Our Impact
Our Journey
Spirit Horse Ranch began its journey in November 2021, focusing on training and certification. Officially launching our program in January 2023, we then enhanced our offerings with a 6-week youth trauma pilot program in partnership with Maui Youth and Family Services. Following this, on August 11, 2023, we expanded our efforts to assist Maui wildfire survivors providing over 1250 equine assisted trauma informed care sessions since August 2023.
Service Impact
After launching our program in January 2023, we then enhanced our offerings with a 6-week youth trauma pilot program in partnership with Maui Youth and Family Services. Following this, on August 11, 2023, we expanded our efforts to assist Maui wildfire survivors.
Collaborations
We collaborate closely with organizations like Red Cross, Hawaii Cares, Hale Pono Shelter, Maui Youth and Family Services, Maui Behavioral Health, the Foster Care System, Judicial System, Care Hawaii, FEMA, Mental Health America Maui, Heartmath, local schools, and local mental health and wellness agencies and practitioners.
Funding
We have built strong relationships with new donors and many funders. And we are so incredibly grateful to all those who have supported our programs! We have raised funds for most of the operating budget for 2024 and partial operating for our 2025 operating needs. However, we need capital funding to complete our workspace and expand our program. Ongoing operational support is also needed. Mahalo to Hawaii Community Foundation & Maui Strong. Maui United Way Fire Response & Ohana Mental Health Grant, Kaiser Permanente, 100 Women Who Care, Victoria S and Bradley L Geist Foundation Harold F. Baldwin Foundation, The Healy Foundation of Taos NM and USA Congressional Earmark 2025 Mahalo to Sen. Brian Schatz!!!
Progress & Achievements
Equine Assisted Services
Since 2021, we established two primary EAS areas and secured funding for a third-round pen to be built in summer 2024.
Youth Ranch & Wilderness Program
Plans to develop our youth ranch program are underway. We need additional resources to fully build it out. As an Ag. Exempt program, we aim for an efficient process to start construction and build out of the program and infrastructure.
Maui Wildfire Trauma Informed Care Healing and Resiliency Program
On August 11, 2023, we opened our facility for the Maui community for trauma healing and resilience building. The response was impactful, and the program continues to be successful in helping those affected directly and indirectly by the disaster.
Organizational Development
Since 2021, we have partnered with Players Philanthropy as our fiscal sponsor. In June 2024, we applied for our own 501(c)(3) status. Our leadership team includes the Board, Advisory Board, Legal Counsel, Marketing team, and staff. We have four Certified Facilitators and three Equine Professional Horse Handlers. We are actively seeking more dedicated board members.
Key Accomplishments
Completed certifications for four EAL Academy members, two Natural Lifemanship Practitioners, and two Brainspotting practitioners.
Constructed two round pen workspaces for EAS/EAL Trauma Informed Care and mindfulness sessions.
Installed new signage and uniforms with our new logo.
Purchased a small 6x4 foot shed for equipment.
Installed a Shade Cloth area for debriefs and session breaks.
Welcomed two Nigerian goats, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, and are currently building an enclosure for them.
Received a new horse, Rocky, a 13-year-old Bavarian Warmblood, a wonderful addition to the therapy horse team.
Secured access to a cattle chute for our ranching pilot program.
Current Needs
Road Paving: Our existing road desperately needs paving. The project, which takes three days, will cover an 800-foot road and parking areas. This also allows us to have a porta potty on-site rather than at the upper check-in area.
Shade Structures: Funding for break areas for the equine-assisted learning program.
Barn Construction: Funding for a prefab barn, including materials, shipping, and labor.
Classroom Building Construction: Funding for a 200-square-foot portable prefab building for a debrief classroom and art therapy room.
Covered Arena Construction: Funding for a covered horse arena to provide additional EAS workspaces without weather constraints.
Professional Services: Funding to hire professionals and an architect to move forward with the County and State process for our full build-out.
We need your Support
We greatly need your support to allow us to provide free services to our Maui keiki and community.
Future Plans
Pre-Construction
Finalize design with the architect for a prefab barn and classroom.
Meet with Maui County Planning to discuss plans for agricultural buildings.
Construction AG Barn and Stable Shelters
Begin building a barn, stable areas, and a workspace arena by Fall 2024 - March 2025.
Construction Finalized
Complete build-out, including a barn, covered riding EAL arena, horse stables, art and HeartMath classroom, and gardening enclosures.
Expand our water system and install solar and Starlink access for our program.
Community Engagement
Our community has quickly embraced the opportunity to heal through our services. We work directly with clients who can make an appointment for the Maui Wildfire Program online. The foster care program and other direct programs are referred by Hawaii Cares, Red Cross, first responders, Hale Pono Shelter, elementary and high school counselors, Maui Counseling, Hawaii Behavioral Health, and many independent mental health and healthcare providers and agencies.
Join our Mission
We invite you to join our journey and help us expand our programs. If you are interested in joining our Board, please email us at info@thespirithorseranch.org. If you are looking to support our mission through volunteering and donations, please refer to the link below. Mahalo for your continued support!