Kupuna Program
Spirit Horse Ranch is honored to welcome Maui’s kūpuna to experience the calming presence of horses and the healing beauty of nature. Our trauma informed equine assisted services provide a peaceful space where elders can relax, reconnect with the land, and enjoy meaningful time with gentle horses. These guided experiences support emotional well being, reduce stress, encourage movement, and create opportunities for reflection, connection, and joy in a safe and supportive ranch environment.
Kūpuna Health and Wellness Program
Many kūpuna face challenges associated with aging, including isolation, grief, chronic stress, and the emotional impacts of community trauma such as the Maui wildfires.
Our program addresses these needs through nature based and animal assisted activities that support nervous system regulation, emotional balance, and overall wellness.
Participants engage with gentle horses through structured activities such as grooming, leading, and quiet interaction. Horses are highly responsive to human emotion and nervous system states, creating opportunities for calm connection and stress reduction. These experiences can help lower anxiety, encourage mindfulness, and provide a sense of comfort and companionship.
Facilitators integrate simple wellness practices including breathing techniques and HeartMath coherence tools to support relaxation and improved stress management.
The program also strengthens social engagement and community connection. Kūpuna participate in small group experiences that foster conversation, shared reflection, and supportive relationships. These interactions help reduce loneliness and promote a sense of belonging and purpose.
Time spent outdoors at the ranch also encourages light physical movement, fresh air, and connection with the natural environment, all of which contribute to improved mental and physical health for older adults.
What does a session look like?
It all starts with a scenic drive to our ranch in Ulupalakua on the southwest side of Haleakalā.
Our sessions are individualized but typically include:
Groundwork: Building connection
This stage begins with a calm greeting and gentle brushing and caring of the horse. The intention is to create an atmosphere of trust, ease, and mutual respect, laying the foundation for meaningful connection and collaboration between participant and horse.
HeartMath® integration
Practicing breathing and self-regulation techniques alongside the horse to build coherence.Facilitated interaction
Walking, leading, or guided exercises that foster communication, confidence, and awareness.Rhythmic riding (optional)
This gentle practice reduces stress, builds confidence, and creates a pathway for healing and learning. It helps individuals find calm, balance, and connection through the natural movement of the horse that helps regulate the nervous system. The movement promotes bilateral brain stimulation, much like EMDR or other evidence-based trauma treatments, supporting the release of stress and the integration of traumatic memories. Riding in rhythm also fosters deep physical and emotional connection with the horse, encouraging trust, safety, and a sense of harmony—all of which are critical for healing and resilience.Brainspotting with Horse Presence (optional)
Brainspotting with Horses combines the gentle presence of equines with a powerful, neuroscience-based method for processing trauma. Guided by a trained facilitator, participants connect with a horse while focusing on an eye position (or “brainspot”) that links to unprocessed emotional or physical experiences. The horse’s natural attunement and body language help mirror the client’s internal state, promoting regulation, release, and deep healing. This somatic and relational approach allows trauma to resolve from the body outward, fostering calm, clarity, and resilience.
Processing & reflection: Space for participants to share insights, often tied to resilience, relationship skills, and emotional regulation.
Our facilitators are trained and certified in various equine-assisted trauma informed care services.
Our small peer groups and individual sessions allow participants a safe space to explore themselves and discover what tools work best for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Spirit Horse Ranch provides equine-assisted learning and trauma-informed care. We are facilitators (coaches) , not therapists. Our sessions are designed to help regulate the nervous system, build resilience, and strengthen relationships, thereby healing trauma and are often used alongside traditional therapy or other supports when needed.
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While Spirit Horse Ranch remains deeply committed to providing free trauma-informed services for individuals and families in need, we also understand that some may wish to contribute financially if they are able. To honor both accessibility and sustainability, we are exploring a sliding scale model that allows every child to participate regardless of financial circumstance. This approach would create space for participants with greater means to support the ranch, while ensuring that those with limited resources continue to receive services at little or no cost.
For Maui residents looking to contribute: If you would like to contribute, you may submit your contribution here.
For Non-Residents: Our standard session rate is $165 per session for non-residents. To ensure access for all, sliding-scale options are available from no cost to the full rate. Pay for your session here (Non-residents only).For questions, please call (808) 280-7070 or email info@thespirithorseranch.org
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Who can participate?
The Spirit Horse Ranch welcomes all community members in need and of any age are welcome to our program
Schools, Caregivers programs, Shelters Non-Profits please email us for more information at info@thespirithorseranch.org
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The unique relationship found between the client and the horse with TSHR ground based equine program often leads to benefits including but not limited to:
Greater sense and understanding of self
Improved communication and listening skills
Increased self-esteem and confidence
Increased ability to ask for what you need and want
Improved concentration and problem solving skills
Finding your voice
Feeling acceptance and belonging
Development of trust and social skills
Feeling better prepared to balance responsibilities
Enhanced motivation and energy
Improvements in self-control
Learning to master fears
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We recommended a minimum of 4 sessions to see lasting results.
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While we adapt sessions to the individual needs of our participants, a typical session includes:
Groundwork connection
Beginning with greeting and grooming the horse to establish trust and calmness.
HeartMath® integration
Practicing breathing and self-regulation techniques alongside the horse to build coherence.Facilitated interaction
Walking, leading, or guided exercises that foster communication, confidence, and awareness.Rhythmic riding (optional)
This gentle practice reduces stress, builds confidence, and creates a pathway for healing and learning. It helps individuals find calm, balance, and connection through the natural movement of the horse that helps regulate the nervous system. The movement promotes bilateral brain stimulation, much like EMDR or other evidence-based trauma treatments, supporting the release of stress and the integration of traumatic memories. Riding in rhythm also fosters deep physical and emotional connection with the horse, encouraging trust, safety, and a sense of harmony—all of which are critical for healing and resilience.Processing & reflection: Space for participants to share insights, often tied to resilience, relationship skills, and emotional regulation.
Our Kūpuna Health and Wellness Program supports healthy aging by providing a safe, culturally respectful space where Maui’s elders can experience the calming presence of horses, reconnect with nature, and nurture their emotional, physical, and spiritual well being.
Reach out, take that brave first step, and allow us to support you. You are deserving of this care, and we are here to provide it.
We need your continued support! Your donation helps us to continue and grow our programs so we can help our community heal.
Help Maui heal by making a tax-deductible charitable donation today!
Your contribution provides funds for adding more infrastructure, contemplation mediation space, staff and training, and care for our amazing horses!
