A Retreat Centre Built Around a Herd

Wisteria Acres Wellness & Retreats sits on Armstrong Road in Glen Valley, a short drive from the village of Fort Langley. Founder Krista Brown, who calls herself the farm's "lead mare," opened it in 2010. She describes it as a tranquil retreat centre set among old-growth trees and open pasture, where a herd of horses welcomes visitors.

Krista is a certified Equine Assisted Learning facilitator and a certified professional life and leadership coach, and she tells the story of how she discovered the wisdom of horses at midlife in a chapter of a #1 best-selling book. Wisteria Acres describes itself as an adult-oriented retreat centre, and its programs are built for grown-ups looking for a slower pace, away from the distractions of busy lives. It is less a riding stable than a quiet space for reflection, with horses as the guides.

Horse Time, From the Ground

The idea behind Wisteria Acres comes from Equine Assisted Learning. Horses are prey animals, so they are highly tuned to body language and emotional energy, and the farm describes them as a mirror that gives honest, immediate feedback. Wisteria calls the slowed-down state you settle into with the herd "horse time."

No previous horse experience is necessary, and all of the work is done from the ground, with no riding. Newcomers can start with introductory offerings such as the In the Presence of Horses meditation circle or an introductory workshop, then move on to the Connecting With Horses series, private one-on-one sessions, or private and group retreats.

What's on the Calendar

The events calendar is the easiest way to get a feel for the place. Recurring formats include horse-guided meditation circles, gong bath sound journeys, evening candlelight gong journeys, and sound healing with voice and crystal singing bowls. Longer day workshops pair time with the herd with breathwork, cacao, and sound.

Wisteria also welcomes outside yoga teachers, sound healers, meditation teachers, and other facilitators, so the lineup changes through the year. Many gatherings run on Sunday mornings, with occasional evening sessions, and spots are booked ahead through the website rather than at the gate. For current dates and prices, see the Wisteria Acres events page.

What Visitors Say

Wisteria Acres holds a perfect 5.0-star Google rating. "Krista has created a real sanctuary here," one reviewer wrote. "The meditations with horses help to bring us back to ourselves." A couple who took the first level of Connecting With Horses said each horse "showed us a different vibe," and they planned to return.

Longtime visitors are among the most enthusiastic. One wrote that the farm "changed who I am" after a first visit 13 years earlier. Another regular summed it up: "If you're looking for somewhere to ground yourself and experience peace in this chaotic world, Wisteria Acres is the place to be."

Visit

Wisteria Acres is at 8648 Armstrong Road in Langley and works by appointment only, so book an event or session before you go rather than dropping in. Questions can go to (604) 807-2255 or info@wisteriaacres.com.

Groups can rent the property too. The finished loft in the farm's gambrel-roof barn is a bright 30-by-60-foot space with its own kitchenette and washroom. The farm says it typically hosts meditation, yoga, healing, self-development, writers', and artists' groups, though it no longer offers group overnight stays. Details are on the facility rentals page.

Wisteria also runs Romeo's Dream, a donation-funded adult community outreach program named for a much-loved horse. It gives community groups (18+) in need a chance to spend time with the herd.