The Empowered Women Retreat is your opportunity to rediscover yourself in a serene, supportive space surrounded by nature, horses, and women who get it.
This is Your Time to Reclaim Your Power. You will find your strength, heal your heart, and rise with purpose.
Are you ready to leave behind what no longer serves you and step into a life of confidence, resilience, and purpose?
Whether you’re healing from past challenges, navigating recovery, or simply seeking clarity in your next chapter, The Empowered Women Retreat experience will give you the tools and connection to rise stronger than ever.
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
Nestled on the banks of the Big Thompson River in the stunning foothills of Colorado, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch offers a tranquil and inspiring setting for transformational women's retreats.
What Awaits You:
1. Transformative Equine Encounters
Experience the unique power of horses to reflect and guide your journey. These intuitive creatures will help you uncover your inner strength and gain clarity in a way nothing else can.
2. Empowering Workshops & Coaching
Dive deep into hands-on sessions focused on building resilience, embracing your story, and rewriting your future.
3. Space to Breathe, Heal, and Connect
Take time to reflect, connect with like-minded women, and heal in the peaceful setting of Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch.
4. Restorative Practices
Engage in mindfulness, journaling, and guided meditations to reconnect with yourself and create lasting change.
Retreat Highlights
Daily Equine-Assisted Coaching: Gain insight and clarity through guided sessions with master facilitators.
Empowerment Workshops: Tools and strategies to help you take ownership of your recovery journey.
Community Connection: Build lasting bonds with a group of supportive, strong, and courageous women.
Nature’s Healing Touch: Explore the beautiful Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch with its serene trails, fresh mountain air, and tranquil setting.
Why This Retreat?
Because healing isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. At The Empowered Recovery Retreat, we create a space where you can be unapologetically you. This isn’t your typical retreat. It’s a journey into the powerful, vibrant life waiting for you on the other side of recovery.
Retreat Details:
Dates: September 21–24, 2025
Location: Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, Loveland, Colorado
Includes:
3 nights’ accommodations (private or shared options)
All meals (nourishing and delicious)
Daily Equine-Assisted Coaching sessions
An evening of Sound Healing & Meditation
Workshops, materials, and guided practices
Time to relax, reflect, and recharge
Complimentary one-hour virtual coaching with Nancy or Sue post-retreat.
Not Included:
Airfare to and from Denver, Colorado
Alcoholic beverages
Transportation to & from ranch - shuttle service is available. Please inquire!
Retreat Content
Wisdom of Horses
Horses, along with the guidance of your skilled Equus Coaches® (Nancy & Sue), can help uncover patterns of limiting beliefs and behaviors, creating a visceral awareness that will shift those in the present moment.
How does that happen you ask? Working with horses is one of the best places to gain true understanding and transformation. Horses mirror back to us the energy we send out to the universe. They are remarkable for their ability to give clear, direct, and rapid biofeedback.
Horses are prey animals and for their safety and survival, they are highly sensitive to their environment. Because they are herd animals, they also rely on having a safe “connection” to the humans around them. They’ll only connect with us if they sense this state of congruence. When we quiet the mind, accept the peaceful focus, and allow our instincts and emotions to come forth, this congruence is confirmed by the horse.
Once that connection is established, a world of opportunity for introspection, validation, and self-acceptance opens-up…and that’s where the magic happens.
Your Guides
Meet Nancy McKay & Sue Willoughby: Guiding Women to Transformation with Horses
Together, we've created a powerful retreat experience that combines:
Nancy's expertise in recovery, resilience, and overcoming life's challenges
Sue's equine-assisted personal growth
Our shared passion for empowering women to discover their true potential
Our retreat offers a safe, judgment-free space where women can:
Tap into the wisdom of horses for personal insight
Learn tools for changing their lives
Connect with like-minded & like-hearted women on a journey of self-discovery
Transform challenges into stepping stones for a thriving life
Join us for an unforgettable experience of growth, connection, and transformation. Whether you're recovering from a setback, seeking a new direction, or ready to unleash your inner power, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Nancy McKay is a seasoned recovery coach, Certified Equus Coach, and a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and resilience. With a profound personal journey as a survivor, Nancy brings deep empathy and insight to her work, helping women navigate their paths to transformation and recovery. She specializes in combining the intuitive power of horses with Equus Coaching and practical recovery techniques to inspire and facilitate meaningful change.
Learn more about Nancy here.
Sue Willoughby is an Equus Coach® certified through the Koelle Institute, dedicated to helping women over 40 break through personal barriers and rediscover their true potential with the wisdom of horses. With a heart-centered connection to horses that has guided her through life’s challenges, Sue brings deep empathy and expertise to her practice. Her corporate background in learning, development, and management sharpened her skills as a listener, mentor, and coach. As a licensed equine massage therapist and volunteer at horse rescues and therapeutic riding centers, Sue combines her equine knowledge with her coaching to create a unique and powerful experience. Now based in Seattle with her two mini Dachshunds and horse, Moose, Sue is passionate about inspiring bold journeys of self-discovery and growth.
Learn more about Sue here.
Accomodations & Amenities
Additional information:
Our retreat will begin with a complimentary trail ride after check-in at 3:00 on Sunday, September 21. Please make sure your travel arrangements enable you to be at the Ranch by 3:00pm.
Retreat will wrap up on Wednesday, September 24 by 11:00am. When booking your return flight back home, allow for adequate travel and check-in time to Denver International Airport. We suggest booking return flights for departures after 2:00pm..
You may want to coordinate transportation with your fellow participants when we have our pre-retreat virtual gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to have horse experience? What if I’m afraid of horses?
No, you don’t need to have any horse experience.
All of our coaching activities take place safely on the ground - there is no riding involved.
We will have an complimentary optional trail ride after check-in if you choose to participate.
If you are afraid of horses, that’s ok and perfectly understandable. They are big animals! We will give you a thorough safety demonstration and you get to decide what you are comfortable with. There is no pressure here.
Can I drink during the retreat?
This is an alcohol-free retreat. Many of our attendees are in or are seeking recovery from alcohol use disorder.
What if I have to cancel?
Your registration for the retreat is non-refundable. We highly recommend obtaining personal Travel Insurance if you would like more flexibility in case of illness or changes in your plans or availability.
What about a payment plan?
Payment plans are available. After the $500 deposit to save your spot is received, the balance will be split into two equal payments.
Your Investment
A $500 non-refundable deposit will hold your spot.
Pricing Options
Early Bird Pricing (Purchase before May 1, 2025):
$2950
Regular Pricing:
$3250
Payment plans available. Secure your spot with a $500 deposit today!