Regulate & Relate Retreat 2026
Spend a restorative weekend slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and learning practical tools for nervous system regulation through experiential activities with horses, mindfulness, movement, and nature-based practices.
August 14 – 16, 2026
Penmerryl Farm Bed & Breakfast
273 Penmerryl Dr.
Greenville, VA 24440
What You’ll Experience ->
- Intentionally small group size
- Daily group experiential sessions with horses
- Facilitated by licensed/license-eligible mental health professionals
- Afternoon breakout sessions focused on movement, regulation, and self-awareness
- Immersive nervous system-focused experiences in nature
- Evening bonfire reflection & community connection
- Psychoeducation you can actually use in daily life
- Hotel Amenities: Comfortable rooms, swimming pool, pool table, access to the lake, tennis court, and the 130 acre trail system
Who is this for? ->
This retreat is designed for adult women seeking space to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and cultivate greater nervous system regulation, self-awareness, and authentic connection. It may be especially meaningful for women feeling overwhelmed, emotionally disconnected, stuck in patterns of stress or overfunctioning, or simply longing for rest, grounding, and deeper connection with themselves and others. No prior horse experience is necessary.
What is the investment? ->
Retreat registration is $800.
Your retreat registration includes a full weekend of thoughtfully curated wellness experiences designed to support nervous system regulation, authentic connection, and meaningful self-reflection in a peaceful farm setting.
Additionally you get:
- Dinner at check-in on Friday and dinner on Saturday
- Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday
- Experiential workshops with horses
- Professional staff with specialized training in nervous system regulation practices
- Breakout small group workshops with focus on topics such as restorative movement, internal resourcing, journaling, or body-based wellness experiences
- An intentionally small-group environment that allows for deeper connection, reflection, and individualized attention
- A retreat workbook/resources packet with practices and tools to continue beyond the weekend
Lodging is booked separately through Penmerryl Bed & Breakfast. After completing the retreat registration & payment, you will be directed to their website to complete booking.
Lodging options for Friday & Saturday night are:
– Single Room: $400
– Double room: $200
Commuter pass registration (no overnight lodging):
$950
This covers the cost of retreat registration, and gets you:
- Access to all retreat sessions & workshops
- Includes breakfast & dinner
- Access to on-site amenities including nature spaces and pool
- A retreat workbook/resources packet
- Evening bonfire connection & reflection time.
Do I need horse experience? ->
No horse experience necessary!
All sessions will be done on the ground, without any riding work.
Cross Keys Equine Therapy will be bringing our own horses from our therapy program. Sessions will be facilitated with teams of mental health professionals and equine professionals.
Our goal is to provide experiential activities that feel grounding, thoughtful, safe, and meaningful.
What is the schedule? ->
Friday, August 14th:
4:00-6:00pm: Check in at Penmerryl Farm
Dinner, introductions, group mindfulness and settling in
Free time to enjoy the amenities or group bonfire
Saturday, August 15th:
Breakfast
Two Equine-assisted group sessions
Two small group breakout sessions with choice of different topics/focus
Dinner
Group fireside connection & reflection time
Sunday, August 16th:
Breakfast, check out of rooms
One Equine-assisted group session
Closing Circle Reflection
Finish around 12:00pm
What should I bring? ->
**Participants MUST wear closed-toed shoes when around the horses (sneakers, hiking shoes, boots)**
Wear comfortable clothing that is weather-appropriate! We will be in covered spaces for the majority of the time, but some of the breakout sessions may be in direct sunlight.
Other items:
Swimsuit/swim towel
Water bottle
Hat/sunglasses
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Bug spray
*Lunch items: Lunch is not included. There will be a lunch break on Saturday where you are free to explore local lunch options or plan to bring your own food. There is an on-site kitchen for guest use, and each Lodge room has its own mini-fridge in the room.
Who will be guiding the sessions? ->
Cross Keys Equine Therapy staff is trained under Natural Lifemanship. Our team of mental health professionals and equine professionals, in partnership with our horses, will be facilitating retreat activities.
Retreat Director: Austin Francis, LPC
Check out our Staff bios: Click Here!
Who should I contact with additional questions? ->
Retreat Director:
Austin Francis, LPC
austin@crosskeysequinetherapy.org
cell: (540) 255-0903
CKET main number: (540) 607-6910
Facilitated by licensed and licensed-eligible mental health professionals, this retreat is wellness-focused and psychoeducational in nature and is not a substitute for psychotherapy or crisis services.
Registration limited to 12 participants
Registration deadline July 24, 2026
Register Here Today!
Cancellation Policy
Due to the limited size and experiential nature of this retreat, registration fees are non-refundable within 14 days of the retreat start date. This policy helps cover costs associated with staffing, venue commitments, meals, and retreat preparation.
Cancellation requests submitted:
- More than 30 days prior to the retreat are eligible for a refund minus a $150 administrative fee.
- Between 14-30 days prior to the retreat are eligible for a 50% refund of retreat registration fees.
- Within 14 days of the retreat are non-refundable.
Cancellations can be submitted to:
Austin Francis, LPC, Retreat Director
austin@crosskeysequinetherapy.org
(540) 255-0903 (cell) -or- (540) 607-6910 (CKET main line)
Participants may transfer their registration to another eligible participant with prior approval from retreat organizers.
*Please note that lodging arrangements and related fees are managed separately through the venue and may be subject to their own cancellation policies.*
In the unlikely event that the retreat is canceled by organizers, participants will receive a full refund of retreat registration fees.