“Wellness, Whinnies, and New Ways to Connect- Our July Adventures”
- annekrocak
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
By Anne Krocak, Executive Director of Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary
At Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary (AHHS), we believe that healing begins with connection—connection to animals, to the earth, to one another, and to our creative selves. And lately, that mission has been blooming in beautiful, unexpected ways.
This July, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to host wellness events with Magnifying Abilities, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mpls, the Jeremiah Project Corporate Retreat, and started our collaboration and pilot program with Ridgeway and Associates for our work with first responders and the feedback has been more than encouraging—it’s been transformative. In fact, Big Brothers Big Sisters shared that our event was not only one of the best-received but also the easiest to fill! They’re moving us to a Saturday slot so even more youth and mentors can attend. Whoo hoo!
These moments remind us that what we offer is needed—a place where people and animals can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect. With that in mind, we’re actively seeking strategic partners to help expand our wellness retreats and bring this kind of healing to even more individuals and communities. Please out to Anne if you have any ideas.
Slow Down With Us: A Mini Activity to Recenter 🌿
Try this the next time you're feeling overwhelmed or just want to reconnect:
"Pause & Listen" Pasture Practice
Step outside or near a window.
Close your eyes for 60 seconds.
Tune into what you hear—birds, wind, distant sounds.
Now, slow your breath to match a rhythm you’d imagine from a horse grazing or walking slowly across a field.
When you're ready, open your eyes and write down one word that describes how you feel.
Just one minute of mindful listening can bring you back to yourself. Imagine what an hour with a horse could do.
Here’s How You Can Help:
Corporate Wellness Retreats – If your organization values employee well-being, creativity, and community service, we’d love to collaborate. Our retreats include yoga, sound baths, reflection time with rescue horses, and guided art-making sessions. It’s a chance to unplug, recharge, and reconnect.
Sponsorship Opportunities – We’re looking for donors to sponsor their favorite horse or goat to help us provide consistent care for these amazing animals. Your support directly impacts their health, comfort, and role in our programs.
Community Collaborations – Know of a school, nonprofit, or support group that could benefit from a day at the sanctuary? Let’s talk. We’re committed to creating accessible, inclusive experiences.
Sign up for one of our August - Mindful Connections with Horses, or Therapeutic Art classes at AHHS.
Horse Ambassador Hours - Tues/Thurs. 4-6 & Sun. 9:30-11:30,
Aug. 8, Mindfulness Walk with Horses 4-5pm
Aug. 9, The Art of AHHS 1-3pm Therapeutic Art class (painting horses at AHHS)
Aug. 13, Magnifying Abilities 6-7pm (Ambassador needed)
Aug. 16, 8am Yoga with Horses
Aug. 16, 11-3 Art, Yoga & Sound bath 1/2 day Retreat
Aug. 20, 5-7:30 Jesus Connects Special Event (Ambassadors needed)
Aug. 28, 6-7 Introduction to Belly Dancing
Aug. 30, 8-9am Yin Yoga with the herd
Special Thanks to You!
AHHS is 100% volunteer run 501(c)3 non-profit. None of this would be possible without our growing team of Horse Ambassadors, both four-legged and human! Thank you to our animal/horse ambassadors for showing up with grace and heart every time. And a huge shoutout to our New Volunteer Horse Ambassadors:🧡 Eileen🧡 Sam🧡 Kari🧡 Emily🧡 & all of the support from our long term Horse Ambassadors and to Brittney – your incredible yoga and sound baths elevate every retreat.
And to all of you—thank you for cheering us on, donating, showing up, and believing in the power of connection.
We are making a difference. Together.
With love and gratitude,
Anne Krocak Executive Director, AHHS
So many successful events! Looking forward to the next ones.