Wild and Free: The Rise of the Feminine

a Retreat for Women with the Salt River Wild Mustangs

Thursday, October 16 - Sunday, October 19, 2025

Wild horses are led by a lead mare.

She guides and supports her herd, with the support of the stallion. The lead mare is an inspiring archetype for the women who have demonstrated resilience, strength, and leadership, often in the face of adversity.

The mare stands as a symbol of wisdom and has the capacity to lead with empathy, intuition, and care, showing how feminine energy can create balance, unity, and strength.

Join us for a paddleboarding trip down Arizona’s Salt River.

Witness the beauty of nature, the brilliant landscape of the desert, and the incredible majesty of the Salt River mustangs. 

Don’t miss the chance to be in the presence of these magnificent creatures.

Witnessing free-roaming wild horses inspires us to see our place in the larger scope of things — our interconnection with nature, one another, and ourselves.

The herd trusts their lead mare because she is clear in her communication, grounded, and respected.

The matriarch of her herd, she calls the shots with power and grace.

So can you.

Your Guides

Natalie Benway-Correll and Sasha Bonner met on a paddle boarding adventure on Nevada’s Black Canyon River and knew they were kindred spirits.

Their shared love of nature, paddle boarding and connecting with something greater inspired them to create this retreat.

Natalie Benway-Correll was dubbed her parents official “wild child” and spent her formative years running barefoot, climbing trees and riding horses whenever possible.

Her unending curiosity about relationships and sexuality have guided her career as a holistic psychotherapist for the last 18 years.

Natalie is the founder of The Well Lived Life and not only does she work with humans she also partners with horses and nature as co facilitators.

She combines equine guided learning and somatic exercises with observation of free roaming horses and their herd dynamics.

She has learned how to be the Lead Mare in her own life and is passionate about supporting women in stepping into their own power as well.

Natalie brings humor and warmth to the spaces she creates as well a passion and purpose for nature’s guidance and gifts.

Sasha Bonner grew up hiking and running wild and free with her sister in the desert.

A competitive swimmer and lifeguard for many years, she was able to combine her passion for water, nature and exercise when she discovered paddle boarding!

Her love of desert flora and fauna brought her to earn a degree in Holistic healthcare and she is now a certified herbalist and reiki master.

Sasha has a passion for mentoring women and watching them expand from fear to flourishing in the sunshine of their spirit!

Sasha holds a professional stand up paddle board instructor certification and is thrilled to lead the group on the river.

Accomodations

We will be staying at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona where you’ll find peace and inspiration at every turn.

Surrounded by the majestic Arizona vistas your stay includes your choice of a shared or private room, Enjoy healing gardens, a labyrinth, pool, spa and on site dining.

Additional option to unwind after a day of paddling and add a massage to your retreat experience.

The Details:

When: Thursday, October 16 at 5pm - Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 12pm

With: Natalie Benway-Correll LISW, Sasha Bonner

and The Well Lived Life team.

Who: This retreat is open to women 18 years and above.

Where: Salt Creek River in Paradise Valley, Arizona and the Renewal Retreat Center is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Investment:

$1600 for Single Bedroom

$1500 for Double Bedroom

$600 for Locals

(Locals price does not include meals or accommodations-does include all programming, paddle board rental and Lunch on Saturday)

$500 Deposit to reserve your spot

Please contact nbenway@wellivedlife.org to reserve your spot or get more information!

You will share in: 

*Delicious, Nourishing meals

*Daily guided yoga, meditation, and movement practices

*Intimate circles exploring our wild and free essence, our connection to ourselves, one another and the greater whole.  

*Embodiment Practices that promote a connection with a grounded sense of self and a renewed trust in the power of feminine.

*Self compassion tools to help you identify limiting thoughts and belief patterns.

*Group exploration exercises that examine relationship patterns including boundary setting, taking up space, awareness of verbal and nonverbal communication, and trust building.

*Development of skills that support emotional regulation, embodied presence and embodied empowerment.

*Safe and Supported Paddle Boarding down the Lower Salt River with a certified stand up paddle board instructor.

FAQs

  • We will be on the river for about 4 hours with stops along the way for rest and programming.

  • This trip is appropriate for beginners or seasoned water sport enthusiasts.

  • We will have a shuttle from the retreat center and back from the launch site at the River.

  • The retreat is limited to 12-14 women to ensure an intimate group size and personalized attention.

  • Included in the retreat:

    *3 night stay at the Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona

    *Daily breakfast, lunch dinner

    *Yoga

    *Complimentary use of the pool, labyrinth and spa.

    *Stand-up paddle board

    *Access to hiking trails from the retreat property

    *Transportation to and from the launch site.

    NOT included in the retreat:

    *Airfare to/from Arizona

    *Transportation to/from retreat property

    *Travel insurance