The Founders

Blended Spirits Ranch is a manifestation of the passions two sisters share. The passion for saving abused and neglected horses and the passion for giving hope to children whose lives and spirits are challenged by uncontrolled circumstances.

The Mission

Our organization strives to be a positive influence in the community and improve the lives of individuals through Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). Over the past two years we have positively influenced the lives of many children who have benefited from our program. During the same two year time period we have rescued and rehabilitated four horses from abusive environments which we have trained through natural horsemanship techniques to prepare and utilize them in our EAL programs. In addition to rescuing four horses, we have utilized natural horsemanship training techniques and trained an additional three horses to work in our program. As a sign of support for our organization we continually attract local volunteers who believe and support our mission. This has manifested itself in 44 volunteers donating countless hours over the past two years caring for the horses and mentoring the children.

The Children's Program

Blended Spirits has developed a structured eight week program that utilizes specifically trained horses, facilitators, teachers and mentors. Using natural horsemanship skills, students taking the program are taught how to care for, communicate with and ride horses. As students learn and develop these skills their interactions are monitored by a trained mentor whose job is to help facilitate and guide the process. Our classes are customized for teaching individuals or working in small groups. We also offer beginner riding lessons.

Our services are unique, as we are the only organization concentrated fully on utilizing Equine Assisted Learning to help at risk youth within Erie County. Equine Assisted Learning is a proven methodology that helps individuals who suffer from emotional, self-esteem and other mentally manifested turmoil. Research has found equine assisted activities provide a number of benefits. Interactions with the horse provide a therapeutic bond for emotionally at risk or challenged individuals. Similarly, the natural horsemanship skills provide physical benefits while also building confidence and self-esteem. To validate that our results are measureable, an experimental pre and post test has been designed and implemented by a clinical psychologist.

Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Program

Blended Spirits believes in the holistic and natural approach to develop and maintain a healthy horse both physically and mentally. The main objective of our rescue program is to obtain unwanted or neglected horses through contact with animal shelters, veterinarians, boarding facilities, auctions, etc. The rehabilitation program is focused on returning the horse to health and once healthy enough, retraining the horse to enable it to eventually be placed in a caring home. During the horses' rehabilitation time, the children will be directly involved in its care and feeding and recouping. Training is completed solely by adults proficient in natural horsemanship style training. Once trained, the horses are then used directly in the children's riding program until such time as a proper home is found. Each new owner is then introduced and educated on the natural and holistic way of horse keeping. Through this program, Blended Spirits Ranch hopes to also educate the public on a better way of communicating with and caring for equines.