Spiral Paths & Painted Ponies
A Playful, Creative Weekend
of Intuitive Connection with Horse & Art Medicine™
August 9-10, 2025 in San Luis Obispo, CA
If you want soul-stirring connections with animals, intuition and creativity, if you are seeking spiritual experiences opening your intuitive skills with animals…
… then join us for an empowering, playful weekend where you will come away refreshed in your heart while deepening your connection with animals and your creative, playful, intuitive nature.
Imagine this…
…Walking along the path into the sacred center of the Labyrinth. The scenic hills of San Luis Obispo surrounding with peaceful beauty. Your breathing steadies as your shoulders release tension and your heart expands.
Imagine, where the spiritual and physical worlds easily meet in the embrace of Intuition and Creativity.
A weekend where connection and laughter mingle under the California sky, where campfires hold songs, and stars hold stories.
As you walk the spiral path a deeper soul knowing pulses through your feet, legs and spine opening hidden gifts in your heart and mind.
Playful Creative Wisdom that has been just below the surface rises into your awareness, energizing and inspiring you.
As your heart releases old stories of hiding and not shining brightly, tears of recognition stream down your face.
Joy wells up and spills over. A knowing from your soul’s purpose and sense of connection opens as new spiritual codes of intuition, fun, connection and creativity flow through you, replenishing your body, mind, heart and soul.
As you take your place within the circle, a sense of belonging washes over. You understand deepened why horses are known worldwide as a powerful gateway of grounded, comforting, heart-centered, spiritual healing.
Here is a place to remember what your heart knew before you forgot.
Within the sacred circle you share truths of your heart. Your voice carries the power of your knowing forward, witnessed and recognized.
Giving yourself permission to Just Be You with all of the sensitive, intuitive, creative, psychic, out there parts of yourself freeing up. You sigh in relief with the growing magnificent feeling that you are forever changed knowing life will never be quite the same.
Welcome!
The Magical Wisdom of Spiral Paths & Painted Ponies has called you into its Mystical Heartbeat.
Oh, the Possibilities….
By the end of this Spiral Paths and Painted Ponies journey, you may find yourself more rooted, more fluid, more whole than when you arrived.
This isn’t just a weekend away — it’s a re-encounter with your deepest rhythms.
From fragmented to full-bodied, from burnt out to
re-enchanted, you are invited to:
Return to your center—grounded, clear, and attuned to your breath and body, even when life pulls in different directions.
Awaken your senses—open to Earth’s whispers, the horses’ wisdom, and the quiet knowing within your own skin.
Reclaim time and space for your intuitive, playful, wildly impractical and deeply necessary creativity.
Engage in sacred animal kinship—feeling how horse medicine can unlock parts of your story you didn’t know needed telling.
Let your soul paint—with brush, color, and metaphor, as painting a pony becomes an act of heart-mending, remembering, intuition unfolding.
Meet the sacred within the mess—inviting spiritual connections that don’t require performance or perfection.
Feel the pulse of belonging—not just to a group, but to Earth, with horses, to your own truth, to the larger field of life.
Embrace all of you—the intuitive, the sensitive, the “too much,” the psychic dreamer and mystic alike.
Walk with new codes of connection, intuition, and joy encoded in your heart, mind, spine, your step, your voice.
Unlocking your playful nature—with color, shapes, song, with rhythm, with your own magic, and feel how that play is sacred.
This experience isn’t about “fixing” yourself. It’s about letting yourself unfold into the fullness that’s been waiting just under the surface.
This is your invitation to slow down, soften,
remembering the ancient dance of shared presence.
Come, join us, be part of the Animal–Human–Awakening™ in a playful, creative, heart filling weekend woven with
Intuitive Horse and Art Medicine™
Soft touches. Gentle ponies. Moments of real ease.
These aren’t only sweet, tender scenes in the pictures with our Heart Pony Zoey — they’re reminders of what’s possible when we feel safe, seen, welcomed, unhurried.
In our time together, there’s space for you to reconnect with the parts of yourself that often get tucked away for safe keeping.
It’s gentle here. Gentle enough for the kid in you to come forward. Encouragement comes through presence not pressure — through the steady rhythm of hoof beats, heartbeats, the quiet of open skies, and the honest simplicity of shared time.
The Venue…
…Where you are Nurtured with Horses
Tucked just outside San Luis Obispo, this simple, peaceful place welcomes you with open arms.
Horses share the land with palm, pine, and sycamore trees. Morning doves coo, hawks circle high, and songbirds carry melodies on the breeze.
Here, the noise of daily life fades where your shoulders can drop and breath deepens.
As we walk the spiral labyrinth, create with Art Medicine™, and connect with the steady presence of horses, you’re invited to settle into the quiet beauty of the valley—and into yourself.
About San Luis Obispo, CA
Nestled between rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean, San Luis Obispo—affectionately called SLO — is a town where time softens.
With its spectacular sunsets where the sun sinks into the ocean, breezy coastal trails, and walkable downtown full of local shops and slow food delights, it’s easy to feel your nervous system exhale here.
You might wander through the Thursday night farmers’ market, walk the Pismo Pier and dip your toes in the ocean just a short drive away, or simply breathe in the golden light as it dances across the hills.
San Luis Obispo is more than a destination. SLO is a rhythm.
A place where nature, art, and small-town soul weave together, offering the perfect backdrop for softening, remembering, and reconnecting.
Nourishment
for Body & Soul
Over these two days, you’ll be well-fed in every sense of the word. We’ll enjoy lovingly prepared lunches brought in from local favorites—fresh, flavorful, and nourishing.
Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be accommodated with care—just let us know when you register.
Healthy snacks and refreshments will also be available throughout the day—think seasonal fruit and nourishing bites to keep your energy steady and your heart open.
This isn’t just about food—it’s about feeling cared for, resourced, and supported as you move through a weekend of gentle unfolding
Our Journey Together…
This is a weekend to slow down, reconnect, and listen—to horses, to your own creative flow, and to the quiet wisdom of your heart.
Through Horse & Art Medicine™, you’ll be gently guided into your inner knowing— intuition, curiosity, and your playfulness. Whether you’re longing for clarity, connection, peace, or simply space to breathe, this journey meets you where you are.
You may feel the call:
It’s time for something to shift.
It’s time for something to open.
But how do you quiet the mind enough to hear what your heart is truly saying?
How do you loosen the grip of those old, self-critical beliefs?
Can you trust yourself enough to let go, to feel safe, to play again?
Are you willing to be seen—in your sensitivity, your truth, your brilliance?
You won’t be walking this path alone.
Zoey the Heart Pony, the other horses, the labyrinth, your higher self, the other participants along with your own heart and Sandy will be your guides.
Through ceremony, sacred journeys, and playful Art Medicine™, you’ll be gently led—step by step—into clearing what no longer serves and opening to the frequency of what’s possible.
With this kind of support, it becomes easier to let go of outdated stories and listen instead for the messages of wisdom and the flow of creativity already moving through you.
And these connections won’t end when the weekend does.
What you experience here can ripple into deeper rapport with your own animals, greater clarity on your path, and a more spacious way of being—long after you return home. Plus, we have a Zoom Circle afterwards. There will be additional ways offered for you to stay connected as well.
Who is this Weekend For?
You LOVE Animals! And, you….
Long for meaningful, heart-centered time with horses
Want to spark your intuition and creativity
Are curious about simple, practical ways to support equine wellbeing (this also helps with dogs, cats, and humans too!)
Crave gentle connection, warmth, and shared presence
Willing to be nourished—with horses, kindness, gentle ways, spirit, joy, and community
Are open to different spiritual traditions and believe in honoring the earth with nature-based ceremony
Don’t mind a little dust on you, or paint on your hands
Want to hang out with horses
Want to laugh, rest, hug, paint, & remember what matters
You don’t need any horse experience.
You won’t be riding horses.
No Art experience needed.
Whether you’re new to horses and intentional transformative art or you’ve been around them your whole life — this is a space where your beginner’s heart is not only welcome, but cherished.
You only need a willingness to listen, feel, and let the rhythm of the weekend meet you where you are.
Who this Weekend is NOT For…
This retreat may not be the right fit if:
You’re not open to inner work or exploring beliefs that may be holding you back
You’re not interested in creative exploration or emotional vulnerability
You prefer to stay in familiar patterns rather than stepping into new ways of seeing and being
You are attached to making excuses, being negative or defensive
You are unwilling to engage with mutual respect, generosity, and care
Don’t want to Get a little paint on your hands or fingers
Do not want to get a little dusty out on the trail
Are adverse to smelling like a horse for an afternoon
And that’s okay. Every journey has its right time.
If your heart says yes, even through a bit of nervousness, you’re likely in the right place.
If it says not yet, we honor that too.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Everything in this weekend is designed to nourish your body, heart, mind and spirit—while inviting meaningful connection with horses, art, nature, each other, and yourself.
Check out everything that’s included…
Horse Time – Connect with our gentle, wise herd members, especially Zoey the Heart Pony. No riding—just presence, trust, shared breath & hearts.
Paint Zoey the Pony – Celebrating with our 33-year-old heart-healing muse in joyful, meditative Art Medicine™. Yes—we’ll be painting on Zoey herself, turning her into a living canvas of color, care, and creativity. She Loves this with people connecting. She is always free to choose to be with us or walk away. Usually she is right in the middle of the circle.
Intuitive Tools for Equine Wellbeing – Learn gentle, hands-on techniques to support comfort, emotional balance, and harmony—tools that translate beautifully to other animals like dogs, cats (and humans, too).
Groundwork & Connection Practices – Engage in movement and presence-based activities that build physical and soulful trust between you and the horses.
Labyrinth Walk with Horses – Step into the spiral. Walk beside horse kin in a meditative journey toward stillness, clarity, and inner guidance.
Sensing & Intuition Practices – Deepen your ability to attune to subtle energy through embodied, intuitive tools that awaken your natural sensitivity.
And beyond the activities…these are also included…
Shared lunches & snacks under the open sky – Delicious, nourishing meals to ground your day are included both days along with healthy snacks.
Evening campfire circles – Songs, stories, and soft laughter beneath the stars.
Goofing off encouraged – Expect spontaneous dancing, gentle silliness, and sky-gazing moments of awe.
Added Goodies for You - Included
Pre - and Post-Retreat Zoom Circles – Connect before we gather and return after we part, to ground, integrate, and carry the medicine forward.
Swag Bag Surprises – Thoughtful goodies to support your journey.
Candid Photos – We’ll capture the joy, beauty, and heart-filled moments for you to revisit.
What’s Not Included
To help you prepare with ease, here are a few things you’ll want to take care of on your own:
Travel to and from San Luis Obispo – including airfare and transportation from the airport, hotel, or nearby towns (rental cars, shuttles, taxis, Uber/Lyft, etc.)
Breakfasts and Dinners – you’re free to choose what nourishes you best; local options will be shared
Coffee and specialty drinks
Souvenirs and personal purchases
Additional services not listed in the event package
Travel insurance or medical coverage – we highly recommend purchasing trip insurance for peace of mind
We’ve got you covered once you arrive at the event each day—everything else is up to your personal preference and travel style.
Travel Tips & Local Stays
Flying In
The closest airport is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP)—just a short drive from the event location.
Rental Cars are available at the airport, along with ride share options like Lyft and Uber.
Lodging
We recommend staying in one of the locally owned hotels nearby to keep the experience cozy, personal, and aligned with the spirit of the retreat.
After you register, we’ll send you a curated list of welcoming spots to stay—each offering its own blend of charm, comfort, and ease.
Whether you’re flying in or driving, we’ll help you arrive with clarity and calm.
About Your Guide, Sandy Rakowitz
Sandy Rakowitz is a long-time animal communicator, healer, and retreat leader who has guided hundreds of clients and students into deeper connection with their animals—and themselves.
Her passion is creating warm, welcoming spaces where people feel safe enough to listen inward, tune in deeply, and transform through the magic of animal wisdom.
Sandy’s journey began as a teenager, seeking refuge from anxiety in the intuitive world of horses. What she discovered was an unspoken language of trust, presence, and unity—a felt sense of peace that became the foundation of her life’s work.
Over the past three decades, she’s blended bodywork, energy healing, spiritual connection and exploration, intuitive development, and animal communication into a unique, heart-centered approach.
Her studies include Tellington TTouch®, Centered Riding®, and the 4 year program with the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, where she later taught for six years.
Her beloved horse Ibis—equal parts teacher, mirror, and sacred master teacher—helped her develop a transformational way of being with animals that honors soul contracts, deep listening, and co-creative evolution.
Sandy now offers retreats, courses, and private sessions that guide people into meaningful, joyful, and soul-aligned relationships with their animals.
Her work weaves together intuitive guidance, creative expression, and grounded tools for healing, growth, and connection—on both sides of the veil.
She believes we’re all walking each other home—and the animals are leading the way.
OUR CANCELLATION POLICY
For Full Payment:
If you cancel on or before July 14, 2025, 50% of the full payment of the amount paid and cleared by the bank. There are no refunds at all after July 14, 2025.
Payment Option
If you are using the payment option and you cancel on or before July 14, 2025, then 50% of the first payment paid and cleared by the bank by July 14.
After this is completed and confirmed, then your future payments for this retreat will be cancelled. If cancellation occurs on July 14 or after, there are no refunds at all, and you are still responsible for your future payments with a total loss of those funds.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trip cancellation Insurance is very highly encouraged for you to purchase separately. Travel Guard is well regarded. And, there are many options providing trip cancellation insurance. Please check their policies carefully.
You’re Invited
If your heart is whispering yes, even if your mind has a dozen questions… trust that whisper.
This weekend is more than just a workshop — it’s a remembering. A return to your creative spark, your inner quiet, your playful curiosity, and your deep connection with animals and the land.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, new tools, or simply a space to breathe, you are welcome here. Come walk the spiral path. Come meet the horses. Come paint and play. Come home to yourself.
We’d be honored to have you with us.
🐴✨ With warmth,
Sandy, Zoey & the Herd
When we come together with animals supporting ourselves and each other, anything is possible.
The medicine and miracles of the truths and light which unfold combine into a powerful, permeating, positive presence in our homes, community, and in the world.
Together, we can actively raise the vibration of our planet, while honoring exquisite self-care, nurturing our own hearts and souls connecting with horses, creativity, intuition, connection, wisdom. You can be an active part of the Animal-Human-Awakening™ by joining us in San Luis Obispo, CA.