Straightness Training Instructor Retreat in Portugal
This September, we hosted an unforgettable Straightness Training (ST) Instructor Retreat in Portugal.
Instructors came from all over the world – USA, Canada, the UK, Spain, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Slovenia – to connect with each other and enrich their Straightness Training journey. A big high five to Natalie, Saskia, Alisa, Roland, Polina, Andrej, Maria, Lot, Simone, Maarten, Mette, Christen, Karin, Carlos, Hans, Sharon, and Bartha—it was fantastic to share this experience with all of you! We’ve made so many unforgettable memories, and it was truly special to connect and spend a wonderful, magical weekend together!
Kick Off
We began the retreat by focusing on self-mastery. We explored how we can empower ourselves to show up as the best version of ourselves, so we can help others overcome their struggles, break through obstacles, and achieve their goals.
We discovered that being the 'best version of you' doesn’t mean being 'the' best or better than the rest. Instead, it’s about learning to supervise our brain, which has a natural positive-negative asymmetry. This is totally normal, but an unsupervised brain tends to focus on the negative or worst-case scenarios, which can hold us back as instructors.
When we operate from that space, we tend to show up to prove ourselves, to impress others, and for the applause. But when we shift our focus to them—our students and their horses—we show up to help them improve, we express our wisdom, and show up for a bigger cause: helping others overcome both external obstacles (natural asymmetry in their horse) and inner struggles (natural asymmetry in their brain).
Kinesthetic Learning Experience
On Saturday morning, we widened, broadened, and deepened our kinesthetic experience with some powerful exercises. We also took our learning outdoors, surrounded by the beautiful ocean scenery.. You can see our retreat hotel in the background, where we spent the weekend connecting and enriching.
Horse Demos with the Professors
In the afternoon we met my horses Romanesque (26), Toronto (24), and Prince Elmelund (20)—whom I call my “Professors". They not only helped us enrich some powerful ST concepts, but also showed us how the ST lifestyle helps keep them balanced and engaged well into their senior years.
Bartha, Maria, Maarten, Christen, and Karin practiced one or more of the ST concepts, widening, broadening, deepening and enriching their kinesthetic experience. Well done everyone!!
Watch the video below to see them all in action!
Inspiring Presentations
On Sunday, we had three incredible presentations that really highlighted how ST can combine with other passions.
- Christen Schweizer shared insights on psychology and coaching
- Saskia Struik shared her knowledge of equine bodywork
- Bartha Veggelers led us through some empowering martial arts exercises.
It just goes to show that there are so many ways to blend ST with other passions!
Reflections & New Horizons
At the end of the retreat, we reflected on the wins of the last 90 days and set intentions for the next 90 days. The energy, insights, and experiences we shared will help carry us forward into the final quarter of the year, recharged and ready to continue our journey of growth as ST Instructors.
We wrapped up the retreat with a spontaneous beach walk along the stunning Atlantic coastline. It was the perfect way to spend some extra time together, with everyone laughing, running, and just enjoying being in the moment.
Catch the Highlights in our Video
Thank you to everyone who made this retreat so magical, and enjoy a 3-minute video that captures some of the magical moments and memories from the retreat:
Want to Join Us Next Time?
If you’re interested in becoming part of the ST Instructor Network or learning more about our programs, reach out to us or explore our STore. We’d love to help you unlock your full potential and share this amazing journey with you!
