Testimonials
“Maria is AMAZING! My seven year old and I spent the afternoon with her-— and my relationship with horses (and myself) changed forever!” Rachel, USA
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“I had a beautiful experience with Osa Horse Medicine. Even if you have no experience with horses at all, you will be sure to gain insight, reflection, and a heightened sense of well-being from a meeting with Maria.
This is not your average horse tour. As a horse-lover myself, my favorite part about Maria’s approach is the respect and gratitude for the horses and what they do for us. One of the main takeaways for me was something I felt deeply, but had never been able to put into words. Maria did this easily when she explained that most horses are forced. Forced to go on back to back trail rides in the blazing sun. Not with Maria.
Connecting with a horse involves respect and autonomy. You will learn; the ancient practice of healing with horses, how to have a mutually enjoyable relationship with horses, and go on a ride with a stunning backdrop of Osa beauty. Warning: Positive effects can be felt immediately and may lead to uncontrollable smiling.
I will be recommending this experience to all of our guests at The Macaw House & Bungalow.
Thank you, Maria! Can’t wait to pay a visit again!” Christina Langton, Co-owner of The Macaw House & Bungalow/Osa Outfitters in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica from USA
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“The setting just felt so magical, and beyond that, the experience of finally connecting with a horse was awakening. It wasn’t a spoken connection made of words and conversations, but an unspoken connection made of energy. Maria and her horses are incredible and the fact that we have access to her services here on the Osa is a privilege”. Valentina Rose, Italy, Yoga Retreat Leader Www.valentinarose.me
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“I grew up with horses, own two and really thought ‘I knew them’. Within minutes I broke down into tears as I realized how many times my mares had been trying to speak to me and share things with me. Sadly my education with horses had always been about dominance, always being the boss and I had been misinterpreting their communication as ‘naughty’. I could not wait to get home to apologize to my horses and begin our new journey not just as equal partners, but being open to the wisdom they were so patiently waiting to share with me”. Kaya, Amsterdam, Student
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“I was blown away by Maria’s ability to hold space for our large group of 14. Her ability to communicate clearly and effectively as well as the insights she intuited from the horses was deeply profound. She had eight of her herd in circle around us as we set our intentions for our time together and all of the horses were licking, chewing and yawning deeply. Maria explained this is how horses release our tension and help to raise our vibrations. Well I have no horse experience and am a very sensitive person so when I began to feel energy shifting and moving in my body and my heart opened letting energy flow out through my being I began to cry tears of pure joy. I have no words to describe how this happened or how the horses could do this. Sensation returned to parts of my body I had lost connection with after experiencing intense trauma as a child. She gave us all journals to write in and I am so glad she did. I go back frequently and reread my words from that day and am able to relive the experience and the lessons from her horses. I now even have dreams with horses!” Cindy, Canada, Yoga Teacher
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“I met Maria while she was still in her apprenticeship and she invited me out to meet her herd. I have always owned a horse and felt a deep connection to them, however I was not prepared for the depth of how her horses work with people. When her little mare Sammy rested her nose on my heart and breathed deeply into me she pulled up deep grief I had been holding onto since my father died. Sammy held space for me as I sobbed the tears I was unable to at his funeral into her mane. When I was finished she gave her self a good shake and sauntered back to the field to return to the herd. I felt so grounded and so much lightness after that session. After traveling back home I ended a not so great relationship, quit my job and took a few months off spending as much time in nature as I could and then landed my dream job. I believe strongly the shifts and insights her horses gave me allowed me to have the strength and faith to make these life changes which created the space for the best things to come into my life”. Ali, Germany, Artist
“I have never felt safe around horses and admit I only went because my girlfriend wanted to go.. well within no time at all Maria had me understanding how to respect and understand the horses subtle body language as well as how to set my own boundaries. Before I knew it I had made friends with a horse and was able to confidently lead him around the paddock and when I felt ready we went for a ride on the beach. That horse listened to me! Maria taught me how to use gentle cues to direct the horse and it was amazing!” Jason, Canada, Videographer
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“Maria has so much passion for sharing her horses it is truly impressive. I have never seen horses who wanted to interact with people like hers do. Her horses taught me how to breathe, how to be present. I had no idea how much I dissociated before that day, but seeing how the horses responded when I was present and when I was not was a valuable experience for me. I still use the breathing exercises and body scan Maria taught us when I start feeling anxiety or unsure of what decision to make.” Molly USA, Nurse Practitioner
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“At first I did not understand what Maria meant by ‘visualize your goal’ when we were working with Guapo and it was clear by how he was moving around the corral. When I really focused it was like magic he did everything I asked. So now I understand if I can visualize it, I can do it!” Christian age 12, USA
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“I have always dreamed of riding a horse on the beach and not only did Maria and her horse Palomo (Dove in Spanish and yes he is as peaceful as a dove) full fill my expectations, they exceeded my wildest dreams. Imagine watching whales breach out in the bay while riding a noble horse with toucans and huge macaws flying by! And of course the monkeys moving through the trees with babies on their backs was surreal. Highly recommend traveling to this beautiful world Maria and her horses live in!” Sally, Wales, Professional Chef
