OUR IMPACT
Trauma-informed equine-assisted services for children, youth, adults, families, caregivers, veterans, first responders, and community members seeking healing, resilience, and hope.
Our Journey to Healing & Growth
The Spirit Horse Ranch began its journey in November 2021, focusing on training, certification, and building the foundation for equine-assisted healing. By January 2023, we officially launched with a 6-week youth trauma pilot program in partnership with Maui Youth and Family Services.
When the Maui wildfires struck in August 2023, we opened our gates wide to survivors and community members in crisis. Since then, we’ve provided over 5,000 equine-assisted, trauma-informed care sessions to more than 2,000 children, families, first responders, and wildfire survivors across Maui and Moloka‘i.
In February 2025, we expanded services to Moloka‘i, collaborating with Ho’aka Mana native Hawaiian organization, flying over monthly to deliver healing sessions. With demand continuing to grow, we hope to expand our capacities to bring hope and resilience to even more families in need.
Progress & Achievements
Performance & Service Capacity
Since January 2023, Spirit Horse Ranch has delivered more than 3,500 equine-assisted trauma-informed care sessions, serving wildfire survivors, at-risk youth, families, and first responders across Maui and Moloka‘i. As of early 2025, we operate with a small but highly trained team consisting of two full-time facilitators and two full time equine professionals.
Despite this lean staffing model, our service impact is notable. Based on session volume and staffing capacity, Spirit Horse Ranch has achieved an average of 10% more per capita client sessions than most comparable equine-assisted service organizations. This demonstrates both the efficiency of our model and the urgent demand for our programs in Hawai‘i.
By maximizing limited resources and streamlining client access (no waitlists, referrals, or insurance barriers), we are providing services at a rate that exceeds peer organizations while still maintaining the individualized, trauma-informed quality of care that defines our work.
Maui Wildfire Trauma Informed Care Healing and Resiliency Program
On August 11, 2023, we opened our facility for the Maui community for trauma healing and resilience building. Our community has quickly embraced the opportunity to heal through our services. We work directly with clients who can make an appointment for the Maui Wildfire Program online. The response was impactful, and the program continues to be successful in helping those affected directly and indirectly by the disaster.
Healing for People and Horses
Our mission has always embraced healing for both humans and animals. Alongside our herd of 15 horses, we welcomed Toa, Rocky and Star, three rescued horses who found sanctuary and renewed purpose with us.
In 2025, we officially launched our Horse Foster & Rescue Program, providing veterinary care, rehabilitation, and lifelong sanctuary when needed. Just as our human clients are given tools to rebuild trust and resilience, our equine rescues receive safety, care, and connection. Together, people and horses walk the path of healing—restoring hope and life through compassion and partnership.
Expanding Our Voice through Advocacy
In 2025, The Spirit Horse Ranch proudly welcomed Katy Morris as our dedicated advocate in Washington, D.C. Katy brings years of federal government and political experience. With her deep knowledge of congressional operations and federal health systems, Katy strengthens our ability to elevate the voices of Maui and Moloka‘i at the national level.
Together, we are launching a bold legislative push both in Hawai‘i and in Washington, D.C. to make Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) a mainstream, evidence-based intervention for trauma recovery and mental health. Our priorities include:
1. Securing Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance coverage for equine-assisted services so families can access care without financial barriers.
2. Establishing state-level recognition of EAS as a qualified behavioral health service in Hawai‘i, with dedicated funding streams to expand access on Maui, Moloka‘i, and across the islands.
3. Ensuring EAS is included in federal behavioral health policy and funding frameworks, bringing national recognition to what our communities already know: equine-assisted healing works.
This advocacy builds on what we witness every day at the ranch: equine-assisted healing changes lives. Survivors of the Maui wildfires, youth in crisis, families in recovery, and first responders have all experienced its profound impact.
Community Partners
We collaborate closely with organizations like Village of Hope, Hale Pono Shelter, Maui Youth and Family Services, Ho’aka Mana Molokai, Maui Behavioral Health, the Foster Care System, Maui Police Dept. Judicial System, Care Hawaii, Mental Health America Maui, Maui Counseling, Heartmath, Kaiser, local schools, and many independent mental health and healthcare providers and agencies.
Organizational Development
Before receiving our own 501(c)(3) status in August 2024, we partnered with Players Philanthropy as our fiscal sponsor. Our leadership team includes the Board, Advisory Board, Legal Counsel, and staff. We completed certifications for four EAL Academy members, two Natural Lifemanship Practitioners, and two Brainspotting practitioners.
Construction
Since 2021, we constructed three round pen workspaces for Equine-Assisted Trauma Informed Care and mindfulness sessions. Built a classroom area for debriefs, session breaks and trainings, new signage, a small 6x4 foot shed for equipment, new office with solar and a refrigerator! And purchased uniforms for our staff and secured access to a cattle chute for our ranching pilot program.
We need your continued Support!
Our programs are a critical asset to the Maui community in times of crises. We need your support in continuing our work and growing our programs.
We are a 501(c)3 Nonprofit recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity. We greatly need your support to allow us to provide stipends for our services to the Maui community.
