The Wild Horse Sanctuary Gets Light to The Core

klfinsand
3 days ago
2 min read

In October, the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Manton, California, hosted The Masterson Method Light to The Core workshop. Founded over 45 years ago, the sanctuary covers 5,000 acres of lush, rocky meadows and forests, and it is home to more than 200 wild horses and over 30 wild burros. I was invited to teach the Light to the Core workshop this fall in this remote wilderness, a place I had never visited. Naturally, I felt a bit anxious about how it would unfold.

From the moment ranch hand Debra Rosen greeted us and led us to our charming, rustic bungalow, we felt at home. Soon after our arrival, a heavy mountain rain swept into the valley—an ominous start to what would likely become a wet weekend with the horses. However, ranch caretaker and course hostess, Liz Juenke, quickly put us at ease, welcoming us with hot drinks and a freshly baked dinner. While we admired the stunning surroundings, we stayed cozy inside the ranch house, surrounded by more wild horses than we could count. As students for the course began to arrive, the skies soon cleared, revealing a brilliant double rainbow over the ranch entrance—an auspicious sign that the weekend would be something special.

Equine enthusiasts from across the U.S. gathered at the Wild Horse Sanctuary for two days of learning about the profound effects of gentle bodywork on the deep interconnections within a horse. Because of the sanctuary's remote setting, attendees were in for a truly unique experience. The chance to stay on site was irresistible. The sanctuary offers several tiny, charmingly decorated cabins that overlook the wild burro meadows. All meals were included, featuring a hot breakfast each morning and a campfire dinner in the evening, where we shared horse stories, laughed, and listened to the calls of the burros.

Day one opened to clear skies that would last throughout the weekend. We gathered our first group of horses, who were once part of the trail string that carried visitors deep into the ranch to observe wild horses in their natural habitat. Students worked in pairs in the open meadow, fostering a sense of unity as they spent two days exploring the effect softness and breathing have on touch. It’s always beautiful to witness this process as communication deepens and students learn to recognize what a horse’s body needs. With wild horses in the background and forests rising behind, the experience felt was profound.

The Wild Horse Sanctuary was the perfect place to practice the subtle touch of Light to The Core. Our wonderful hostess, Liz—along with her many horses—set the tone for a truly memorable weekend as Masterson Method® students explored how horses respond to gentle touch. My amazing assistants, Becky Mertens and Mika Pitre, ensured the weekend ran smoothly. Above all, thank you to Liz, her husband Doug, and the incredible horses of The Wild Horse Sanctuary.

I look forward to returning in 2026!