Spirit Ranch JSP

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!

12/05/2023

"Holidays with the Horses" 12/16 from 1:00-3:00!

RSVP to Pam Sippel at 303-521-7009 with the number attending by NOON, 12/14!

11/01/2023

Equine Facilitated Learning

Individual and Monthly Group Sessions Focusing on Teens Struggling with Anxiety.

10/02/2023

While I am not a therapist but an Equine Facilitated Learning Practitioner, the benefits of working with horses resonate in both.

Equine-assisted therapy is a newer mental health approach that may help with a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety. Find out how it works and whether it might be worth a try.

09/01/2023

Spirit Ranch JSP Invitation!

Spirit Ranch JSP invites you to the farm on Saturday, September 23, from 1:30-3:30 for games, pumpkin painting, and horses, of course!

08/22/2023

Equine Facilitated Learning Focus on Anxiety Open House

On Saturday, September 9 and 16, from 1:00-3:00, Spirit Ranch JSP hosts an Open House for parents and children, counselors, and psychologists who would like to learn more about the benefits of EFL for pre-teens and teenagers struggling with anxiety. Participants can book online at www.spiritranchjsp...

08/17/2023

Spirit Ranch JSP Blog

Why the JSP in Spirit Ranch is important. My mom was a horsewoman. Her name was Jean Sippel, thus the JS. Without Mom, there would be no Spirit Ranch JSP. For many reasons. My father was killed on December 12, 1961, leaving Mom with three children: Vic (11), Sandy (8), and me (1). Life was difficult...

08/17/2023

Some of you have encouraged me to write. Well, I am....

Why the JSP in Spirit Ranch is important. My mom was a horsewoman. Her name was Jean Sippel, thus the JS. Without Mom, there would be no Spirit Ranch JSP. For many reasons. My father was killed on December 12, 1961, leaving Mom with three children: Vic (11), Sandy (8), and me (1). Life was difficult...

08/17/2023

Download the app and add “Spirit Ranch JSP” to check out their site on the go and stay updated with the latest news, offers and more.

08/08/2023

Saturday Horse Camp Fun!

We have 5 openings Saturday, 8/12 and 1 opening on 8/19 from 8:00-11:30 a.m. Kids can learn and have fun on the farm!

07/12/2023

Well said...

My mum's words "Humbling when I think how much a horse can give that has nothing to do with riding....
My personal pondering for what it is worth.
The horse's eye sees us in full detail. Truly sees us. They know our soul and spirit. They see our hearts. They keep our secrets.
I have cried into my horse's mane when my heart was broken. My horse's have seen my vunerbility and known my pain and offered space to heal. Merlot my soul companion taught me profound life lessons. I rescued him from an abusive place and full circle he rescued me. Ruby my earth angel saw my suffering and heart ache when Steve was having treatment for leukemia. She offered her wise gentle love and space to just be. Kez stood over me as a warrior healer while I went through treatment for breast cancer.
The friendship with a horse is profound, deep and unconditional. These relationships can last lifetimes and be longer than ones we share with fellow humans.
Those who cannot see a horses soul haven't looked deeply enough. The eyes are the window to the soul. It is something you feel.
Yes our horses are way more than hopes and dreams. Kez has taught me that what started out as a riding dream that got shattered....the love for my horse is more than my dream. The changes that unraveled as the non ridden door opened have taken us places and we have connected with so many like minded people.
Physical health and wellness, mental well-being and spiritual growth....horses can give us the opportunity to improve mind, body and soul. Kez saw me so frail, week and sick. This wise soul knows. My horse has been there every single step of the way. Never waivering his part in helping me to get well.
What do horses see when they look at us?"

Photo - portrait of Kez's eye. A3 size soft pastels.

07/10/2023

Saturday Horse Camp was a hit! Horses, crafts, kids--their excitement was palpable 💜