"An extraordinary experience with an extraordinary group of human and animal souls. With your team and herd you guided each one of us separately yet together with a level of skill and care that was as impactful as it was gentle. The entire experience left me with a welcomed and unique sense of belonging. It delivered to me an intangible, personalised toolkit rooted in an ethical framework that left me feeling responsibly empowered. Engaging and practicing among like-minded feelers, sensers and healers (four- and two-legged) I experienced new levels of safety and openness that I did not know existed. Cultivated in an environment that embraced nature's beautiful elements was the icing on the cake. Thank you for enabling me to lift the prevailing veil that I knew was there but had not before understood how to remove. I may just have to adopt a blue zone diet too - delicious and nutritious! I can't wait to come back!"

"The most impactful part of the experience was incorporating mindfulness energy management techniques with the horses. The self-discovery that it brings to light and the weighted feeling held inside released is unparalleled. The mindful movement was an incredible experience with and without the horses, I also loved the closing ceremony and the moment to meditate on the yoga deck. The meals were all fabulous."

"The gentle connection that transitions between, and with, the horses draws out the most incredible experience, allowing you to release any stuck energy that is held deep within. It brings back childlike playfulness for the soul. Feelings of love, connection, joy, and peace flow through each session with a secure grounding notion that the facilitation is close by to support management of the thoughts in the head, allowing for a calming, relaxed experience. For anyone who wishes to experience self discovery in a creative way, I would highly recommend Tula Vida Costa Rica. I can’t wait to come back."

"This experience was truly transformational, filled with magic and profound insights. It's perfect for anyone seeking a deeper, healthier, and more loving connection to themselves and others. Part of the magic lies in the unknown and the unfolding of the program so that I won’t spoil it. But if you’re looking for something that offers tangible insights, it’s akin to equine-assisted psychotherapy without the clinical structure. The extended nature of the experience allows for a deep dive into personal growth, all while fostering vulnerability as you disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in a place of wonder. Surrounded by parrots, toucans, and a highly intuitive herd of human and animal guides, it helped me understand broken parts of myself and know the way forward. I've already booked my second trip. I highly, highly recommend it!!"

"Exploring new ways of self discovery and releasing what no longer serves the soul in a beautiful atmosphere nestled in Costa Rica, provides the comfort of home, the gifts of connection, and the joy of having space to drop the reins and unleash stuck energy. Enjoy the experience of true magic the Tula Vida horses bring each day driving towards a deeper level of understanding and energy management along with Danielle, Sally, Eric, Nora, their staff and the dogs, who allow whatever needs to be unraveled at that moment to be experienced in a grounded authentic way. Tula Vida truly brings a balanced life into the body, mind and soul. Extremely grateful for this experience, and I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to take the next step forward in their transformational journey."

“It has been an incredible experience attending a retreat connecting with horses at the Tula Vida ranch in Costa Rica. Set against a picturesque backdrop, Eric, Sally and Danielle have guided us into a level of mindfulness about ourselves, interacting with the horses and the natural world by expanding our insights around energy anatomy, the interconnectedness of our environments and how to remain present and grounded for a deeper connection. This work is deeply transformative and I highly recommend it for anyone wanting greater awareness and balance in their lives.”

“The most impactful part of the experience was exploring my feelings – understanding what it was I was feeling and why. Going through the difficult discussions with a supportive group of people helped me work through some of my grief. The lessons feel permanent. I can take them home and implement them easily. They will not be forgotten. Everything was well balanced. I enjoyed everything. The meals together and the time with the horses were my favorite. I was not sure what to expect. I have only interacted with horses on two occasions, each for a 1 hour long horseback ride. However, the place of grief I was in was the catalyst for me coming here. I hoped for healing and I received more than I expected. I am truly grateful for everything.”

“Danielle and the staff at Tula Vida Ranch have created the perfect environment for exploring and learning about your soul purpose and deepening the connection to yourself with the assistance of the animals. This judgement free space allows you to go deep into self introspection with support when needed, allowing for personal growth with the help of the horses. This amazing property is perfectly nestled between three volcanoes and wildlife surrounding you, which makes for a perfect healing experience. This retreat has truly been life changing.”

“My experience at Tula Vida was absolutely amazing, and I can't even express how much I loved being there for the week, taking part in one of Danielle Mackinnon's Horse and Soul retreats for the first time. It's hard to pick just one part of the experience that was most impactful for me, but one that stands out was sitting out in the field with the herd of horses, surrounded by the horse energy, the love and support of the group of people I felt so connected to, the big open sky and the mountains in the background. Just taking it all in and enjoying being still, being connected, being in the moment and being at peace.”

“I have to say that my 6 nights at the Tula Vida Ranch with my daughter, Heather, was one of the MOST profound experiences of my life! From the first day being chosen by a horse, mine was Ronco, to the very last day, the experience was wrapped up with meditation, processing information, learning from the horses, meeting new like minded friends, journaling, animal communication, sharing excellent home cooked meals, to gazing off into the forest/jungle and being like a horse and sharing their pastures! I still feel the peace and openness that I received from Ronco and the other horses. And I still sit and meditate every day since, and feel that Ronco is right beside me! Thank you to our wonderful and talented hosts, Sally and Eric. I will never forget my time with you, and I hope to come back to visit!”

“Working with the horses has been revealing in many ways for me. It has awoken feelings/memories long past forgotten and brought back the love and joy from long ago back to the surface to be renewed and experienced again. The energies shown and experienced by me were life changing and life affirming to me. I give my heart felt gratitude to all the animals and people I had the honor to meet and work with at Tula Vida. It leaves me in a state of wonder for what will be. Love and blessings to you all! TY, TY, TY All the heartfelt love and support given me during my stay was incredible.”

“I find it impossible to describe my week at Tula Vida with Danielle McKinnon, Eric, Nora, Sally and the horses (and dogs!). When I got home, I told my husband I felt like I had had three years of therapy in one week. My life has been forever changed, and I have grown as a person because of this experience. The energy of Tula Vida and the horses is magical and something everyone should experience! Learning from the horses was the highlight.”

“My experience was positive. I’ve not connected with an animal like this before, nor a person on this level! For me it was an intuitive, energetic sharing of hearts & souls. It feels amazing and natural to connect in this way. Just thinking about it now brings the feeling forward. The healing sessions with the male then female horses was very worthwhile, I felt part of Everything, with peace, love and compassion. I also received a message that I can follow from the male horse. Being with all the horses and people and dogs, everything! It was spectacular. Walking in step, meeting other horses, being on the grass - yes!! ”

“Thanks so much for imparting your knowledge. I’m really buzzing with new ideas and a totally shifted perspective. Thanks!”

“I just want to say how much I enjoyed my time at Tula Vida. The experiences with you, Eric and the horses at your ranch were meaningful to me, and I have sung your praises to colleagues and others. I will be back!”

“I had a wonderful insightful session with Sally and the herd today. I feel relaxed and back on track. Thanks to you all. Horses just have a way to guide us and teach us such valuable lessons. So refreshing to connect with beings who care and are so willing to help us through our journey of life. Feeling grateful. Thank you!”

“My week there profoundly changed me for the better! Honestly, nothing would have made my experience better. Eric and Sally were flexible, supportive and generous sharing their wealth of knowledge about horses and making sure we were happy and getting everything we wanted out of our week at Tula Vida. Your hearts are as big as the greatest of your horses! I am still learning from my week there because each day was full of experiences I have never had and offered new insights into how I perceive and interact with the world - and my week showed me a new way of doing that.”

“The most impactful part of my experience at Tula Vida was having my mind go offline and expanding into the vast realms that exist beyond the nonverbal world. Being offered so many ways to expand and connect to these essential realms – to have them presented and translated to us by Sally, Eric and the gorgeous gorgeous horses – to feel the imprint and guidance of these wise, allowing souls was a gift beyond measure. I leave feeling my whole self – and I leave with joy. Thank you thank you thank you!! The healing I received from Minne was my highlight!”

“The best part of the experience was being present with the horses in their natural environment. I really appreciated the kindness and thoughtfulness of Sally, Erik and Nora. Always going above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and welcome. This experience was transformational. I experienced a few definite and noticeable shifts personally, even in just a couple of days. The natural beauty of the place really synchronized with the majestic, calm, peaceful wisdom, gifted by the horses. It was amazing to experience a higher intelligence coming through my connection with some of the horses. This is pretty deep stuff and a lot of it cannot really be expressed in words – maybe a poem might be better, but for now I can only encourage others who are drawn to the horse's energy to give themselves this profound indescribable experience.”

“The most impactful part of the experience was working with the horses to help me identify my true potential. It also allowed me to see how energy fields and boundaries work, and it was incredible to see it with Minne, but also how I could carry it over to the other horses at the new location in the natural environment. The only thing I wish is that I had more time at Tula Vida, I will be back! The entire experience was pretty indescribable and I urge you (whether you have previous equine experience or not) to come and see you for yourself.”

“My daughter and I spent a week with Sally and Eric working with the herd and learning through them about ourselves and our relationship to each other and those around us. It was truly magical. The last half of our trip we traveled to the beach to swim with the horses. We will never forget it. I loved learning about the Masterson method. Loved being with Sally and Eric and the ease and respect they have with the horses.”

“Understanding that my heart is alive & continually communicates with my brain, which allows me through focused deep breathing, at my heart level, to adjust my emotions to project an aura that communicates with all living things, who are also projecting auras of emotion. In addition, we learned how to practice this new knowledge with sensitive horses, in order to know how to daily control our positive & negative emotions with those we care for, work with & briefly associate. There were unforgettable times of actually aligning my thoughts non verbally with the horse, so that we moved as one through the Spirit sent out by our hearts. It is not a Myth but actually can happen in the spirit of Love. Life changing- thank you so much for sharing your knowledge & the Herd that encompasses this gift”

“This retreat has impacted my life. The horses became my teacher and showed me where I am stuck in my life. I felt completely held and safe in this beautifully wild Costa Rican experience and I will be coming back many times for this unforgettable journey. The Entire thing impacted me greatly, there was so much beauty and threads it is hard to choose which one.”

“There are many beautiful things to be said about Tula Vida; Sally, Eric, Nora and all of the horses and animals in this healing place. Like many healing experiences, it is something to experience first hand to truly understand the purpose of these horses and people connecting. I have been working as a grief and trauma psychotherapist for 18 years and can say this is a life experience you do not want to miss! The nature of horses and the profound feeling and healing is something I will return to participate in. Sally, Eric, Nora and the team there are extremely nurturing and respectful of the people who participate. They certainly created an environment of love, care and safety for your process; learning about and healing with horses. Can’t wait to return!"

“You have created the most magical, beautiful, authentic experience. Cosmo showed me what is possible. I experienced a powerful transformation. Ever since I was a kid I had this feeling horses had magic powers. Well I was right and you gotta come to believe it.”

“Watching the horses respond to us was just amazing! I felt the acceptance to let my emotions out and cry with incredible support from everyone to go deeper. An incredibly deep experience that happens not only because of the horses deeply connecting to our inner souls and completely reading what we need in each moment, but also the complete acceptance and support from Sally and Eric.”

“Being with the horses amplifies all the experiences. I came with stories and left with a clear mind. Working with horses is one of the most powerful experiences of my life - the way the horses gave me feedback and mirrored what was happening in me and others and how this impacted us all. I loved it all.”

“My experience at Tula Vida has been mind-blowing, healing and very connecting to my inner self. The work with the horses is more powerful than I ever imagined. The work and space here is so grounding which makes the connection to the self so impactful. Sally and Eric are powerful facilitators and can truly hold the space for each person to go through their own process and allow transformations to occur. Grateful for every minute I had here at Tula Vida.”

“This truly was a transformational experience for me. I felt pulled to go to Tula Vida in such a strong way when I found it on a list of area things to do. There was no question that I needed to go! And it really was exactly what I needed at that moment. Everything that Sally and Nora explained, spoke so deeply to me. My interaction, first with my partner and then with Cosmos, brought so many important messages into absolute clarity for me. I have tried many different approaches to bringing that balance into my life which has always been so unattainable. But this was different. Placing my hands on Cosmos shifted everything in an inexplicable way. It has been a few days since my visit to Tula Vida. I felt that I needed to kind of sit with the experience before I could comment here. I feel changed. I believe that I will carry these beautiful lessons home with me and remain changed by them. I will absolutely return to Tula Vida when I visit Costa Rica again. I would love to be able to attend one of their retreats. Thank you so much Sally and Nora and Eric. You are doing very valuable work here.”

“I was surprised with how quickly I felt an emotional connection with the horse and that I started to feel the impact on the first day. I am not particularly an animal person and especially not a horse person. I haven’t been around horses much and never felt particularly drawn to them, so was doubtful the retreat would impact me. Boy was I wrong! It is really hard to put the experience into words, and it is something one just has to experience for themselves. But I can honestly say, it helped me tremendously with the issues I needed to deal with and provided me with the tools to make changes when I go home.”

“You should know that I carry the life lessons of our time together with me in the forefront of my mind always. The peace and serenity I learned to summon envelops me and empowers me to deal with life's rough edges.”

“The level of connection that I experienced with the horses gave me a sense of peace that I will never forget. I have never felt so present in a moment. It felt like they allowed me to explore concepts in a safe manner without having to be fearful. Being around them enabled me to work through subconscious thoughts & to bring them to the surface in a safe, non-judgemental way. I was not expecting such transparency. The most impactful part was working with the horses as they gave me the opportunity to process my subconscious thoughts, but equally impactful was being given a secure, containing space in such a euphoric setting.”

“Sally and Eric are the loveliest people you could meet. The whole experience was so personal and profoundly moving. The experience opened our eyes to so much, teaching us skills which we can use every day. We learnt to work with the horses in a way that taught ourselves so many valuable skills. Allegra was such a stunning horse, I will never forget the connection we made. The location is just stunning, I've never felt so at one with nature. The food was local cuisine too and so I felt completely energised. Sadly it really is impossible to explain just how moving and soul recharging the trip was. I highly recommend it to all ages and wish we could return soon.”

“The Sand Play was hard but definitely helped and the horses (Cosmo especially) definitely changed me for the better.” “My horse honestly changed my life and my attitude. I was never really a horse person but this experience was just different for the better. It’s definitely converted me into a horse person. The way the horses are looked after is just so special and I think it brought the horses’ personalities out more. I would 100% recommend it!”

“This is my second retreat with Sally, Eric and Gretchen and my third time visiting all together. Having been trained in Sand Play and being a trauma trained therapist, I understand exponentially how very valuable this work is to help all of us self-regulate and develop patience and compassion for ourselves and others in our lives - animals and humans. I recommend this equine facilitated experience to anyone who wants to let go of old wounds and develop a deeper connection with themselves.”

“We have been to Tulavida twice and are planning for a third trip soon. Our retreat experiences with Sally, Eric, Nora, Gretchen and the herd were unlike anything we have experienced. We felt so cared for and the aspects of the retreat were so healing for mind, body, and spirit. I would recommend a trip to Tulavida to anyone, or any family, who wants a truly transcendent healing experience in a beautiful setting with amazing humans and amazing animals. These horses seem to have an intuition, through reading the energy of a particular person, what they most need to return to an intrinsic sense of groundedness, tranquility, and self-acceptance. My experiences with Gitana, an elderly, wise, kind teacher have changed me - she taught me valuable lessons about what is really important to me and reinforced my understanding of the vital connection between humans and horses. Horses can communicate to us when WE are at our best, through their own behavior, which we learned so much about with Sally and Eric and the rest of the team. I find myself checking in with my breathing and having more compassion for myself since I left Tulavida!”

“Interacting with horses on the level we did was a new and eye-opening experience. It required an open mind at the outset but that was well rewarded! Eric and Sally and Gretchen are incredibly wise, intuitive, and a pleasure to be in the company of at all times throughout the retreat. I am in awe of their life experience and their ability, individually and collectively, to convey their life lessons to us. I had no idea that I could learn as much as I did from the horses. I am truly educated! This retreat opened my mind to self-reflection that I’d really never addressed. I leave with powerful tools that will impact greatly upon my coping skills at home.”

“I truly feel the heart of the horse is the heart that will help us understand our roles to each other and how we live our life. This retreat provides the arena to find that heart beat in ourselves. We are all strangers until we aren’t. Being surrounded and learning from the horses enabled me the vulnerability to not only remind myself of what I want and need but to also realize everyone has a story and we are all part of the herd. Tula Vida helped me experience in so many different ways throughout my retreat to listen and believe in myself. Until you walk beside and feel the heart beat of the horses yourself you cannot realize how life changing it really is.”

“What an amazing experience with a magnificent horse!”

“Tula Vida truly exceeded my previous experiences with horse retreats in the best way. I so appreciated Sally's and Eric's openness and willingness to let us get involved with the horses on a very deep level. Touching, feeling- loved it! In the safest possible way. The peace in this herd was truly outstanding and healing!!”

“This was my first retreat and I could not have been happier. I was looking for an opportunity to refocus myself and to reconnect with my spouse. The Tula Vida Team helped me work on myself while allowing my spouse to have his own experience. I was amazed by the intuition of my horse. He helped me to identify my true feelings. Additionally, after the retreat, my spouse and I have been able to share our experiences. In our case, it has brought us closer together. If anyone is interested in exploring a deeper relationship with themselves, I highly recommend this retreat.”

“It was an incredible experience for both of us and I think you guys opened a whole new world for my daughter with the idea of connection and healing without words!”

“I stayed for a couple of days for a retreat with Sally and the horses. The highlight was the sessions Sally organised with the horses. The horses are patient, kind healers. I loved bonding with them through the unique teaching sessions Sally organises and on the jungle treks. Eric is a warm, sweet and hilarious soul! I had so much fun doing morning yoga sessions with Eric, Sally and Sita, the canine yoga assistant. I would have loved to have had enough time to do a paddle board session with Eric - next trip! I can’t recommend my stay enough. If you are thinking of staying, just go for it. It will change your life!”

“I had a profoundly insightful and healing journey during my session with Eric and the horses at Tula Vida. The experience helped me with my healing processes, and clearly exposed aspects of my subconscious that allowed me to connect more deeply with, and trust in, my inner wisdom. Ultimately, I left with greater clarity, and feeling more confident and in touch with myself. I’m very grateful for the experience, and to meet all the beautiful souls at Tula Vida – humans, horses, and the vibrant nature around the farm. Thank you!”

“Sally and Eric, and Nora as well, are true healers - they understand the healing power of their herd of (now 9) horses, the dynamics of the herd, the individual personalities and healing gifts of each horse, and fluidly assist us in tuning into their energy to tune in with our own. The connection we made with this wonderful herd of experienced, patient healing horses, who welcomed us right in! and being led through exercises and activities which helped enhance our mindful attention, regulating our nervous systems, especially after this difficult year, and breathing deeply into the peacefulness of the jungle were made possible through the facilitating work of both the humans and the horses at Tula Vida.”

“Working with horses to gain a deeper understanding and insight into oneself is a remarkably rewarding experience. Add Sally and Eric’s guidance and insight to this and it’s a recipe for a wholly unique, mysterious dive into the inner workings of these equine teachers and what they can offer us. Sally’s gift of empathy, her incredible ability to listen and her abundant curiosity all lead to a fabulous undertaking that must be experienced. Eric’s history and background of spiritual pursuits, along with his gentle and wise nature adds much to this work that is profound. There are endless ways to spend time and work on personal growth in this fast paced, technologically addicted world. Take this opportunity to grow within a paradise that is the one and only Costa Rica.”

“My experience with horses is limited and I have to admit I was a bit afraid. Sally was great, starting us off with a little bit of history about horses and then explaining why horses do horse things, which really helped me understand more about how to interact with horses and put me more at ease. I loved a phrase that Sally used, "going back to grazing" as a way of describing coming back to a state of center and grounding. We ended our time by walking with the horses to their overnight pasture and had an opportunity to see them run and jump and along the way. It was a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to coming back and learning more from Sally, meeting Eric and being with the horses again.”

“My husband and I felt immense power in this experience. I had the most profound healing I have ever had. I have been to so many workshops before, but this was incredible – my interactions with Galan (my horse) had a profound impact. Somehow I guess I knew that there was a place inside of me that needed further expansion, and there was a part of my heart that was still closed, and my resonance with Galan created this space to finally open up my heart and finally be present with it – I was still opening up the whole week afterwards and could finally be just where I was, the perfect full circle. Sally and Eric, I truly am so thankful for you both, for your work, for following your mission and purpose. My blessings to your work. This healing is powerful and the amount of love, is real.”

“Working with the horses illuminated truth by supporting the cultivation of inner presence. Sally and Eric’s co-facilitation provided a safe container to explore the limiting patterns woven into my subconscious mind. After our sessions, I felt rejuvenated and anchored in clarity. Very grateful for this experience.”

“These experiences are a hug for the soul.”

“It was such a special time. My heart feels wide open! Thank you so much.”

“We spent a full day at Tula Vida and felt like we could spend an entire week. The set up, the build up, the great authentic food, the informative explanations, the connection with the horses (and ourselves) was transformative for both adults and children. It was a great reminder to pause, connect, breath and tune in. And it felt great. My highlight was connecting with Suzy (the horse) and feeling the reflection of my own emotional state with her. Incredible. On top of the experience with the horses, Sally and Eric are kind, insightful and overall amazing hosts who shared with us their knowledge, wisdom and some pro tips about Costa Rica. Overall we had an amazing experience that is somewhat difficult to put into words as it is deeper than that…

“Working with horses taught me so much about myself, they make excellent teachers. It was a wonderful and insightful experience. For me, it’s all about being really present, heart energy and focus, and so much more. Gitana (my horse) agreed with this realization!”

“The horses are incredible and Sally and Eric are great teachers who have wonderful insight and wisdom!”