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Wild Mustangs

Eastern Sierra, California

Join us on a transformative 4-day horseback adventure through the breathtaking Adobe Valley, where majestic wild mustangs roam, ancient petroglyphs whisper history, and the serene views of the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains invites you to reconnect with nature and yourself.

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About this trip

AN IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the breathtaking Adobe Valley, where the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains frames a land teeming with history and life. Guided by expert trackers and in the company of local Indigenous women, this immersive experience offers a rare opportunity to witness the majestic wild mustangs in their natural habitat. From gallant stallions battling for dominance to playful foals discovering their world, the mustangs embody the untamed spirit and beauty of the West.

Explore the ancient petroglyphs etched into the landscape, revealing the rich cultural heritage of the Paiute tribe and the ancestral lineages who have long called this land home.  Ride through high desert sage brush, pinyon pine forests, and across state lines into Nevada, all while guided by the unparalleled knowledge of Dr. Ivana Crone, a seasoned mustang tracker and naturalist.

In between exhilarating rides, reset your mind and body with grounding meditations, yin yoga, and breathwork sessions, soaking in the serenity of this transformative environment. Nights are spent in a base camp, where campfire conversations under the star-studded sky deepen your connection to nature and each other. This is more than a trip—it’s a journey into the heart of the wild, a communion with history, and an invitation to reconnect with yourself.

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Highlights

  • Ride through the stunning landscape of the Adobe valley nestled between the iconic Sierra Nevada and the White Mountains

  • Witness the majestic sight of as many at 70+ wild mustangs

  • Discover the beauty of ancient petroglyphs, reflecting rich Indigenous history

  • Ride in the company of two local indigenous women

  • Enjoy a soothing soak in a natural hot spring

  • Reset your nervous system with guided meditations, yin yoga, and a breathwork journey

  • Experience the magic of true wilderness camping, sleeping under a canopy of stars, and waking up to the soft nickers of horses in the crisp morning air

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OUR OFFERINGS

01 Mindful Riding

Mindful riding is the practice of riding in a state of meditation through developing a present connection of mutual trust with your horse. Riding in this state of trust, presence and openness allows the rider to receive countless somatic benefits by being held by an intuitive, pure, and grounded sentient being. The rider will learn about their own energy through slowing down enough to see how they communicate and in turn receive messages from their horse’s body language. They will tap into the naturally meditative energy of horses and sensitize their intuition, the ability to energetically communicate, and connect with their true nature.

OUR OFFERINGS

02 Equine Guided Empowerment®

Equine Guided Empowerment® is a unique Somatic Reprogramming® practice developed by Cassandra Ogier. This practice provides an opportunity to ground and discover your true nature through the reflection of horses. Through being led by horses as an energetic guide and dropping into Somatic Reprogramming® exercises participants are invited to deepen into their empowerment and discover their inner wisdom. By doing so, the possibilities are endless in finding connection, belonging, individuation, authenticity, healing, and purpose.

OUR OFFERINGS

03 Integrative Breathwork

The practice of breathwork is a journey of cultivating awareness in the body through the presence of breath. Practicing breathwork allows the body’s natural wisdom to cleanse, heal, and re-center the nervous system. Through the exploration of breath you can release tension and trauma that have become embedded within the body. Breathwork serves as the bridge into the present moment and into expanded states of consciousness. This practice creates new internal pathways for safety and connection, which supports you to receive life with more awareness and authenticity.

OUR OFFERINGS

04 Somatic Yin Yoga

Somatic-based yoga is an embodied and energetic practice that invites you to explore your inner environment. This practice supports you to listen to the subtle language of your body and to reconnect with the rhythm of your essence. By slowing down and synchronizing breath with movement, this integrative practice assists in letting go of physical, mental and emotional stress and conditioning. Intuitive somatic yoga regulates your nervous system, opens you to deeper meditative states and guides you to the innate wisdom that resides within.

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Join us

AVAILABLE TO BEGINNER TO ADVANCED RIDERS

All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior riding experience is recommended but not required to participate.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

June 6th-9th

PRICING

$2,995

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

June 16th-19th

PRICING

$2,995

If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on March 3rd.

Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.

  • Price includes: meals, guides/wranglers/cooks. A bed in a shared room, and bus transport to and from Reykjavik.

     

    Price doesn’t include: travel insurance, flights to and from Reykjavik, accomodation in Reyjavik and airport transfers. Group size: 12-15 riders

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Join us

AVAILABLE TO BEGINNER TO ADVANCED RIDERS

All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior riding experience is recommended but not required to participate.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

June 16th-19th

PRICING

$2,775

If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on May 10th. Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.

  • Price includes: all meals, tent lodging, guides/wranglers/cooks. Entrance and camping fee for the Benton Hot Springs the night before the trip starts. 

     

    Price doesn’t include: travel to and from the the Inn at Benton Hot Springs. Personal camping gear i.e., sleeping bag, pad etc. Travel insurance & gratuities. Group size: 12-16 riders

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Join us

AVAILABLE TO BEGINNER TO ADVANCED RIDERS

All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior riding experience is recommended but not required to participate.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

June 6th-9th

PRICING

$2,775

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

June 16th-19th

PRICING

$2,775

If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on May 10th.

Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.

  • Price includes: all meals, tent lodging, guides/wranglers/cooks. Entrance and camping fee for the Benton Hot Springs the night before the trip starts. 

     

    Price doesn’t include: travel to and from the the Inn at Benton Hot Springs. Personal camping gear i.e., sleeping bag, pad etc. Travel insurance & gratuities. Group size: 12-16 riders

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Itinerary

The night before:

We invite you to join us for an evening of camping or book your own room at the Benton Hot Springs Inn, our meeting spot for the next morning. Relax and unwind with a soak in the soothing hot spring pools before the adventure ahead.

Day 1:

Meet at Benton Hot Springs Inn at 8 AM for breakfast and orientation. From there, we’ll drive to River Springs for a noon departure. Ride 2-3 hours to Pizona Camp, passing the magnificent Adobe Valley wild mustang herd along the way. Settle into our base camp, equipped with hot showers and tent accommodations. End the day with a campfire dinner and a peaceful yin yoga session.

Day 2:

Begin the day with a grounding meditation and sharing circle. Embark on a 5.5-6 hour ride past Lake McNamara, crossing into Nevada toward McBride Spring and Red Mountain Pass. Along the way, we may encounter a nomadic Nevada mustang herd known for their long-ranging migration. Return to camp and unwind with a relaxing yin yoga and yoga nidra session.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 3:

Start with a morning meditation and sharing circle. Enjoy a shorter ride to Lake McNamara, where you may see another herd of wild mustangs and explore ancient petroglyphs etched over 3,000 years ago. Learn about the rich history of the Paiute tribe and civilizations that predate them. In the afternoon, take part in a transformative breath-work journey to deepen your connection to yourself and the natural world.

Day 4:

Conclude the journey with a morning meditation and sharing circle. Ride 2-3 hours back to River Springs, passing the Adobe Valley mustangs one last time. Wrap up this unforgettable adventure with a noon departure.

End of trip

   

Itinerary

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Meet your guides

Aniela Gottwald, founder of Riding Wild, is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator from California, USA, with over 20 years of experience in horsemanship. Specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy, Aniela leads transformative wilderness expeditions that promote healing and environmental sustainability.

Aniela Gottwald

CALIFORNIA, USA

Aniela Gottwald is the founder of Riding Wild, a 1% For The Planet nonprofit organization that takes women on transformative wilderness expeditions, com- bining personal and collective healing with intersection- al environmentalism. With over 20 years of experience in horsemanship, Aniela is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy. Aniela’s lifelong connection with horses began in childhood, but it was her solo 1,300-mile backcountry expedition with wild horses she trained herself that deepened her understanding of the mirroring power of these animals in the healing process. Her work with Riding Wild stems from this understanding, offering equine-guided journeys that foster empowerment, personal sovereignty, and a sense of freedom. Through these immersive experiences, Aniela helps women, especially BIPOC and Indigenous communities, reclaim their voices and rediscover their inner strength. Guiding horse-riding expeditions throughout the world, Aniela has created a powerful program that seamlessly integrates tools for nervous system regulation and therapeutic practices into each journey. Her approach is grounded in the belief that individual healing contributes to collective well-being, creating a ripple effect of generational healing and transformation. Riding Wild’s purpose is to make these healing experiences accessible through scholarships, providing safe spaces for adventure, connection, and the discovery of new possibilities. Through her work, Aniela invites women to step into a journey of personal growth and resilience, supported by the essential connection between humans and nature. She believes that empowering women to heal, we also open pathways to advocate for the healing of nature - recognizing that personal and environmental restoration are deeply interconnected.

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Taren Maroun

CALIFORNIA, USA

Taren Maroun, a seasoned practitioner in Northern California, specialized in Somatic Trauma and Attachment therapy with a relational focus. Using innovative modalities like Ceremonial Breathwork, Shadow Alchemy, and Equine Guided Somatic Reprogramming, Taren invite individuals into a journey of healing and self-discovery. She is currently in school in pursuit of a MA in Somatic Psychology and Licensure as an LMFT. Taren’s lifelong connection with horses has deeply influenced her healing journey. At 16, training her first wild mustang revealed the mirroring potential and power of horses. This realization fueled Taren’s dedication to exploring the healing potential of horses, eventually leading to the creation of a tailored equine-guided immersion program for survivors of physical and sexual assault. With extensive experience in both 1:1 and group settings, Taren cultivates transformative spaces where individuals are invited to reconnect with their bodies, reclaim their voices, and foster resilience. Through a combination of traditional therapeutic techniques and experiential approaches, often involving horses, Taren’s holistic approach supports clients in processing unresolved trauma and developing healthier relational patterns. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual healing, with collective well-being, advocating for personal sovereignty, freedom and empowerment, fostering a ripple effect of healing and authenticity. This comprehensive approach lays the foundation for sustained healing and personal growth, empowering individuals to embark on a journey towards profound transformation and empowerment.

  • HORSES

    Sierra Nevada horsepacking outfitters typically use a mix of Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Draft-crosses, and Warmbloods, chosen for their endurance, agility, and calm temperament on rugged trails. Mules, including Quarter Horse and draft mules, are essential for their strength, surefootedness, and ability to navigate steep terrain. These animals are carefully selected for their reliability in high-altitude backcountry travel.

    MINIMUM RIDING ABILITY

    We welcome riders of all experience levels on this trip. To ensure your comfort and safety, we recommend taking a few riding lessons beforehand to become familiar with steering, mounting, and dismounting. Please be prepared to spend up to 6 hours in the saddle on one of our riding days. For the well-being of our horses, there is a weight limit of 200 lbs (90 kg) for riders.

    PACE

    Our Wild Mustang Ride maintains a walking pace to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience for all participants. This approach allows riders to fully appreciate the Adobe Valley's wild mustangs and surrounding scenery, promoting safety and comfort throughout the journey.

    TACKING ABILITY & PARTICIPATION

    We do ask our riders to help with grooming and tacking up their own horses. If you are a beginner we will make sure someone will help you with this task but this responsibility is an important part of the experience that supports both the team function, but also ensures you create an authentic connection with your horse. 

    TRIP CONDITIONS

    The area features a mix of open valleys, rocky paths, and sandy stretches. The terrain can be uneven, with inclines and declines. Vegetation is sparse, and shade may be limited.

    EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT

    - western trail riding saddles 

    - hornbags are provided

    - wearing a riding helmet is optional

  • TRANSFERS

    The closest airport to Benton Hot Springs, CA is Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), located about 40 miles (~45-minute drive) west of Benton Hot Springs.

    Other Nearby Airports:

    - Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – 160 miles (~3-hour drive)

    - Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 230 miles (~4.5 to 5-hour drive)

    Since Mammoth Yosemite Airport has limited commercial flights, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is often the most convenient option for those flying in from major cities. Rental cars are available at the airport, or you may coordinate a ride-share with fellow guests.

    RIDE SHARE COORDINATION

    Once most guests have completed their bookings, we will create a WhatsApp group to facilitate travel coordination and ride-sharing from the airport. This will help guests connect and arrange shared transportation for a smoother and more sustainable journey.

    CLIMATE

    In June, the Adobe Valley in the Eastern Sierra experiences mild to warm temperatures with minimal precipitation. The valley's location in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada contributes to its relatively dry conditions.

    Based on historical data from nearby Benton, CA, typical June temperatures are:​

     

    - Average Highs: 77°F (25°C), though temperatures can rise into the 80s°F (27-32°C)

    - Average Lows: 46°F (8°C), but can drop below freezing (32°F / 0°C), especially at night

    Given the elevation of the Adobe Valley, which is around 6,450 feet (1,966 meters) above sea level, temperatures can vary significantly between day and night. It's advisable to dress in layers to accommodate these fluctuations.

    TIPS

    Tipping for horsepacking trips is entirely at each guest’s discretion but is deeply appreciated by our team of incredibly hardworking women. Our guides dedicate themselves to ensuring a safe, memorable, and seamless backcountry experience, often going above and beyond in rugged conditions. If you feel moved to show gratitude for their efforts, a tip is a meaningful way to do so.

     

    For multi-day trips, a general guideline is $50-$100 per day per guest, but any amount is appreciated. Tipping must be given in cash and will be collected in an envelope for each of your three guides at the end of your trip. Your generosity helps support our hardworking crew and is deeply valued!

  • Accommodation will be in double-shared lightweight backpacker tents, specifically chosen for their ease of transport by our mules during the expedition. Tents are provided and will be shared in groups of two. If you prefer to have your own tent, please bring a lightweight one-person tent that is suitable for backcountry conditions

  • Our backcountry cook will be preparing warm, nutritious, and hearty meals for breakfast and dinner, ensuring you stay energized throughout the expedition. Lunches will be freshly packed each morning, consisting of a wholesome sandwich to enjoy on the trail. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available upon request—please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your needs.

  • We have a 30 lb weight restriction per person (this includes all personal gear, sleeping bags etc). Please bring your belongings in canvas or nylon duffels; side zipper is recommended, ideal size approximately 14” x 32”. It is a good idea to use a large plastic bag inside of the duffle to protect contents from external moisture.


    Sleeping bags can be in separate bags, line the inside of the duffle with a plastic bag for rain. Please try to minimize the weight of your belongings by packaging only the amount of any item you will need (like soap, lotions, and medications). Place all cosmetics, soaps, medications, etc into small plastic containers with close-fitting caps, then into sturdy resealable plastic zip lock bags. If anything breaks or bursts from altitude changes, the plastic bag contains the spill.

  • CLOTHING

    Upper body

    - long sleeved shirts (provide protection from the sun or extra warmth)

    - warm sweater (wool or fleece)

    - wool warm long underwear

    Lower body

    - riding pants

    - casual clothes for the evenings

    - yoga pants

    - wool warm long underwear

    Outerwear

    - waterproof jacket/waterproof rain pants to wear over riding pants

    - warm down jacket or overcoat

    Footwear

    - riding boots (or blundstones/hiking boots)

    - hiking boots, rubber boots (bring a pair of these in case your riding boots get wet)

    - warm wool socks, at least a few pairs

    Headwear

    - riding helmet

    - sunhat

    - warm wool hat for cold evenings

    Camping Items

    - sleeping bag warm enough for freezing temperatures

    - small pillow to sleep on

    - comfortable sleeping pad

    - soft duffle bag for your gear/belongings

    - headlamp

    - small and lightweight water filtration system (optional)

    - lightweight coffee mug

    OTHER ITEMS

    - gloves for riding

    - scarf/bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain

    - sunglasses with a cord​ attached so they don’t fly off when riding

    - swimsuit

    - towel 

    - toiletries

    - hand sanitizer

    - toilet paper

    - small plastic bags

    - light weight plastic pint water bottle 

    - phone and/or camera for photos

    - compact power bank for charging

    - small bag for small items when riding

    - notebook/journal

    Provided

    - tents are provided to be shared in groups of two, if you prefer to have you own tent please bring a light weight one person tent.

    - all cutlery excluding a camping mug

    - additional camp gear, toilet paper, etc.

    MEDICAL KIT

    - high uv sunscreen

    - insect repellent,  net head cover

    - any medication you regularly take

    - band aids and second skin plasters for chafing

    - antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...

    - electrolytes 

    - ear plugs (for light sleepers)

    - water purifier or purification tablets (optional)

  • SIERRA NEVADA

    - The High Sierra: A Love Story - Kim Stanley Robinson

    CLIMATE

    - All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katherine K. Wilkinson 

    - Rooted - Lyanda Lynn Haupt 

    - The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle
    of Oppression to Protect People + Planet - Leah Thomas 

    - The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown - Adam Weltz 

    HORSE

    - Tao of Equus - Linda Kohanov 

    - Riding Between Worlds - Linda Kohanov 

    - Sacred Spaces: Communion with the horse through science and spirit - Dr. Susan Fay

    HEALING

    - Untethered Soul - Michael Singer
    - Healing Collective Trauma - Thomas Hübl
    - Attuned - Thomas Hübl

    - If Women Rose Rooted - Sharon Black
    - Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May

    - Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma - Peter A. Levine

    - The Power of Now - Ekhart Tolle

    - Being Peace - Thich Naht Hahn

    - One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder - Brian Doyle
    - The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief - Francis Weller
    - Gender(s) - Kathryn Bond Stockton

    RELATIONSHIP

    - Us - Terrence Real 

    - Perfect Love, Imperfect relationships - John Welwood 

    - Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick 

    - The Conscious Heart - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick 

    - Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg 

    - The Power of Attachment - Diane Poole Heller 

    - Eight Dates - John Gottman

    please note, this is an optional reading list for your enjoyment

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Rock Creek Pack Station

& DR IVANA CRONE

We have partnered with the Rock Creek Pack Station to provide an incredible adventure with their experienced guides, horses, and mules. Our crew comprises three female guides with expertise in guiding, wrangling, and cooking. Dr. Ivana Crone, one of our guides, holds a degree in Natural Sciences and has contributed to behavioral wild mustang studies for UC Davis. Having led more than 250 mustang trips, she has exceptional expertise in tracking and observing wild horse herds. Her deep knowledge, understanding of the wilderness, and heartfelt passion for these animals ensures an unforgettable and enriching experience. Many of the wild horse photographs featured here were captured by Ivana—you can explore more of her stunning work here.

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We can't wait to meet you!

Testimonial

“Time in the backcountry on horseback surrounded by an incredible group of women who share the same values and inspiration was balm for my soul. Riding Wild created a beautiful safe space for heart centered healing and connection through every aspect of this journey. Thank you for an epic adventure of body and spirit.”

- Jenn whitney

Testimonial

“This journey allowed me to let go of my current worries and find renewed joy of being in nature, being with the horses, ad being with a group of women, The scenery, the connection, the leadership was perfectly aligned.”

- Stephany Helbig

Testimonial

“This experience has been truly empowering, instilling in me more faith, confidence, and trust, and a deep desire to keep nurturing that part of me—letting myself be guided by the quiet pull of my deeper knowing.”

– Christina Svec

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