Reining Liberty Ranch

Mission: Reining Liberty Ranch promotes physical, relational and emotional health of Veterans, Veteran families, disabled and at-risk individuals through equine, agricultural, educational services and community outreach.

Reining Liberty Ranch is a 501c3 charitable organization incorporated in October 2012 to provide Equine Assisted Services (EAS) to Veterans and other at-risk individuals in our community. Our 11 beautiful acres are located on the West side of Traverse City, MI. The ranch itself is a catalyst for healing as we spend much time outdoors investigating our Veterans native plant garden and the garden Koi pond , finding frogs, learning about honey bees, native bees, and their different roles in the environment.  

We are a center member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and use professionally certified instructors to perform our programming. The programming we provide to Veterans and their families is at no cost. Our specially trained herd of 10 full size horses, mini donkey and therapeutic miniature horses serve as mirrors to those in our programs. Our equine Veteran programs have 5 different 8 week sessions from groundwork (learning the language of the horse) and eventually ending up in wilderness trail riding. We work with local mental health agencies, schools, Vet Center, Local Veterans Coalition and Court and have a miniature therapeutic horse, Wesley who visits care facilities as well as many community and Veteran events away from the ranch.  Smiles follow and hearts are lightened whenever we venture out into the community.  Bringing Joy is this little horses talent!

Veteran Testimonials:

 "I had lost my sense of being a powerful, confident woman since I left the Air Force trying to fit in with civilian society.  Something Magical happened over the last 8 weeks where I have regained most of that back.  Being Challenged by my horse really has helped me and I would like to work with her more.  She has an innate sense that has given me so many insights into myself."

" I enjoyed the time and ability to communicate in a different way.  There is a definite difference in my ability to engage with myself".

Youth Parent Testimonials:

" Our daughter has been working hard on communicating to us her needs and disappointments.  She always talks about what a great time she has here.  She is following directions more which has ultimately improved her relationships. She has learned to be respectful because of your teaching her that as a target behavior. Thank you for such a positive experience".

"Our boys do not get close to much---the horses have changed that.  They have also developed an ability to calm themselves when things don't go there way".

We are an all-volunteer organization with the exception of contracting with our certified equine instructors and operate year round. 

WE CANNOT FULFILL OUR MISSION WITHOUT YOU!