Testimonials
Gerri and Horse “Buddy”
“In one of my sessions, I had many life issues coming at me all at once and I thought I was doing a good job of managing the hit after hit. As I took my horse out into the arena to align my breath with his, it became very evident that his outward behavior was speaking of my inward feelings. He was rapidly flinching, which is how I felt as hit after hit came. As I quieted and aligned my breath with his on his muzzle, both of us quieted a little. This encouraged me to lean into him and totally match my breathing to his. When I laid may head on his side and had my arms around his body, he grew quieter and quieter. It was then that I felt the Holy Spirit speak, “in time of great distress, lean into Me and breathe and He would quiet the flinching in my heart.” What a gift! Lean into me and breathe and I will bring or give you peace.”
Aiden and Horse “Buddy”
Since my son has been attending lessons at The Ranch, I have noticed a change at home. Everytime he comes back from lessons his confidence level has increased. He is so excited to tell me and everyone else about The Ranch and how much he has learned in so many ways. He is quick to say things he has experienced and can testify of his faith in Jesus. As a parent with a child that has experienced trauma in his life, I can say this place is the real deal. This team is full of amazing individuals who have a compassion to help those in need. Thank you for being amazing mentors to the next generation.
Kim and Horse “Jasper”
When I volunteered to be a "practice" candidate for an Equine Assisted Learning session, I wasn't expecting to get anything out of it except to help out my friend, Melissa. Upon arrival, and speaking to Tracy, I was surprised by how emotional I was when telling her about my husband's unexpected passing two years ago and my Dad's passing the previous year. In fact, getting emotional, and showing it to others, is really out of my character. After discussing that the horse symbolized the most important thing in my life (my kids), Tracy handed me the lead rope of Jasper and told me to walk the arena. I realized what a tight hold I had on Jasper (my kids) and I have to admit, I do like to keep control of situations. When Tracy told me to loosen my hold on the lead and keep walking to see what happens, the horse stepped over the lead rope, he tripped on it, and then it got stuck between his legs. Instead of continuing our walk to see how it worked out, I had to fix the issue. I realized the similarities with my kids - always trying to correct things, control the situation and make things right for them instead of allowing them the opportunity to work it out for themselves. By the end of the exercise, I learned that I need to loosen up the hold on my kids. It's okay for them to make mistakes and learn to figure out the resolution on their own. It's okay for me to be emotional or sad in front of them so that they know it's okay for them to be sad and grieve when needed. It truly was an eye-opening experience!”
Libby, Ellanor and Pepper and Horse “Storm”
“I had just suddenly lost my mom and my 2 young daughters their Nana when we came to The Ranch for a session. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what I found was beautiful. The way that my horse made me feel, connected me with God in a sense of awe for his creation of this animal. Through the exercises I was able to focus on the here and now and trust that the Lord has my future and is walking with me every step of the way. Both my girls loved their experience with the ease of walking with the horse, braiding it’s hair and simply taking a minute to match up their breathing and be silent. Thanks to the gals at The Ranch who provided a way for me and my daughters to begin our healing journey.”
Susan and Horse “Storm”
I took my seven-year-old grandson, who has had quite a bit of trauma in his young life, for an Equine Assisted Lesson. Melissa had told me about this experience that the staff at The Ranch had been getting trained and certified in. When we got there, my grandson started his session, but then Tracy, one of the trainers, soon passed him to another certified trainer as she took me to talk. I knew she must have seen something going on with me. as she started asking a lot of questions. She had me pick a horse and participate in a lot of exercises. Storm, the horse I picked, and I connected immediately. As we worked through the exercises, I had a lot of emotions and breakthroughs. The closeness I felt to Storm, and God, was incredible. It was a time that I became very focused on the horse’s breathing and what God was trying to tell me. The words I heard resonated to a level deep inside of me, and as I went through the session, I felt a lot of weight and pressure release. Thank you Living Life Ranch, along with Tracy and Melissa, for the amazing opportunity to heal and allow God to guide me down the road of His path for my life! By the way, my grandson loved it too!”
Group Event
We all really enjoyed it. I was afraid the kids might be disappointed that they didn't get to ride the horses, but on the contrary, they realized they wouldn't have been able to do more in that short amount of time with that many kids than trot around in a circle once or twice and were instead grateful for the chance to do something new, like actually paint on a horse! What a wonderful and fresh experience. And then what a poignant lesson to wash it off the horse, just like Jesus washes away our sins and our doubts and fears.
One of the moms contacted me shortly afterward to tell me thanks for setting that up because it was one of the best experiences we've ever had!
I truly appreciate not just the time you all spent with us, but for your overall efforts to expand the Kingdom. We all have our God-given gifts and talents and callings to help us direct people toward He, the living God, who can save them from all of their woes and anxieties and depression, and I applaud you for doing your part; for saying "Yes" when the Father called. You all will surely have some awesome stallions waiting for you in Heaven! ~Brad