Designers
Designers
Designers
The Common Ground Retreat
A restorative equine retreat for nervous-system healing and human connection.
Key Words
Designers
Ashley Campion
SUMMARY
Common Ground is an equine-assisted retreat model designed to support burnout, emotional disconnection, and nervous-system overwhelm. Through research, prototyping, and user testing, I explored how nature, horses, and community-based grounding practices can restore clarity and connection. I learned that people are craving stillness, safety, and non-judgmental space to heal. This project matters because nervous-system health is not a luxury - it’s a necessity.
challenge
Stakeholders shared a common theme: people feel overwhelmed, disconnected, and unsure how to rest. Existing retreats feel expensive, intimidating, or emotionally unstructured. Through interviews and user testing, I discovered key needs: accessible pricing, guided support, gentle social connection, and a space where people can arrive imperfect and still belong. The opportunity lies in designing rest as care, not privilege.
Outcome
The final outcome is a weekend retreat designed for people who are tired of rushing, and ready to breathe again. With guided equine sessions, communal meals, nervous-system regulation practices, and tier-based pricing, it meets the needs my research uncovered: safety, pace, belonging, and access. It provides a structure where people don’t just escape life but return to it steadier, clearer, and more connected.
MEET THE Designers:
Ashley Campion