In addition to hosting retreats, Alaya Retreat Centre is also available for independent travel and boutique lodging bookings, which can be made directly via our website:
HORSES-THE HEART OF ALAYA
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Ooljee: The Spirit of Playful Healing
Ooljee brings a unique and transformative energy to everyone who visits the Alaya Retreat Centre. Renowned for his playful curiosity, Ooljee consistently reminds guests that even in challenging times, life’s lighter moments are never far away. His presence in the paddock acts as an invitation for all to embrace the present with open-heartedness and joy.
When participants come to the Centre, perhaps burdened with emotional or physical stress, Ooljee naturally gravitates toward them, offering gentle nuzzles and a strong, positive presence. This isn’t simply an act of affection; it is an invitation to let go of anxiety and return to simple moments of connection.
Many guests describe how Ooljee’s playful nature helps melt away tension, igniting a new sense of curiosity and hope. His ability to sense human emotions enables him to offer companionship that is perfectly attuned to each person’s needs, whether through playful interaction or simply by standing quietly nearby. Ooljee teaches visitors to rediscover the joy and curiosity often lost in adulthood.
His spirit encourages all to approach the healing journey not just as a task to complete, but as a process to experience with openness and, when possible, lightness. He mirrors the Centre’s philosophy that healing is not only about overcoming struggle, but also about inviting in moments of joy, even on the hardest days.
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Ginebra: The Anchor of Wisdom and Grounding
Ginebra serves as the Centre’s wise guardian and steadfast companion, supporting every guest in their quest for healing and self-discovery. Recognized for her calm, steady demeanor, Ginebra helps foster an environment where visitors feel safe and accepted, regardless of what they are bringing with them.
Her grounded presence encourages guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with themselves on a more profound level. Whether standing quietly by someone’s side or sharing in meditation sessions beneath the trees, Ginebra’s silent companionship communicates compassion without judgment. She is especially intuitive when sensing pain or emotional distress, and many at the Centre find that her quiet support creates a space where they can release tension and find new strength.
Ginebra’s wisdom is most evident in her ability to hold space for transformation, she does not push or demand but instead provides unwavering support, inviting people to progress at their own pace. Visitors report that simply being in her proximity fosters feelings of stability, patience, and a renewed trust in the body’s own capacity to heal.
In this way, Ginebra is a living embodiment of the Centre’s ethos: that deep healing comes from presence, patience, and unconditional acceptance. Her role is not just that of a healer but of a wise partner who helps each guest find stability and courage in their unique journey.
At the Alaya Retreat Centre, Ooljee and Ginebra work in complementary harmony: Ooljee’s playfulness and Ginebra’s wisdom create a powerful, supportive environment where all visitors can experience personal growth, release, and profound connection, both with the horses and within themselves.
Ellen Christiaanse: The Founder, the Facilitator and the Healer
Ellen obtained a Masters Degree in psychology, and a Doctorate in Information Systems at Harvard and MIT, and worked for many years in the academic and consulting world. In 2005, she started to focus on what life was really about, and educated herself in healing techniques. In 2008, she dedicated her time to build Alaya Retreat Centre. She has steered Alaya Retreat Centre as a hub for profound transformation, crafting innovative coaching methodologies that challenge conventional approaches. Ellen has worked with groups for over 20 years, and completed 2 years of the Four Cycles TM integrated healing program.
She also has her Masters in Reiki, which allows her to teach Reiki to other students and work as a Reiki healer. In addition, she participated in a first level teacher training of Yin Yoga and has a diploma in sound therapy level I and II, to give healings with Quartz Bowls. In 2017, she became educated as a horse assisted coach and animal Reiki healer. With this, her circle was completed and she is now healing all types of animals with 2 or 4 legs.
Her groundbreaking work in equine-facilitated leadership coaching has empowered executives, teams, and individuals to break through limiting patterns and harness their full potential. By integrating horses, mirrors of human emotion and behavior, into leadership development, Ellen fosters a radical shift in the way we understand trust, collaboration, and authentic presence.
A futurist in the wellness space, Ellen continually adapts to the evolving landscape of personal growth and conscious leadership. She stands at the forefront of a new era in holistic development, proving that the path to transformation is not just intellectual—but deeply embodied.
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The work that I do with the horses is a culmination of everything in my life leading to this work. This was also divinely guided by my horses showing me that this is what they are here to do. I am so grateful that with all of my experience that I could support them in this work, as they are equally supporting me in this work.
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Ellen Christiaanse
IMAGE GALLERY
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MONTHLY PROGRAM SCHEDULE & BOOKING CALENDAR
Yoga and Healing with Horses: 5-Day Retreat
Calendar Year 2025
Feb 12-16 | Mar 19-23 | Apr 9-13 | Apr 17-21 | May 14-18 |Jun 11-15 | Jul 16-20 | Aug 27-31 | Sep 17-21 |
Oct 15-19 | Nov 18-22 | Dec 17-21
Note: This retreat can also be organized on other dates with different duration upon request. Just contact us through the form on the bottom of this page.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Day 1: Afternoon Arrival and Setting Intentions
Afternoon
• 3 PM : Arrival and Welcome Ceremony:
Guests arrive at Alaya Retreat Centre in the afternoon, settle in, and enjoy a guided tour of the grounds.
• Orientation and Intention Setting: Brief overview of the week’s activities, followed by a group intention-setting circle.
• Introduction to the Herd: A gentle meet-and-greet session with the horses. Participants are introduced to each horse’s unique qualities and learn the significance of the human-horse connection in healing.
Evening
• 6 PM - Evening Yoga Session: A gentle yoga session focused on grounding and releasing any travel stress, helping participants prepare for the retreat experience.
• Meditation with the Horses: A guided meditation session in the presence of the horses, allowing participants to connect energetically and begin establishing a calm, shared bond with the herd.
• Grounding Meditation and Reflection: Reflect on first impressions and set personal goals for the retreat.
Day 2: Establishing Connection and Breathwork
Morning
• 9 AM - Morning Yoga Session: An energizing yoga practice to start the day, focusing on breathwork and gentle movement to connect with the natural rhythm of the retreat center.
• ABC Breathing Technique Workshop: Introduction to the ABC breathing technique to enhance self-awareness and mindfulness. Participants practice with horses, observing how breathing patterns affect their connection with the animals.
Afternoon
• Horse-Assisted Grounding Exercises and Hypnosis Session: Guided activities focusing on establishing mutual trust and grounding through non-verbal communication and gentle touch.
• Time slot for Individual Reiki Healing with Ellen: Each participant receives one one-on-one personal Reiki session during the retreat with Ellen, allowing for deep relaxation and energy alignment.
Evening
• 6 PM - Evening Yoga Session: A calming, restorative yoga practice that complements the day’s activities.
• Guided Reflection and Journaling: Participants note down their experiences with the ABC breathing technique and connection exercises.
Day 3: Deepening the Bond with Energy Work
Morning
• 9 AM - Morning Yoga Session: A mindful yoga session focusing on presence and relaxation, setting a peaceful tone for the day’s activities.
• Session with the Horses: Soul Contracts and meditative states: The role of horses
Afternoon
• Introduction to Reiki for Horses: A detailed introduction to Reiki energy healing, its benefits for horses, and how it fosters relaxation and healing. Participants learn basic hand positions and concepts of energy flow.
• Group Reiki with Horses: In pairs, participants practice gentle Reiki techniques with the horses under the guidance of an equine Reiki practitioner.
• Time slot for Individual Reiki Healing with Ellen: Scheduled individual Reiki sessions with Ellen, providing personal time for deeper healing and relaxation.
Evening
• 6 PM - Evening Yoga Session: A gentle flow that incorporates meditation, helping participants unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.
• Silent Walk with Horses: Reflective evening walk alongside the herd, fostering a sense of peace and unity with nature.
Day 4: Trust-Building and Continued Healing
Morning
• 9 AM - Morning Yoga Session: A centering yoga class that incorporates breathwork to support confidence and trust, preparing participants for their individual session with the horses.
• Equine-Assisted Trust Exercises: Trust-building activities with the horses, helping participants develop confidence and a better understanding of boundaries.
Afternoon
• Time slot for Individual Reiki Healing with Ellen: Each participant receives a one-on-one Reiki session with Ellen in the afternoon.
• Free Time for Reflection and Rest: A peaceful period allowing participants to rest and reflect, integrating their experiences and healing.
Evening
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6 PM - Evening Yoga Session: A restorative yoga practice that supports relaxation and introspection
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Group Sharing and Reflection: Sharing insights and breakthroughs in a supportive circle to help solidify personal growth.
Day 5: Integration and Departure
Morning
• 9 AM - Morning Yoga Session: A gentle yoga session designed to integrate the week’s experiences, promoting a feeling of gratitude and closure.
• Farewell Connection Ritual: Final group session with the horses, integrating lessons learned. Participants have one-on-one time with their horse to say goodbye and thank them.
• Closing Ceremony and Gratitude Circle: Reflective gathering, expressing gratitude for the horses, facilitators, and group. Participants set intentions for integrating this experience into daily life.
Afternoon
• 3 PM Departure: Guests leave the retreat center with new insights, a deep sense of calm, and tools to practice mindfulness, communication, and healing in their everyday lives.
OPTIONAL:
• Additional Massages
• Additional healing treatments with the horses
• Horse riding excursion through the vineyards with nearby riding school with a glass of local wine afterwards
• Individual coaching session with horses
• Individual family constellation session with the horses
VIDEO GALLERY
Watch with sound on high volume so you can hear the horses react to Ellen´s breathing.
ANIMAL BREATH CONNECTION
Given the sensitive nature of horses, they instantly respond to your breathing patterns. By aligning your breath with that of a horse, you can enhance your connection, encouraging a relaxed state that might even lead to a horse lying beside you, breathing in harmony as demonstrated in the video. Remember to keep the sound on, as it's crucial for the demonstration. The Animal Breathwork Connection (ABC) meditation is designed to be accessible, requiring no prior experience with horses or breathwork techniques.
REIKI
A Reiki session acts as an energetic massage, channeling universal energy to foster well-being, improving health and enhancing life quality. It's effective against a range of physical and psychological issues like anxiety, stress, and more, while also healing emotional blockages. It aims not just to alleviate symptoms but to restore balance and happiness. Horses, attuned to energy, respond positively to Reiki, enjoying the sessions and actively participating, demonstrating their sensitivity to the healing and loving energy exchanged during therapy.
MEDITATION
Horses, sensitive to our inner states, reflect what we may not see in ourselves. Their presence teaches us to utilize somatic, emotional, and intuitive information more effectively. The coherence of a horse's heart rate, in sync with its breathing and brain activity, can positively influence human heart coherence, leading to beneficial physiological states. Meditating with horses offers a simple, serene way to harness these animals' ability to enhance our well-being and personal growth.
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