September 18–20, 2026 · Ojai, California
The work
We'll spend three days with horses, supported by myth and maps, movement and stillness. This is just the beginning: Listening directly to nature; exploring the data of down regulation, and lighting up our imaginations. Embodied mythwork, performed in a pasture with horses as our witnesses has the potential to illuminate the unseen in your life. Unspool the archetypes and find the threads connecting them to you. Then bring your visions to life. In the field. With Grace and Spirit.
What happens when you make a myth of your own life?
What will emerge from your dark woods, your underworld, your fairytale castles?
Myth maps the way. Horses are the presence. Movement leads us home.
What others say
"The horses care for and guide the experience as Katy May interprets each movement into new levels of sensitivity and awareness. I had no idea how impactful it would be."
— B.
"It changed my life, and helped me realize why my business wasn't working out for me."
— T.
Sample Itinerary
Friday · Sep 18
Saturday · Sep 19
Sunday · Sep 20
Accommodations & meals
Accommodations are on your own — Ojai has wonderful options nearby. Meals provided: dinner on Friday evening, and lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Is this for you?
You've done enough talk therapy to know that some things live in the body, not the mind
You're drawn to horses but don't know why, and you're willing to find out
You're in a transition (Saturn return around 30, Uranus opposition around 40, or just in the messy middle of a life pivot) and need something more than advice
You're curious about whether healing work actually changes your biology—not just your mood—and you want data
You want to be held by something bigger than your individual effort while you do hard, tender work
You're ready to stop white-knuckling your way through and let the herd, the land, and the group carry you for a weekend
You want to walk away with a new business plan and action steps. For that, come to the Creativity & Business retreat this winter.
You're looking for a wellness weekend with massages and mimosas. While we love a good massage, this weekend is for working with the horses.
Learning to listen and really, truly hear what the horses, nature and your unconscious are saying to you may require periods of confusion and patience.
Your guide
I'm a student of nature, horses, and stories. I've built and lost entire lives: Pivoted from a fast-paced New York City life working in social impact companies and tech, earned my MBA from Oxford Uni, and have built and failed at building companies. Failed, because none of the things I created felt as right or as good as I was told they would!
I turned away from that path — spending a year living on 250 acres of old growth forest. I remembered how to learn directly from the natural world: from plants, from horses, and from the stories we live and tell each other everyday.
Now I teach, write and provide experiences with horses.
Sharing this work with you, with teams, and with companies is my greatest joy.
Price
Early Bird
$1,100
Until July 15
Second Wave
$1,300
Until August 15
Full Price
$1,600
Aug 15 – Sep 15
Accessibility pricing available. If cost is a barrier and you feel called, reach out.
Where science meets spirit
This Fall Equinox weekend, we're running an experiment at the intersection of ancient healing modalities and modern science. Before and after the retreat, you'll have the option to test: cortisol, HRV, inflammation markers, and more — with medical oversight from the Wild Qi clinic. No additional cost for participants who opt in.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience with horses?
No, you don't need to have any prior horse experience. We won't be riding during this retreat. Grace and Spirit will roam freely in the pasture while we work. What matters is your willingness to be present and pay attention.
Where do I stay? Are accommodations included?
Accommodations are on your own. Ojai has beautiful options at a variety of price points — from El Roblar and Ojai Valley Inn to bed and breakfasts in the valley. Please see www.katymayspencer.com/ojai for a list of recommendations.
What meals are provided?
Dinner on Friday evening is provided, along with lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday dinner is on your own — a perfect chance to explore Ojai!
What should I bring?
We will be outside most of the time. So bring comfortable layers for hot and cool, boots for the pasture, a hat for sun protection, a refillable water bottle and a journal. We'll send a full packing list once you register.
What is constellation work?
It's not astrology for horses! Constellation work is a somatic, systemic practice. We use representation to play with the subconscious and the greater intelligence of the field. It's one part play, one part experiential, a dash of imagination, and a whole lot of sense-making. It's one of those things best experienced in person than explained on a page. We are unique from most constellation facilitators in that we allow horses to move around and among us. The horses respond to our states of being and our shifts, revealing what's hidden. You leave knowing something true.
Is there a refund policy?
If you cancel up to 60 days before the retreat, we can discuss a refund. And we're always happy to honor your commitment and reserve another space for you at a future retreat where the timing works best for you!
Three days. Ojai.
The horses are waiting.