Spirit Ranch JSP

11/13/2024

Enhance Your Middle Schooler's Skills with Equine-Assisted SEL

According to a July 14, 2023, Yale School of Medicine article by Erin Brough, students exposed to social-emotional learning demonstrated "self-efficacy, self-esteem, mindset, perseverance, and optimism, among others." The study goes on to state that kids "who participate in SEL programs also feel be...

11/08/2024

November Offerings at Spirit Ranch JSP

Gidget shared her thoughts on some awesome November gatherings!

11/08/2024

Save your spot for Recognizing Grief and Gratitude now! https://wix.to/LQ26gQU

11/01/2024

Save your spot for Fall Equine Activities now https://wix.to/HMTjgK4

10/22/2024

Adult Equine Activities!

Based on feedback and inquiries about adult equine activities, Spirit Ranch JSP offers six participants the opportunity to create a seasonal equine craft and "horse around" with Ariel, Gidget, and Hammer (grooming and nature walk with horses at halter). Book Online NOW! Details: When: Sunday, Novemb...

08/29/2024

Spirit Ranch JSP Fall SEL and Equine Activities!

Spirit Ranch JSP offers four Saturday morning gatherings where kids ages 6-10 practice social-emotional learning competencies while engaging in equine activities. During the Saturday sessions, we focus on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationshi...

08/13/2024

Save your spot for Fall SEL and Equine Activities! now! https://wix.to/Ve63Jgg

08/12/2024

Save your spot for Fall SEL and Equine Activities! now! https://wix.to/IVIwF7r

05/05/2024

Gidget was a big hit at the Hilltop Fair💜. She's so kind and patient with kids and adults loving on her. I have no papers on Gidget as she's a rescue from Texas. You may recall that I bought her at an estate sale--she was not for sale. But, as things that are meant to be go, after I queried and shared my want/need for a pony to fill out my little herd for EFL, Robin, the owner, offered Gidget. Robin trains and shows minis. Gidget was brought to her from Texas by a former friend who rescued her.

So, like the not-so-feral barn cats, mixed-breed rescued dogs, Gidget fits right in. In the end, we rescue each other. The end 😊

05/01/2024

Summer Horse Camp 2024!

WELCOME! In 2023, after thirty-nine years in the classroom, I retired from teaching. But, my heart never left the classroom and the desire to grow with kids! Becoming a certified Equine Facilitated Learning Practitioner in March 2023 allowed me to combine two lifetime passions: kids and horses! Our....

03/02/2024

Summer Horse Camp 2024! Blending Social-Emotional Learning with Equine Facilitated Learning!

WELCOME! In 2023, after thirty-nine years in the classroom, I retired from teaching. But, my heart never left the classroom and the desire to grow with kids! Becoming a certified Equine Facilitated Learning Practitioner in March 2023 allowed me to combine two lifetime passions: kids and horses! Our....

02/12/2024

After meeting with high school counselors and recently a k-8 school psychologist, Spirit Ranch JSP is modifying the components of our summer camps. This year, we will offer an SEL (social-emotional learning) component and EFL (equine facilitated learning).

The "Why": SEL helps kids develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Who better to facilitate these skills than... a horse, of course!

Right now, I'm gathering a fabulous horse and kid-loving cast to support our summer camps for kids ages 6-10. We will continue to offer information on horse health and care, Western riding lessons, and crafts! Camps will run Monday-Thursday from 8:00-11:30. Children can attend one camp this summer as the curriculum will be repeated in each camp. However, for a mindset to solidify, it needs reinforcement. We will ask parents to inquire about SEL focus of the day and to share examples. Also, in the fall, campers can choose to return to Spirit Ranch JSP for a Saturday morning camp to brush up on summer learning and FUN!

More information and registration to follow in March!

01/30/2024

The Cherokee Trail HS LGBTQ+ Club took a field trip to Spirit Ranch JSP on January 29, 2024! Together we looked at acceptance and inclusion through the lens of the horse.

Gidget distanced yet endeared herself to the group, Hammer "hammed" it up, and Ariel extended some love but was very concerned about the "closed" doors. She has an "open door" policy!

We wrapped up the session with cookies from The Cookie Company, of course!