A Welcome from Janine
For many years horses have been some of my greatest teachers. They have taught me about presence, patience, relationship, and the quiet strength that comes from being fully here.
River Mountain Farm grew out of a desire to create a place where people and horses can meet in a way that feels respectful, grounded, and nourishing for both.
In our everyday lives we often move quickly, carry stress, and lose connection with the rhythms that help us feel whole. Horses live differently. They are deeply aware of the present moment and invite us to return there with them.
These retreats are an opportunity to step away from the noise of daily life and enter a space where you can slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself.
Some guests come because they love horses.
Some come because they want to grow as riders.
Others come because they feel called to overcome fear or rebuild confidence around horses.
Wherever you are on that path, you are welcome here.
My hope is that during your time at River Mountain Farm you experience rest, connection, and a deeper sense of trust — both in yourself and in the relationship between humans and horses.
I look forward to sharing the farm with you.
— Janine
River Mountain Farm
Rest • Reconnect • Reground
Step away from the pace of everyday life and spend a weekend immersed in the quiet beauty of River Mountain Farm.
Our retreats are designed to offer space to breathe, reconnect with yourself, and experience the grounding presence of horses, nature, creativity, and community.
Guests are able stay in the Equi-Cove, the peaceful retreat house next door to the farm, with a limited number of rooms available to keep the experience personal and supportive.
Whether you come simply to rest, to grow in your horsemanship, or to gently rebuild confidence around horses, each retreat meets you where you are.
The Experience
A typical retreat weekend may include:
🐴 Time with horses on the ground and in the saddle
🧘 Gentle yoga and nervous-system supportive movement
🎨 Creative art experiences
🔥 Sauna and relaxation
🌿 Quiet time in nature
☕ Shared meals and conversation
✨ Reflection, connection, and rest
The pace is intentionally spacious so that the weekend feels restorative rather than busy.
Retreat Paths
Each retreat welcomes guests with different interests and levels of horse experience.
Rest & Reconnect
For those who simply want to slow down and enjoy the presence of horses, nature, and creative experiences.
This path focuses on:
- Relaxation and nervous system reset
- Quiet connection with horses
- Art, reflection, and nature
- Gentle movement and wellness practices
No horse experience is required.
Horsemanship & Riding Growth
For riders who want to deepen their understanding of horses and improve their skills in a supportive environment.
This may include:
- Groundwork and connection exercises
- Riding sessions focused on feel and communication
- Understanding horse behavior and partnership
- Building confidence and clarity in the saddle
Suitable for beginner through intermediate riders.
Overcoming Equine Fears
For those who feel drawn to horses but carry fear, anxiety, or past difficult experiences.
This retreat offers a gentle approach that focuses on:
- Rebuilding trust with horses
- Nervous system regulation
- Ground exercises and guided experiences
- Gradual, supported interaction with horses
There is no pressure to ride unless you feel ready.
Accommodations – The Equi-Cove
Retreat guests are welcome to stay in the Equi-Cove, a comfortable home next door to the farm.
The house includes:
- 3 guest rooms
- Shared living spaces
- Quiet outdoor areas
- Easy access to the horses and farm
Retreats are intentionally kept small and personal, usually with only a few guests at a time.
Meals
Nourishing, simple meals are shared throughout the weekend to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Meals are designed to be healthy, comforting, and easy, with time to gather and connect.
Coffee, tea, and light refreshments are available throughout the retreat.
Who These Retreats Are For
These weekends are ideal for people who:
• feel drawn to horses and nature
• need time to slow down and reset
• want to deepen their relationship with horses
• are seeking confidence and healing around horses
• enjoy creativity, reflection, and meaningful conversation
You do not need to be an experienced rider.
Location
River Mountain Farm
Keezletown, Virginia
Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
Availability
Retreats are offered on select weekends throughout the year.
Because accommodations are limited, spaces fill quickly.
Rest and Connect: May 1st -3rd, 2026
Horsemanship and Restore: June 26-28, 2026
Overcoming fear: July Date TBD 2026
Register or Inquire About an Upcoming Retreat
If you would like to join an upcoming retreat or bring a small group, please reach out. 2 steps to easy registration:
1 Complete the registration form https://forms.gle/Dxpe9pUyXQsjmJtH6
2 Submit a 50% deposit to secure your spot via Venmo (Friends and family): @Janine-Aberg (4 digit confirmation code 1889)
If you have any additional questions: 📩 Contact Janine 8082171889 or email rmflifecenter@gmail.com
A Sample Retreat Weekend
Each retreat flows naturally depending on the group, the horses, and the rhythm of the farm. The schedule is intentionally spacious so the experience feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Friday
Arrival in the late afternoon or early evening.
Guests settle into the Equi-Cove and gather for a relaxed welcome at the farm.
• Introductions and orientation
• Meeting the horses
• Light evening meal or snacks
• Quiet evening conversation or reflection often by the fire
Saturday
Saturday is a full day of learning, connection, and time with the horses.
Morning
• Coffee and breakfast
• Meditation and yoga
• Groundwork with horses
• Horsemanship sessions or confidence-building exercises
Afternoon
• Lunch and rest time
• Riding sessions or guided horse experiences
• Creative art time sip and paint
Evening
• Shared dinner
• Sauna or relaxation time
• Conversation, reflection, evening celebration and fun dance or simply enjoying the quiet of the farm
Sunday
Sunday morning focuses on integrating the experience.
• Breakfast together
• Final time with the horses either riding or equine yoga
• Reflection and closing circle
• Departure late morning or early afternoon
Small Group Experience
Retreats are intentionally small, usually with 5–8 guests, so that each person has meaningful time with the horses and personal attention.
Retreat Investment
Retreat weekends include accommodations at the Equi-Cove, retreat activities, time with the horses, and shared meals.
Because the retreats are intentionally small and personal, space is limited.
Day Participant (no lodging)
$495 per person
Privite Room with shared bathroom (full bed)
$700 per person
Private Room with en suite bathroom
$750 for an individual guest or
$1245 for a couple ($750 + $495)
Each retreat includes:
• Time with horses
• Horsemanship instruction or guided experiences
• Yoga or gentle movement
• Art and creative exploration
• Sauna and relaxation
• Shared nourishing meals
• A peaceful weekend immersed in nature
A deposit of $200 reserves your space, with the remaining balance due before the retreat.
3️⃣ Retreat FAQ
This section removes the hesitation people often have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need horse experience?
No. Many guests come with little or no horse experience. Activities are adjusted to meet each person’s comfort level.
Do I need to ride?
Not at all. Some guests prefer to work with horses from the ground, which can be just as meaningful.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, layers for outdoor time, sturdy shoes or boots, bike helmet if you have one and anything that helps you relax such as a journal or yoga mat.
Are meals included?
Yes. Simple, nourishing meals are shared throughout the weekend, along with coffee, tea, and light refreshments.
How many people attend each retreat?
Retreats are intentionally small, usually 3–8 guests, so everyone receives personal attention and meaningful time with the horses.
Can I come with a friend or group?
Yes. Small groups are welcome and private retreat weekends can be arranged.
What if I am nervous around horses?
You are very welcome. Many guests come specifically to rebuild confidence around horses in a gentle and supportive environment.
If you feel drawn to spend time with horses and nature, this retreat may be exactly what you need.
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#2 Horsemanship Seat Clinic.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1235395082949?aff=oddtdtcreator
Price: $250 on July TBD.
Equine Seat, Timing, Feel, and Balance
Join us for a hands-on workshop on equine seat, timing, feel, and balance. This event will help you develop a deeper connection with your horse by helping you understand and improve your riding skills. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, enhance your communication with your equine partner.
Let’s talk seat, let’s add subtle cues to our riding for the sake of the horse. We can all improve our communication with our equine partners. Come join Janine and Simon Aberg (horsemanship and fitness instructors) together with Pilates Specialist Michelle Dowell for an event that will change your riding forever. Get your horse paying attention to you, and give yourself a chance to improve your communication with your horse.
Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your riding techniques and bond with your horse! We will focus on improving your timing, feel, and balance, this is a clinic never to forget. We will also give you personal recommendations and exercises to work on and improve your seat. You will have a personalized session on your pelvis placement with Michelle, and Janine and Simon will give you each a personal one-on-one session on our or your own horses.
This clinic is designed to help you find deep and true connection with your equine partners. Will will also practice some meditative processes to help with your feel and balance. Join us for a day which you will be able to remember and draw on for years to come.
2024
Come join us for a restorative day long experience in which we will enjoy grounding exercises, sauna time, yoga, and equine meditation and ground work. We will also have some topic discussion and time for “sip and paint”. We will have some healthy and great tasting food and snacks for you to enjoy.
Sign up for a weekend by texting, messenger or email to Janine
Dates: we will have retreats on a Saturday of every month. The next event is scheduled on Nov 23rd!