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Since the pandemic, I have been working on making my retreats available online. I thought onlining the Camino de Santiago hikes would be the most difficult part, but it turned out to be the easiest. There already exists virtual Camino de Santiago Challenges and my favourite is the Conqueror Series of Virtual Challenges (https://www.theconqueror.events/camino/) The app maps your progress virtually along the Camino de Santiago. Great motivation to walk every day! Every time you go for a walk, you advance on the map. You can also explore your virtual surroundings on StreetView as if you are actually walking the Camino de Santiago.
The horse activities were more difficult to move online, but I persevered and now the “Teach Mindfulness and Meditation with Horses Training” course is available both onsite and online.
You may be thinking: “How does that work?” Below, I answer the 11 most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about my online courses facilitated by horses:
- What is an online course? An online retreat is a type of retreat that is accessed online. Designed by Dr Margaretha Montagu, they cover a wide variety of topics ranging from Hoofbeats to the Heart: Creating Your Life Purpose Guided by Horses to Teaching Mindfulness and Meditation with Horses, and more.
- How do I participate in an online course? To participate in an online course, you need to register, choose the level of support you would like and then pay the associated fee. You will also need access to a computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection.
- Do I need to have prior experience with horses to participate in an online course inspired by horses? No, prior experience with horses is not required. The courses are designed for individuals of all experience levels, including those who have never interacted with horses before.
- What type of activities can I expect to participate in during an online course with horses? Activities may include guided meditations, mindfulness practices, insight-giving assignments, and audio/video recordings.
- Can I participate in one of these online courses if I don’t have a horse? Yes, absolutely, you do not need to have access to a horse in order to participate in these online courses, except for the Teaching Mindfulness and Meditation with Horses Training.
- What are the benefits of an online course? The benefits of an online course include its convenience, cost savings, easy access to high-quality teachers and teachings, and the ability to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world.
- Are online courses with horses as effective as in-person retreats? While online courses may not offer the same level of physical interaction with horses as in-person retreats, they can still be highly effective in promoting personal growth. You can get an idea by accessing the open sections of each course.
- What if I have technical difficulties during an online course? Most online courses provide technical support to help participants resolve any issues they may encounter during the course. Just send an email to espritmeraki@gmail.com if you get stuck.
- Are these online courses suitable for beginners? Yes, these online courses are designed for beginners, as well as intermediate and advanced students and especially offer a supportive environment for those who are new to online courses.
- Is there a way I can gift this course to a friend or family member? Yes! What a thoughtful idea! You would just need to input their email address on the retreat registration form. Once you have paid the fee, the email you have submitted on the form will receive the retreat link.
Write Your Way to Serenity: A Guided Journaling Retreat Inspired by Horses for anyone interested in increasing their emotional, physical and social resilience by starting a journal, but does not have much time to invest and is looking for a simple, low-cost, easy-to-implement strategy that gives tangible and lasting results. Get immediate access
The Compassionate Insight-giving Guide to Getting Over the Loss of Your Horse – an Online Course – find support, guidance, and practical tools to navigate the complex emotions and challenges associated with the loss of a heart horse. Get immediate access
The Harness the Healing Power of Your Horses – Become a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and Create Substantial and Sustainable Income with Your Horses- an Online Teacher Training and Create a Closer Connection to Your Horse Get immediate access
HORSE OWNER’S Retreat: Teach Mindfulness and Meditation with Your Horse(s) – based on equine-facilitated mindfulness and meditation, you’ll discover how to help your friends, family and clients to minimise the detrimental effects of stress , by connecting with your horses in an enriching, compelling, and transformational way (5 or 7 days)
I would love to hear from you and I would love to stay in contact! I publish a newsletter from time to time, with news from my life here in the south of France, as well as last-minute/early-bird special offers on my online courses and onsite retreats. When you subscribe, I’ll send you my newsletter, when I get round to writing it (life with horses, you know…unpredictable) as well as my Turning Point Quiz.
Author Bio: Dr Margaretha Montagu – described as a “game changer”, “gifted healer”, “guiding light” and “life-enriching author” – is an experienced medical doctor, a certified NLP practitioner, a medical hypnotherapist, an equine-assisted psychotherapist (EAGALAcertified) and a transformational retreat leader who guides her clients through life transitions – virtually, or with the assistance of her Friesian and Falabella horses, at their home in the southwest of France.
© MargarethaMontagu – I spend many hours each week happily writing these articles, although less since the advent of AI, hoping that someone will discover one at the exact right moment to make their life a bit easier. If that person is you, please consider donating to my charity Sauvetage et Sérénité, and make someone else’s life a bit easier in turn.
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