Equine Yoga Training

Equine Yoga Training: Embark on a transformative journey with Equine Yoga Training, where the wisdom of yoga and the intuitive grace of horses unite to enhance personal growth, teaching mastery, and equestrian harmony.

Online Training | In Person Training

This training isn’t just an educational experience; it’s a journey into the depths of self-discovery. A unique fusion of yoga’s healing essence and the intuitive grace of horses. Tailored for those aligned with yoga’s benefits and the majestic wisdom of horses, it promises to elevate awareness, forge profound connections, and catalyze emotional transformation.

Aspiring instructors will uncover a distinctive approach to teaching, blending poses, breathwork, and connection in sessions that transcend the ordinary. Meanwhile, equestrians will refine their communication and achieve a harmonious balance with their equine partners. Step into this holistic evolution and celebrate the ancient bond between humanity and horse, as you elevate mind, body, and spirit in unison.

Who is this course for?

Equine Yoga Training transcends the traditional realm of instruction, appealing both to those seeking personal transformation and those eager to guide others on this unique path. 

Tailored for souls deeply aligned with the benefits of yoga and the intuitive grace of horses, this training invites individuals on a voyage of self-discovery. Here, participants cultivate heightened awareness, bolster their presence, experience emotional transformation, and establish a profound connection to their inner selves, all while harnessing the wisdom of these majestic creatures.

Aspiring yoga instructors will find an unparalleled opportunity to infuse their teachings with the essence of the equine world, crafting transformative sessions that artfully meld posture, breath, and profound connection.

Furthermore, equestrians stand to gain invaluable insights, honing their riding skills to achieve a synergy of balance and fluidity with their equine partners. This leads to more nuanced communication and a deeper bond with their horses.

In essence, Equine Yoga Training is more than mastering poses or refining riding techniques; it is a collective of holistic growth, celebrating the timeless bond between humanity and horse, and the myriad ways they aid us in elevating our mind, body & spirit.

Course Track Options:

Our unique Equine Yoga Training program uses progressive learning tracks with options for anyone interested in horses and yoga. 

Those simply seeking to learn more about Equine Yoga can take the Online-Only Track. Are you passionate about yoga with little experience around horses, but have an interest in learning more? We offer a Horse Internship Track to acclimate you to these majestic animals before the in-person training. Finally, registered yoga teachers can gain certification to teach Equine Yoga to others with our Teacher Certification Track.

Course Track Options:

Our unique Equine Yoga Training program uses progressive learning tracks with options for anyone interested in horses and yoga. 

Those simply seeking to learn more about Equine Yoga can take the Online-Only Track

Are you passionate about yoga with little experience around horses, but have an interest in learning more? We offer a Horse Internship Track to acclimate you to these majestic animals before the in-person training. 

Finally, registered yoga teachers can gain certification to teach Equine Yoga to others with our Online + In Person Track with our in person dates of October 17-20, 2024

Online Only Track

30 hours, online-only learning for those wanting to learn about Equine Yoga but unable to attend the in-person experiential learning retreat or not desiring to teach.

Online Only Track Course Description:

$699 or 3 payments of $295

Online Only Track

Level One Track

Online Track + 4-Day In-Person Training

55 hours total training time, online and in-person. The 30 hour online course is a prerequisite to attend the Level One 25 hour in person experiential retreat.

Level One Track Course Retreat Description:

Teacher Certification Option:

$1299 course fee OR 5 payments of $275, plus cost cost of accommodation (View accommodation options below).

In person dates for 2024: October 17-20th, 2024 (2025 date coming soon).

Internship Track

Are you inexperienced around horses?

We offer an internship to familiarize students with the horses before Level One training. 

This is an addition to the Level One and Teacher Certification Tracks and is a one-night/two-day internship training.

Horse Internship Description:

You can add this option when registering for the Level One Experiential Retreat Accommodation Choice.

Not sure which track is right for you?

We’re here to help you discover the best track option to help you meet your Equine Yoga goals. Note: You can always start with online only and add level one later- or just contact us for help! Click the button below to reach out and connect with us!

Course Requirements

Level One Retreat

Level One Retreat

October 17-20, 2024

The Retreat Ranch | Marble Falls, TX

Retreat accommodation choice is extra and will be chosen after you register for the course.

Level One Retreat Accommodation Options

Accommodation Options

Shared Bunkhouse/Shared Cabins:
Private MoonDancer or Sunchaser Vintage Trailers:
Private Deluxe or King Yurt:
Private Container Suite or Wagon Suite:
Off site option (no accommodation provided, meals will be included)*:
Internship add on (for those wanting to be certified to teach, but do not have enough horse experience):

The Transformative Power of Equine Yoga

This training is more than just a series of classes; it is a sacred space for profound self-discovery, advanced learning, and the cultivation of teaching expertise.

Our Certification Programs Includes

Yoga Philosophy Overview

Yoga Philosophy Overview

8 Limbs of Yoga + Horses

8 Limbs of Yoga + Horses

Neuroscience of Yoga

Neuroscience of Yoga

Equine Yoga Defined

Equine Yoga Defined

Benefits of Equine Yoga

Benefits of Equine Yoga

Equine Anatomy

Equine Anatomy

Safety Considerations

Safety Considerations

Horse Communication

Horse Communication

Co-Regulation with Horses

Co-Regulation with Horses

Chakras & Horses

Chakras & Horses

Equine Mindfulness Activities

Equine Mindfulness Activities

Meditation with Horses

Meditation with Horses

Bandhas & Horses

Bandhas & Horses

Pranayama & Horses

Pranayama & Horses

Poses & Modifications

Poses & Modifications

Meet Your Instructors

Shannon, Casie, and Callie possess an unwavering dedication to the practices of yoga and horsemanship. Their extensive experience, coupled with a profound affection for horses and holistic well-being, elevates the Equine Yoga Training program to unprecedented heights. Delve deeper into their expertise and passion below!

Meet Your Instructors
Shannon Jamail

Shannon Jamail

Shannon Jamail stands as a guiding light for those seeking solace and growth, intertwining her expertise in mental health, yoga, and equine wisdom. With an unwavering focus on stress and anxiety reduction, she has dedicated her career to unlocking avenues of joy and tranquility for individuals burdened by the weights of life. 

As a best-selling author, Shannon’s profound contributions to literature include “Surrender,” a self-help masterpiece that empowers readers to confront and heal from their traumas, and “The Retreat Leaders Playbook,” a comprehensive guide for transforming expertise into transformative retreat experiences. These works underscore her commitment to mental health and the transformative power of self-exploration.

A yoga practitioner since the birth of her eldest son, now 28, Shannon’s two-decade journey as a yoga instructor culminated in achieving a 500-hour E-RYT certification. Specializing in yin yoga, she emphasizes the stress-relieving potency of mindful practices, guiding individuals towards a serene state of being.

Shannon’s vision materialized into the Retreat Ranch, a 46-acre sanctuary where nature and animal experiences, particularly equine yoga, facilitate profound self-reconnection. Here, amidst the serene embrace of nature, participants find a unique space for reflection and growth.

Her acumen as a course creator is unmatched, with her 200-hour yoga teacher training certification, Retreat Leader academy course, and Yoga for Stress and Anxiety course leaving indelible marks on participants. Each course stands as a testament to her ability to foster business growth and personal development through innovative retreat-based education.

At the helm of the transformative horse yoga at Retreat Ranch, Shannon has nurtured her lifelong bond with horses into a therapeutic modality. Her multifaceted expertise coalesces into a holistic approach, making her an unparalleled mentor for those on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

Casie Hall

Casie Hall is an experienced yoga teacher (E-RYT 500) with her Masters Degree in Education and over seventeen years of combined teaching experience between the classroom and the yoga studio. She has been practicing yoga for over 22 years, and her passion for yoga as a way of life is infectious. In 2016, she opened Nectar Flow Yoga Studio in Spicewood, Texas with the vision for a community-focused space to share her love for yoga with others. With the goal of leading teacher trainings to truly fulfill her professional dreams, she created Nectar Flow Yoga School, an in-person Yoga Teacher Training Program, dedicated to offering a well-rounded and enriching experience for aspiring yoga instructors and individuals seeking personal transformation through yoga. 

Casie’s extensive training and experience with numerous diverse yoga styles, along with her focus on anatomy and alignment, demonstrates her holistic approach to teaching and her desire to provide a well-rounded yoga experience. Her teaching style is equal parts intellectual and light-hearted. AND OPEN MINDED!

Casie met Shannon of Retreat Ranch through their similarly-aged children and immediately began collaborating professionally with retreats and yoga teacher trainings. Their collaborations blossomed creatively and before long, Shannon introduced Casie to the incredible practice of yoga on horseback and the idea of crafting a teacher training specifically for this unique way to practice yoga and connect with horses.

Although fairly new to Equine Yoga, Casie immediately fell in love with the practice and felt right at home on horseback. She has had experience around horses through different phases of her life. From riding lessons and summer camp trail rides as a child, to country rides with her best friend in South Louisiana in her teens and early adulthood, and most recently spending time with the herd on her family’s ranch in North Texas, she has always felt a deep connection and respect for horses and recognizes their ability to help her ground herself, be present, regulate whatever emotions may arise.

Equine Yoga Teacher Training enables her to combine her passion for yoga and affinity for horses with her aptitude “teaching about teaching!”

Callie Coale

Callie Coale’s life has been intricately woven with the threads of equine companionship since her earliest memories. Her equestrian journey began in childhood, cradled in the saddle, where the profound symbiosis between horse and rider first enchanted her heart. Through the years, her connection with these noble beings deepened, manifesting in the thrill of barrel racing, the competitive zeal of youth rodeo, and the profound art of equine communication. Each discipline further cemented her reverence for the horse-rider partnership. 

Transitioning her zeal into her professional realm, Callie embarked on a career as a Registered Nurse within the domain of western medicine. Yet, faced with personal health challenges and the onset of burnout, she found herself drawn towards the healing wisdom of the East and the practices of indigenous cultures. Since 2017, her healing journey has blossomed in diverse expressions, from attaining her yoga teacher certification in 2022 to engaging intimately with plant medicine. Her practice is a tapestry of Ayurvedic wisdom, Mother Nature’s embrace, and the sanctity of ceremonial traditions.

As a cultivator of tranquility, Callie crafts spaces where meditation, somatic dance, breathwork, and artistic expression thrive. In harmony with Pachamama, she integrates the natural cadences of life into her yoga teachings, fostering an environment where individuals are encouraged to tune into their body’s innate intelligence and nurture their well-being holistically. Her classes are havens of serenity, occasionally peppered with challenges to spark growth and inspiration.

Callie approaches the world with a buoyant spirit, imbued with kindness and a nurturing presence. Her warm smile and infectious humor are a comforting presence, whether she’s in the yoga studio or among the stables. Her life’s work stands as a testament to her unwavering belief in the healing essence of connection—whether through a gentle touch or the soft nuzzle of a horse. In essence, Callie Coale embodies Peace and Love in all her endeavors.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is so much more than “just stretching” or merely another workout. Believed to be over seven thousand years old, yoga is an ancient practice that integrates meditation, breathwork, and movement with intention and focus, while offering guidelines for how to live mindfully. Ultimately the path of yoga is designed to lead one to peace and contentment.

What is Equine Yoga?

Equine yoga is an innovative practice that combines traditional yoga techniques with interactions with horses. This unique blend extends the principles and benefits of yoga beyond the conventional mat, creating a dynamic experience that involves both the human practitioner and the horse.

Key Elements of Equine Yoga

Yoga Poses with Horses: An aspect of equine yoga is performing yoga poses either near, with, or on a horse. This can include anything from standing or sitting postures done beside the horse to more advanced poses where the practitioner may balance on the horse’s back. The horse acts as a partner and support in these exercises.

Mindfulness and Connection: Equine yoga emphasizes a deep connection and sense of presence with the horse. This can be achieved through yoga postures, breath work, meditation with horses or in mindful petting, grooming, or simply being in the horse’s presence, fostering a bond and understanding between the human and the animal.

Breathwork and Meditation: Breathing exercises and meditation are integral parts of equine yoga. These practices can be performed while riding, standing, or sitting with the horse, helping both the practitioner and the horse to relax and sync their energies.

Do I have to be a yoga teacher?

Nope! This training is for anyone that wants to learn more about Equine Yoga.

I'm new to yoga. Will this training still work for me?

Absolutely! This training is comprehensive and will cover what you need to know to practice yoga on horseback or with horses. You will have additional reading to guide you and will need to dig a little deeper into the curriculum to better understand the depth of the practice.

I have limited experience with horses. Will this training still work for me?

Also yes! We require an in-person two day internship for those that need more equine experience.

Will yoga conflict with my religion?

Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy and a way of living that actually compliments all traditional religious beliefs. Its first principle is “do no harm” and its ultimate principle is to surrender to something larger than yourself. YOU get to choose what you surrender to and that is where yoga aligns with your spiritual beliefs.

Does this hurt the horse?

NO. Our own herd loves horse yoga! Although energetically it is work for the herd (which IS work), it is very gentle physically when done correctly.

I don't have a horse, is this for me?

YES. If you are interested in digging deep into self growth and exploration and desire to learn more about yourself and the wonderful healing power of horses this can be for you. You can also take this learning and approach stables and other horse owners to continue your journey.

My horse is retired, will this be good for them?

YES! As long as your horse is good with human interaction, it is great for most horses ages 7 and up

I don’t want to teach and don’t have my 200 ytt but I still want to come to the in person training, is that possible?

Yes, absolutely. You can still sign up for the internship and in person training, just no certificate of completion or teaching would be issued unless you got your 200 YTT later on. There is no reduction in fees when not getting certified.

What does it mean “have limited horse experience”? How do I know if I need to attend the internship?

If you currently do not own or ride a horse (and riding at least once a week for at least one year) and are not at intermediate (or above) level of riding then the internship may be required.

You must be able to answer yes to the following questions to skip the internship requirement:

  1. I have owned a horse for a least a year, ride at least once a week, and am intermediate (or above) level of riding OR I ride at a local stable at least once a week for at least a year and am at intermediate (or above) level of riding.
  2. It has NOT been longer than 6 months since I have ridden at intermediate or above level.
  3. I am knowledgeable and agree with natural horsemanship training methods.

Can I bring my own horse to the in person training?

We would love to be able to do this, however we are just not set up for this yet (not in insurance or in housing / corrals).We hope to be in the future.

If I sign up for the online portion only right now, but later want to do the in person level one training can I do that?

Yes absolutely! If you want to add in the level one training, just reach out to us at equineyoga@mindbodycomplete.com and we will get you set up!

Examples of total cost based on scenarios:

No desire to teach, just for self development (regardless of horse experience or RYT)
No desire to teach, just for self development, but I would love some in person experience too.

Level One with no or minimal horse experience, staying in the Shared Bunkhouse:

TOTAL = $2,926

No desire to teach, just for self development, but I would love some in person experience too.

Level One with qualified horse experience, staying in Private Container:

TOTAL = $2,106

I want to teach equine yoga.
Level One with no or minimal horse experience, staying in the Shared Bunkhouse:

TOTAL = $2,936

Must have 200 hour YTT already, and must complete additional 10 hours of practicum teaching equine yoga 

I want to teach equine yoga.
Level One with qualified horse experience, staying in Private Container

TOTAL = $2,106

Must have 200 hour YTT already, and must complete additional 10 hours of practicum teaching equine yoga 

Qualified Horse Experience:

Have questions? Reach out to us!

If you have any questions, concerns, or if there’s anything you’d like to discuss at any time, please feel free to reach out. We are here to support you at every step. You can reach us at equineyoga@mindbodycomplete.com

Get ready to unfold the layers of your practice, deepen your understanding of yoga, and embrace the transformative power it holds when combined with horses.

Once again, we can’t wait to welcome you to this extraordinary journey! Let’s embark on this adventure together.

With gratitude and excitement,

Shannon, Casie & Callie

Reach Out to Us