Writing & Riding

Costa Rica

March 15 - 22nd, 2025

Join Me for a Transformative Experience at Blue Zone Equestrian:
A Luxury Beachfront Writing, Riding, & Yoga Retreat in
Punta Islita, Costa Rica

My Writing & Riding Retreat is an all-inclusive 8-day, 7-night, magical beachside retreat designed to empower women on their journey of self-discovery, vision manifestation, and personal growth.

From the serene beachfront ranch in Costa Rica, my retreat offers a unique opportunity for participants to connect deeply with themselves and the majestic spirit of horses. Phone off, mind clear, you’ll be immersed in rejuvenating yoga, expansive writing, and grounding riding on well-cared-for horses.

Are you ready to go deeper?

At my Writing & Riding Retreat, I believe in the power of equine coaching as a catalyst for transformation.

Horses, with their innate sensitivity and intuitive nature, serve as profound guides on our journey inward.

Through gentle interaction and experiential exercises, you will learn to drop into a deeper intuitive state, release what’s no longer aligned, and embrace vulnerability.

This retreat is carefully crafted to provide a supportive environment where women can explore their innermost desires, clarify their vision for the future, and write to identify and release the blocks that hinder their progress.

Guided by experienced facilitators, you will engage in a variety of activities, including mindfulness practices, intentional yoga, reflective journaling, horseback riding, and hands-on interactions with the horses.

DAILY SAMPLE SCHEDULE

7 nights of accommodation with 3 daily meals (dinner on arrival day and breakfast on departure day included). One special dinner out in town and a traditional tortilla-making session at the farm.

Daily horseback rides (1.5 to 2 hours) through beautiful beach, mountain, and sunset trails. Bonus horse time includes hanging with the herd, liberty sessions in the round pen, and an option to jump in the arena.

Daily yoga sessions with a top 500-hour certified yoga instructor. Whether you’re new to yoga or experienced, the oceanfront practice is designed for all levels, offering a truly peaceful and revitalizing experience.

Daily guided writing exercises to unlock the power of self-reflection and clarity. These guided sessions are designed to help you dive deep into your inner world, uncovering hidden insights and fostering personal growth for a profound sense of expansion, aligning with your true self and gaining clarity in your thoughts and intentions.

What to expect:

Each day at my Writing & Riding Retreat is an opportunity for growth and renewal.

Whether on horseback, in yoga sessions, or writing around the fire, every experience is designed to deepen self-awareness and cultivate inner resilience.

By the end of the retreat, you will emerge with a renewed sense of purpose, clarity of vision, and a deeper connection to yourself and to your goals. You'll leave equipped with practical tools and strategies to navigate life's challenges with grace and confidence, ready to step boldly into your dreams.

Join me and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and equine-guided healing.

Together, let's remove the blocks and reconnect with the limitless potential within through writing & grounding.

  • "Attending the Writing and Riding Retreat with Raina was an unforgettable experience. It is a powerful space for personal and professional growth. Raina created an environment that fostered deep, authentic connections, not just with our writing, but also with ourselves. The moment I sat on Cesar bareback was pure magic. A flood of emotions washed over me, and I was unexpectedly moved to tears. It was an incredibly powerful, grounding experience that connected me to something deeper."

    Michelle, September 2024 Retreat

  • "Choosing to do this retreat was the BEST decision for so many reasons! To get away to a beautiful place where Raina helped us focus on connecting, writing/jouraling and gave us a gift of how horses can help heal us was exactly what I needed! I really wasn’t sure what to expect and it honestly exceeded my expectations. My favorite was getting up, close and personal with the horses and connecting with other women working through difficult things in life like myself. I have new forever friendships from this retreat and so much more clarity for my personal journey!"

    Tammy, September 2024 Retreat

  • "I was hesitant to attend the “Writing & Riding” retreat because of my fear of horses, but was so happy I made the commitment and went through with it - I even ended up sitting bareback on one of the horses at the end! Spending time with the horses in a safe, supportive, encouraging environment, as well as having time to connect with others and ourselves, time to reflect and write, all the while surrounded by the incredible setting of the Colorado foothills was an experience that will have a long-lasting effect for me."

    Jill, September 2024 Retreat

Meet Your Instructor

Raina O’Dell

VISION & WRITING COACH

Raina O'Dell has been a mentor in the wellness space for over 13 years. Growing up around horses, she took a 25-year break before diving back into the world of equine while searching for more joy in life. This journey of self-discovery led her to reveal her true purpose: helping women navigate & pursue their vision, writing to heal, and finding joy in aligned action needed to create a life they love. She's been partnering with horses & immersing herself in Equine-Assisted coaching to discover more expansion & tools for helping others. She’s a #1 Best Selling Author of the book, BARE, and is excited to help other women write their truth.

Meet Your Instructor

Mckenzie Graham

BLUE ZONE EQUESTRIAN EQUINE GUIDE 

McKenzie Graham’s love for horses began at age four when her parents brought ponies to her birthday. She grew up showjumping and has spent decades learning from top trainers and horses. Today, she blends liberty work, bridleless/bareback riding, and eventing into her daily life with her 16-horse herd. Her favorite moments are spent simply being among her horses, taking in their beauty as they graze and cantering down the beach with her girls. With a versatile background, McKenzie offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience in paradise. Whether you prefer a Western hybrid, English saddle, or bareback, she accommodates all disciplines. Her horses are trained to ride with a simple snaffle, Hackamore, or bitless bridle.

Meet Your Instructor

Kenneth Graham

YOGA TEACHER

Four years ago, McKenzie and Kenneth sold everything and moved their family from California to Costa Rica. Kenneth, a certified 500-hour yoga teacher with 25 years of experience, offers oceanfront yoga sessions that are truly one-of-a-kind. Practicing asana with the sound of the waves and horses nearby provides an unforgettable, peaceful experience. He skillfully caters to all levels of practice, ensuring each guest feels supported and inspired.

  • Retreat pricing includes:

    • 7 nights and 8 days of retreat facilitation and lodging. (Shared & private rooms are available)

    • Healthy nourishing meals throughout your retreat program.

    • Daily support, equine activities, yoga and writing exercises by your facilitators

    *Pricing does not include:

    Flights, and transportation from airport to Blue Zone Equestrian, Costa Rica.

  • For over 56 million years, horses have roamed in herds across the planet. Long before their partnership with humans began 6,000 years ago, horses were one of the most successful mammals due to their agility, sensitivity, sociability, and resilience.

    Equine Facilitated Coaching is an experiential learning approach that partners individuals with horses for learning and development.

    The approach uses various forms of groundwork and horseback exercises that unite horse and human in a collaborative co-learning process that reveals the way participants relate to themselves and others.

  • You do not need to be an experienced rider or have a history in working with horses.

    The horseback rides will be organized based on your riding level and experience.

  • Due to the nature of this retreat and planning required, there will be no refunds.

    If for some reason you're unable to make it after purchasing, you'll have the ability to use your purchase as a credit towards a future retreat, as long as the instructor has a 30+ day notice.

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