Happy Fall from the snow-capped mountains of Montana!

You know how you need to periodically clean out your closets, garage, and kitchen cupboards? Websites need an occasional “deep clean,” too, and ours is underway. (Thanks in advance for your patience if we’re slower with updates, or if it seems a bit buggy for the next month or so.)

Since we have some exciting 2022 retreat news to share, though, I wanted to provide a sneak peek via the blog!

After an anything-but-zen 2020 season, we were all the more grateful to be able to host eight Montana retreats this year. #maximizemontana

Each weekend was healing and transformative for all involved—both horses and humans. Next year, we’re excited to restart international trips to Argentina, France, and Italy (plus California!).

As we’ve heard from so many yoginis on retreat, the pandemic has been a catalyst for reexamining every aspect of our lives. “Same old, same old” doesn’t cut it anymore. Our team has also felt especially grateful, especially driven, and especially focused on creating a brighter future for the women we serve.

And so, we’ve decided that it’s time to shake things up on the hOMefront!

We’re changing the format of Cowgirl Yoga from a 3-day retreat to a 6-day getaway—dude ranch style. Our newest Restore and Reboot yoga retreat is moving venues to B Bar Ranch so more of you can join us. Cowgirl Yogatography will return in 2022, but this time during the summer.

Last, but not least: I’m going to focus some of my energies on individual equine coaching experiences with my own amazing herd. (Read on for details!)

One of our values that has come into clearer focus this year is “Authenticity.” We want to provide something truly magical that you wouldn’t otherwise discover on your own—whether it’s a deep understanding of how to move in and out of a certain yoga pose, or making memories as you (literally) ride off the beaten path across the wilds of Patagonia.

What does Authenticity look like to us?

• Surrounding clients with warm, passionate, and (intermittently) humorous team members.
• Putting yogini feedback into action as we craft everything from menus to daily schedules.
• Keeping the transformative power of yoga at the core of each retreat we host.
• Choosing our venues for the experience they provide, not the price tag on the furnishings.
• Delivering memories that last a lifetime, and mindset shifts that don’t stop at the arrival gate.

I’ve included an overview of our biggest changes below. Want to ensure you snag a spot on your #dreamtrip? We’re happy to reserve your place before online registration goes live—email margaret@bigskyyogaretreats.com to join the list!

Remember, we fill up fast (like, really fast). So giddy up and make plans to join us in 2022!

Cowgirl Yoga, Dude Ranch Style

9 Quarter Circle Ranch

September 18-23, 2022
$4,295 double, $4,495 single
Non refundable deposit $995

Our signature retreat is now offered in an extended 6-day format! That means more yoga, more Montana sights, and (way) more saddle time. You’ll have options to do yoga and trail ride twice daily, but you’ll still have plenty of time for pure R&R. Enjoy nourishing, healthy meals each day, cuddle up in your cozy cabin under the stars, and rest deeply as nature’s soundtrack lulls you to sleep.

Why You’ll Love It:

• 9 Quarter Circle Ranch breeds and raises Appaloosa horses!
• Practice daily vinyasa flow, yin, restorative, and/or yoga nidra.
• Participate in daily guided meditations with (and inspired by) the horses.
• Speaking of horses… you asked for more riding. You got it! Beginners can enjoy the trails at an easy pace, while more advanced riders may take in the sights at the trot and canter.
• I always say that 1 trail ride = 3 arena lessons. Elect to ride up to two times daily, as you translate your yoga-inspired balance and calm into improved horsemanship.
• Ignite your creative spark, and gain new clarity, through vision boards and mala making.
• Explore Ayurveda, my new true love for improving health and well-being.
• Join Cowgirl Yogatographer Larry Stanley for a yoga and horse photo session.
• Discover a mind-body-horse connection you’ll never forget!

This retreat takes place south of Big Sky, Montana, which is home to some of our favorite hiking trails, and is close to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. As our retreat will finish on Friday, we would love to help you plan hiking and park time for the following weekend, if desired. We can provide you with a detailed, customized plan—just ask!

Restore and Reboot Yoga Venue Change

B Bar Ranch

September 1-4, 2022
$2395 per person, single room with shared bath
Non refundable deposit $795

Come rest and restore at one of our favorite places on earth (especially in the early fall)—B Bar Ranch in Tom Miner Basin. B Bar Ranch is nestled in the wilds of Montana, with all the creature comforts—and the creatures!

Why You’ll Love It:

• This 9,000-acre ranch is an extension of the Yellowstone National Park ecosystem.
• See the galaxy like you have never seen stars before (even better from the hot tub).
• Watch grizzlies at dawn, and keep your eyes peeled for moose (through binoculars, of course!).
• You won’t find any power or vinyasa flows on this retreat. Rather, we’ll slow our bodies and brains through restorative, yin and Nidra practices.
• Claire Ragozzino of Vidya Living will join us for an Ayurveda workshop. You’ll receive a copy of her gorgeous book Living Ayurveda in your goodie bag, and Claire will be available for individual mini consultations.
• Vision boards, coloring/sketching, and our signature mala making workshop will ignite your creative side.
• If you would like to add some outdoor movement, we offer an optional gentle hike up to a scenic overlook. (If you haven’t enjoyed the aroma of natural sage, here’s your chance.)

Summertime Cowgirl Yogatography

Vap Family Ranch

August 11-14, 2022
$2595 single with shared bath, $2495 double with shared bath
Non refundable deposit $795

This fall favorite is moving to late summer for 2022. You’ll look at horses differently. You’ll see more. You’ll expand your field of vision. All this and more in a setting that combines yoga, horses and photography—a combo active and creative vacation.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Explore the breathtaking Montana landscape and its equine inhabitants through a new lens.
• This special “boutique retreat” is limited to four women and is designed to deepen your yoga practice, tap into your creative center, and help you explore the magical horse-human connection.
• Whether you’re an amateur photographer or aspiring professional, Cowgirl Yogatography will change your perspective forever.
• Enjoy a Bon Appetit-worthy farm to table dinner at nearby Camp Arrow Creek.

It’s inspiring to watch how our yoga and meditation can awaken our creativity—then add horses to the mix for magical results. If you love horse photography books, come create your own images with us.

*Check out my favorite horse photography books here!

Individual “Equine Insights” Coaching

Vap Family Ranch

Select dates available for 2022 – 1 day (no lodging)
$995 per person

Like many yoginis, I love supporting and empowering other women. Combining my love of horses and one-on-one coaching—set against the beautiful Montana canvas—is the perfect trifecta. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce limited individualized coaching sessions will be available in 2022.

Why You’ll Love It:

• We’ll begin with a private yoga session to help you connect what happens on your mat with what happens out with the horses.
• Move to the round pen, where you’ll learn how to influence our horses purely with your energy.
• Try guided equine-facilitated coaching to help improve your leadership skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence through the interaction with horses.
• Experience the magic of “Join Up,” the moment a horse truly connects with you.
• Enjoy hands-on horse time, including a tutorial on equine massage techniques that relax and soothe the horse’s soul (and your own).
• Process emotions through intentional journaling and meditation.
• Explore our private horseback riding trails with access to peaceful Forest Service lands.
• Nourish your body with a nutritious lunch and snacks throughout the day.

Space is extremely limited (5 spots in 2022), so email me ASAP if you’d like to be on the list. We’re also happy to recommend nearby accommodations.

Yeehaw & Namaste,

Margaret