True North Ranch

True North Ranch True North Ranch exists to provide a safe and positive experience for children and families to learn about the saving hope of Jesus Christ.

True North Ranch was founded by Lee and Dan Shelstad. Lee started working with horses and saw how a relationship with a horse can bring so much healing! When she played with a horse, saw a relationship form, she experienced how it all mirrored Jesus. So she began sharing this with others who were dealing with trials in their lives. By each chid, family member, coming to the ranch, playing with a h

orse they too experienced Healing, Overcoming their situation, Peace and Empowerment. Putting it together...HOPE! Hope a word so powerful and yet a word we all need, especially in times of trials! This couple has seen a child smile who stopped after his parents divorced, another feel confident after years of bulling, and many others find hope in rough circumstances. At the ranch, we do private 90 minute sessions, one mentor, one horse, one child. Each sessions is unique to the child and to the need. It is our hope that through hands-on experience, kids will learn the value of life, family, faith, and trust. All of this is done, free of charge!

12/15/2025

Such a blessing we won the donation! God is good! Thank you all for supporting what we do!

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12/12/2025

Come see us!!!!

12/09/2025
12/05/2025

Come on over and see us and KISS A MISSIONARY which is full of GOLD! A little on the smaller side...

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12/02/2025

LOVE to see you! Come and give the goldens a kiss and a squeeze plus a whole lot of fun...and VOTE for us!

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Seen and experienced each one of these! They are one amazing animal!
11/14/2025

Seen and experienced each one of these! They are one amazing animal!

This is a bit long, but important to share ❤️ 15 Fascinating Facts About Horses’ Emotional Memory and Empathy

1. Horses hold one of the most powerful long-term memories among domestic animals — recalling people, voices, and events for decades.

2. They read human intent through facial expressions, distinguishing friend from threat long before a hand is raised.

3. A single act of kindness can echo for years — a horse may seek out the same person even after a long separation.

4. Trauma carves deep grooves — a horse may forever avoid a place, object, or person tied to fear.

5. They sense human emotion through voice tone, breath rhythm, and body tension — even from across a field.

6. They respond not just to fear, but to sadness, joy, or confusion — silently, instinctively.

7. Mirror neurons in their brains allow them to feel what others feel — true empathy in motion.

8. When tears fall nearby, a horse may approach softly, lower its head, and offer a gentle touch — comfort without words.

9. A wounded horse can form the deepest bonds with a patient human — shared pain becomes shared trust.

10. Horses are proven emotional therapists for PTSD, depression, and anxiety — healing hearts, not just bodies.

11. They grieve deeply — lingering by a lost companion or withdrawing in quiet mourning.

12. Once bonded, they memorize your personal rhythms — footsteps, breath, even the silence between.

13. Their memory isn’t just survival — it’s the foundation for profound connection with those who earn their trust.

14. With gentle consistency, fear can be rewritten into safety — even shattered trust can be rebuilt.

15. Horse empathy is biological fact, not folklore — their brains and hearts sync with human emotion in real time.

11/09/2025

Jasmine…32 weeks and one mischievous pup!

11/08/2025

NEW DATES FOR 2026!!!!!!!!! Info on our website!
10/09/2025

NEW DATES FOR 2026!!!!!!!!!
Info on our website!

10/03/2025

All proceeds go to True North Ranch

Our last Couples Night Out was one very special evening! Vulnerablity in marriage was our theme! Thank you Skye and Bria...
08/23/2025

Our last Couples Night Out was one very special evening! Vulnerablity in marriage was our theme! Thank you Skye and Brian for leading such a great ministry!

Address

12600 Pelican Beach Road
Merrifield, MN
56465

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+12188511937

Website

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