Writing + Horseback Riding Retreat, Virtual Workshops and More
Writing + Horseback Riding Retreat, Virtual Workshops and More
Come horseback riding with me in Wyoming! Or write with me virtually this Saturday. Also, feelings.
I don’t know about you but I feel like I’m drowning in Substacks. It’s like the virtual version of the pile of New Yorker and New York Times magazines that always stacked up on the coffee table unread and shamed me because “Laurel, you could know more things!” “You could sound smarter at parties!” Well yes, I certainly could but instead I really need to watch the Mormon Momtok series on Hulu. Or talk to my students. Or look for vintage embroidered napkins on Etsy. This, however, is a shame-free space. For you AND for me. Last year I thought I’d send a newsletter every other week but then life happened and it’s been months. Also, no one really knows what Dark Horse means. Soooooo I am relaunching this newsletter with a new name and a bunch of new ideas very soon, but in the meantime I have some announcements and didn’t want to wait any longer to share.
Paintrock Writing + Horseback Riding Retreat
Next fall I will be leading a writing and horseback riding retreat at Paintrock Ranch in Montana with the good people of Ranchlands. There are only a few spots left! This is an exquisite place and the perfect opportunity to work on your own writing while soaking in the magnificence of the landscape and connecting with other writers. No prior riding or writing experience necessary. You can see a video of the ranch here from Katie Rodgers (thank you to the marvelous poet Joy Sullivan for sharing this video with me!).
Dates: September 14-19, 2025
Join me for a five-day writing and riding workshop in one of the most spectacular American landscapes.
Program
Every morning, after a delicious breakfast, we will set out on a half-day horseback ride through the ranch’s sage-scented meadows, along rushing creeks, and below colorful canyon walls. At lunchtime we’ll break for a picnic and a bit of writing and discussion in a meadow or beneath the golden fall foliage.
The afternoons will be devoted to your own writing inspired by the ranch’s dramatic landscapes, a series of craft lessons on compelling prose, structure, character development and evocative description, and individual sessions with me where you can ask specific questions about your own work and receive custom feedback. (Note: this is a generative workshop meaning you do not need to come with anything you’ve written previously).
In the early evenings we’ll get together again as a group and have a fantastic dinner made from local ingredients at a long table. After dinner, we will gather around the fire telling stories under skies of bright stars, talking about the challenges and joys of a creative life, and reflecting on our days. Anyone musical should bring an instrument.
All riding and writing levels welcome. This workshop is designed for those who want to reconnect with their own creativity, nonhuman nature, and their purpose—away from the pressures of daily life, in a magnificent setting.
Accommodations
The accommodations at the Paintrock Canyon Ranch are designed to put you as close to nature as possible, but with all the comforts of home. Large, private safari style tents are stylishly furnished with full-sized beds, bedside tables, dressers and chairs. These sturdy, elegant tents are located next to the Paintrock Creek at the entrance to the spectacular Paintrock Canyon.
Meals
All meals will be creatively prepared by a private chef, featuring Ranchlands beef and local produce and dairy whenever possible. Meals at the ranch will be seated, but casual and friendly and accompanied by wine and beer. They are happy to accommodate all dietary preferences with advance notice.
Location
The ranch, located near Hyattville, is 1 1/2 hours from Cody, Wyoming, and 3 hours from Billings, Montana. Both cities have airports with multiple daily flights from major airports. Roundtrip shuttles from the Cody airport to the ranch can be booked via Explore Cody Transportation.
Rates
$4,370 per person includes all activities, instruction, amenities, and meals. Tax and optional gratuity not included. All tents are private.
Who’s Laurel again?
I’m the author of the New York Times bestselling popular science book Animal Madness and the memoir What Looks Like Bravery (both from Simon and Schuster). I’m also the Director of Writing and Storytelling at the Stanford Medical Humanities and Arts Program at the Stanford School of Medicine and the founder of Writing Medicine, the global community of writing healthcare professionals. My writing revolves around the themes of emotional well-being (in humans and other creatures), loss, love, and our relationships with one another and the landscapes that shape us.
Please reach out with any questions at: stay@ranchlands.com or 719-641-2089.
In other news….
This Saturday I will be leading a virtual reflective writing workshop for anyone in healthcare or their loved ones at 10am PST-11:15am PST, October 19th. No previous writing experience necessary. No one turned away for lack of funds. You will have opportunities to write (and share if you so choose). This weekend’s session will be an exploration of the theme of bittersweetness. Join us!
Yours, till next time,
Laurel
