Our 2013 retreat season just ended, but we are already gearing up for 2014. Like the past two years, the 2014 Cowgirl Yoga kick off will be our Cowgirls vs. Cancer retreat next June. It will be the 5th year for Healing with Horses & Yoga, and the third time that we are able to dedicate an entire retreat to scholarship recipients. During October, breast cancer awareness month, we are accepting nominations for 2014 cancer kickin’ cowgirls. If you or someone you know is a breast cancer survivor, share your story with us – here’s how. We’ll be taking nominations until November 15, 2013. And new this year…we are partnering with Ariat to give a pair of cancer kickin’ cowgirl boots to four women currently in treatment for breast cancer. We’ll be taking nominations for that through December 31, 2013. 

Cancer kickin’ cowgirl Jennell shared this about her retreat with us this summer (she’s pictured with Tango): 

Cowgirls vs. Cancer changed my life. When I arrived in Montana, I was still in active treatment for breast cancer and was profoundly depleted. What followed was a time of renewal and an opportunity to say YES to life again. I was able to step away from the trauma and rigors of cancerland and, with the help of yoga and horses, connect back to my essential self. I always loved going to camp as a kid… getting away from my parents and pesky younger brother, not having to eat my vegetables at dinner, the games, the marshmallows, the HORSES, the boys, the snack bar, the campfire, did I say the HORSES? Cowgirl Yoga is like the best camp EVER –  for BIG girls! 


I was deeply humbled (brought to my knees really) by the generosity showered upon me and my fellow cancer thrivers. So many people donated their time, money, and talent to make this magic happen. The ranch was luxurious, the yoga was top notch, the food put me over the moon, and the horse experience was profound. Best of all, the friendships are for a lifetime. I was not prepared for how completely I fell in love with each person. When we all came together, it was like we already knew each other. There was an ease, a comfort, a letting down of defenses. The beautiful setting and the compassionate nature of the retreat organizers allowed us to connect deeply with one another. And, as if all that wasn’t enough, it was just a whole heck of a lot of fun. I came in limping, but I left with a kick-ass, cowgirl swagger. Yeehaw and Namaste!