Wilden’s Run Farm Ladies Retreat Weekends

 
 

Meet Your Retreat Host

I’m Tara Ratzer — mother, wife, horsewoman, entrepreneur, and founder of Wilden’s Run Farm. As a business owner and mother of three, I understand how full and demanding life can be. Horses have always been my anchor — teaching me patience, and the quiet strength that comes from true connection.

The Ladies Retreat Weekends are created from my belief that horses have an incredible ability to help us just as much as we help them. They respond to authenticity, not perfection. They don’t follow force — they follow feel. And in their presence, we’re invited to become more grounded, more aware, and more confident.

Throughout the weekend, I will guide you through exercises to help gain more body control and confidence in your horse to tackle any of your goals. My mission is to guide women through intentional horse training experiences that develop feel, clear communication, and quiet leadership — helping them build trust with the horse and confidence within themselves.

Horse Accommodations

Our quiet, private facility offers a peaceful setting for you and your horse. Each participant will have a stall with bedding for the weekend.

FAQ

What is the fee of the retreat?

$1,500

What is included in the fee?

  • Your retreat fee includes light continental breakfast each morning, catered lunch, catered dinner, all equine related activities, and a paint and sip event to be held on Saturday

Where are accommodations?

  • Accommodations are your choice to pick. There are a variety of hotels and airbnbs in Bennington, Vermont, Hoosick Falls, NY, and Williamstown, MA. If you need help in locating a place to stay, feel free to reach out!

Can I camp out in my trailer?

  • Of course you can! You can even pitch a tent if you choose to do so! Grab a riding friend and make memories! We do have a washroom in the barn that if you choose to camp out.

What do I need to bring for my horse?

  • Tack for riding related activities

  • Rope halter

  • Grain/hay/feed buckets/water buckets

  • Stall cleaning equipment

Can I bring a young horse?

  • Yes of course! There are intensive ground work sections to this clinic as well as riding, but you can opt to do ground work the entire time.

What discipline is this clinic for?

  • This clinic is not discipline-specific — it is horsemanship-focused.

    My background is diverse and has shaped the way I teach today. I have experience starting young horses, developing horses through foundational groundwork, working in liberty, and riding in both show jumping and dressage. Each discipline has taught me something valuable about feel, timing, balance, communication, and partnership.

    Rather than focusing on one specific riding style, this clinic centers on the foundational principles that apply to every discipline — clarity in communication and confident leadership. Whether you ride dressage, jump, trail ride, or simply want a better partnership with your horse, the skills taught here translate across the board.

How do I reserve my spot?

  • In order secure your spot, the google form needs to be filled out with non-refundable %50 deposit to hold spot with balance due 30 days before clinic.

  • Clinic is only open to 6 participants.

What is the schedule for the ladies retreat weekend?

Day 1 – Friday | Reset the Mind

3:00 PM | Check-In & Horse Arrival
Settle horses into prepared stalls (bedding provided).

4:00-4:30 PM | Liberty Demonstration by Tara
Professional demonstration focused on leadership, feel, and overcoming fear.

5:00-5:30  PM |Introductions and goal setting

5:30-7:30  Farm-to-Table Dinner & Cocktails
Relaxed evening with discussion on confidence and mindset.

Day 2 – Saturday | Build the Confidence

9:00-AM | Group meeting and daily reflections
9:30-AM 12:00 PM| Ground work intensive: working on body control, moving shoulders over, yielding hind end, giving through the rib cage and a soft feel for the horse.  All of this will develop clarity, leadership, and confidence from the ground.

12:00-1:30 PM | Lunch Break

1:30 -3:30 PM | Mounted Confidence Session
Focus on decisiveness, composure, and riding with confidence.

5:00 PM | Equestrian Paint & Sip
Location: 467 Houran Road, Bennington

6:30 PM | Dinner and bonfire fellowship

Day 3 – Sunday | Ride Forward

9:00 AM | Group Ride Session.  Riders can decide to start on the ground or get right into the saddle
Confidence-building ride focused on flow and feel.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break

1:30 PM-3:30 PM | Field Work & Group Trail Ride
Apply skills in an open setting.

3:30 PM | Retreat Conclusion