    • Wellness practitioners
    • Reflective leaders and creatives
    • Anyone longing for grounded, nature-based restoration

     

    Do I need experience with horses or Qigong?

    No prior experience is required. Participants are supported with curiosity, care, and appropriate instruction throughout.

    Equine experiences may be ground-based, mounted, or a combination of both, depending on the focus and design of the specific retreat. All equine work is thoughtfully facilitated with clear guidance and safety protocols.

    Qigong practices are gentle, accessible, and adaptable for all bodies and experience levels.

    What happens during a Full-Day Retreat?

    The Full-Day Retreat (7–8 hours) is intentionally paced to allow insight, embodiment, and integration.

    It offers a spacious, immersive experience including:

    • Morning grounding & seasonal Qigong practice
    • Equine-guided presence, awareness, or mounted experiential work (depending on retreat theme)
    • Expressive arts reflection
    • Nourishing lunch and intentional community connection
    • Integration circle and take-home practices
    What happens during a Half-Day Retreat?

    The Half-Day Retreat (4 hours) is ideal for those seeking depth within a shorter timeframe.

    It offers a focused and meaningful experience:

    • Seasonal Qigong introduction
    • Equine-assisted awareness work (ground-based or mounted, depending on retreat focus)
    • Creative reflection session
    • Closing grounding practice
    Where is the training held?

    Scenic outdoor settings (e.g., ranch, nature preserve) to support reflective immersion in the seasonal landscape. 

    We currently offer retreats out of three different barns & farms. Depending on whether the retreat is mounted or unmounted, the location may differ. 

    Is this therapy?

    Seasonal E.Qi Retreats are psychoeducational and wellness-based experiences, not psychotherapy.

    While emotional insight and meaningful reflection often arise, these retreats are not a substitute for mental health treatment.

    What makes Seasonal E.Qi Retreats different from your corporate training programs?

    Seasonal E.Qi Retreats are wellness-centered, reflective, and restorative experiences. This is intentional space to slow down and reconnect.

    Unlike our corporate trainings — which focus on leadership development and organizational performance — these retreats are designed for personal renewal, embodied awareness, and seasonal alignment.

    There are no productivity goals or performance outcomes. Instead, the focus is on:

    • Emotional regulation and nervous system support
    • Self-awareness and relational insight
    • Energy balance and embodied presence
    • Creative meaning-making
    • Living in rhythm with seasonal cycles
    What will I personally experience?

    Participants commonly report:

    ✓  Greater emotional regulation and grounding
    ✓  Renewed energy and clarity
    ✓  Deeper relational awareness
    ✓  Insight into personal patterns
    ✓  Stronger mind–body connection

    Experiences may include:

    • Embodied grounding & energy regulation
    • Equine-guided insight and attunement
    • Creative reflection and symbolic expression
    • Seasonal intention setting
    What is included?

    Each participant receives:

    • A seasonal retreat workbook
    • Qigong practices for continued integration
    • Reflection prompts and resilience tools
    • Optional follow-up learning opportunities
    What should I wear / bring?

    Any specific preparation details will be shared upon registration.

    What to wear:

    • Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and gentle movement.
    • Closed-toe shoes are recommended, especially for Equine Therapy activities.
    • Weather-appropriate gear (e.g., jackets, hats, sunscreen) is also advised.

    What to bring:

    • Water bottle
    • Favorite writing utensil (optional)
    • Journal (optional — workbook provided)
    • An open and curious mindset
    Is lunch provided?

    In the full-day retreat, a light and healthy lunch is provided with options for various dietary preferences, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.

    Participants are also encouraged to take mindful breaks and relax in the natural surroundings.

    How can I book a session for my team?

    To book a spot on an E.Qi Retreat, simply contact us  and we will let you know when the next retreat is taking place. 

    What is the cost of the retreat?

    The cost varies depending on location and duration. For specific retreat information, please contact us directly.

    Are Continuing Education Credits available?

    Yes. For qualifying retreat offerings, continuing education credits are available by request through:

    • EMDRIA
    • Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB)

    CEUs may be offered for both half- and full-day formats, depending on retreat structure.

    What is the Cancellation Policy?

    To honor the preparation, equine coordination, and limited group size of each retreat, the following policy applies:

     

    • If the Retreat is Canceled by the Participant:
      • 30+ Days Prior:  Full refund (minus administrative fee if applicable).
      • 14–29 Days Prior:  50% refund.
      • Within 14 Days of Event:  Non-refundable. However, you may:
        • Transfer your registration to another participant
        • Apply your payment to a future Seasonal E.Qi Retreat within 12 months (one-time transfer)
    • If the Retreat is Canceled by the Organizer:
      • If canceled due to weather, low enrollment, or unforeseen circumstances, participants may choose:
        • A full refund
        • Transfer to a future retreat