I have traveled to over 25 countries in my 70 years, including numerous retreats of various sorts, and I can honestly say the Tai Chi retreat at Lar Horse in Brazil was the most life altering experience of my life.

Every day began with a sunrise meditation in a gorgeous setting, filling me with gratitude for having this opportunity and the peaceful environment.

Our Tai Chi and Qi Gong practice occurred in stunning settings, including on an elevated hill platform overlooking forest and mountains at Lar Horse, gorgeous wildflower filled meadows, an otherworldly misty landscape of mountains and boulders in Itatiaia National Park, a magical meadow nestled in the mountains where we enjoyed a breakfast picnic, meditation and Tai Chi, and countless other opportunities for contemplation. Efrain Brady is a supremely talented teacher. I have been studying with him for over 1 year and would follow him anywhere.

The equine therapeutic sessions were magical and far surpassed results achieved from many years of alternative forms of therapy. Israel is a gifted intuitive, shaman and “horse whisperer”. His abilities are indeed indescribable, one just had to dive in and be guided by his love.

Maria is an awesome Gestalt therapist, creative spirit & so connected to Mother Earth. Her energy is infectious and endearing. Everyone connected with the functioning of Lar Horse is this way.

Oscar, a generous soul I have nicknamed “The Brazilian Cowboy”, is truly the workhorse that keeps Lar Horse operating. He is always working, caring for the horses, chopping the greens that become their food, working with each horse with tender loving care. He is the official Lar Horse tour guide. He has lived his entire life in this small community and engaged every person on our retreat with his big loving heart and infectious smile. And his homemade fudge is amazing!

I learned so much about myself that I had no idea was inside me, all very positive and utterly transformative experiences. The work with the horses is something I was totally unprepared for but will pursue with vigor and honor for the remainder of my life.

Something that really stands out for me are the people at Lar Horse and the attendees. Everyone was full of joy and love of life, with open hearts, and by the 2nd day of the retreat, it was as if we were all one harmonious being sharing all that life here offered. We could communicate intimately often without speaking any of the 3 languages embraced by the group. I loved this and have carried the love of this group back to my life in the USA.

There was laughter and dancing and always amazingly delicious and healthy food, the stars and the Milky Way, horseback rides, a traditional Indian fire ceremony, many fire circles and breathing exercises. Sufficient time was in the schedule to allow attendees to assimilate experiences & meander on their own for special discoveries.

I will never miss another retreat at Lar Horse, and my advice to anyone interested in this experience is to do whatever is necessary to attend in 2024 and beyond. Getting there isn’t the easiest endeavor you will have, but the travel is so worth it & is just part of the incredible journey.