Youth Program

On Maui, families are facing unprecedented challenges. In Lahaina, many remain displaced, living in transitional housing and unable to regain a sense of stability. Across the island, financial strain weighs heavily as businesses, households, and entire communities struggle to recover. Parents are burdened and often emotionally disconnected from their children. At-risk youth, caught in this instability, face trauma that fuels substance use, self-harm, violence, and cycles of generational pain.

Spirit Horse Ranch exists to provide a safe space for children and youth ages 8 to 18 to interrupt this cycle through human–horse connection — a safe, non-judgmental relationship that allows youth to feel seen, valued, and accepted.

Healing pathways for youth in crisis.

In our safe, non-judgemental and nurturing space, youth are guided through equine-assisted learning (EAL) experiences that naturally nurture:

  • Self-regulation skills – helping youth manage big emotions, calm their nervous systems, and find balance.

  • Resilience building – teaching children how to move through challenges with courage and confidence.

  • Trauma recovery practices – offering tools that restore a sense of safety, belonging, and hope.

  • Calming the nervous system - our ranch is a cell-phone free zone, allowing kids to be present in the moment and away from social media

The Spirit Horse Ranch Youth Program offers deeply supportive 6–12 week equine-assisted learning and trauma-informed care programs, designed to meet each child exactly where they are on their healing journey.

Every program is created with flexibility and compassion, allowing us to adapt session length, wrangler staffing, and focus areas based on the unique needs of not just "a child"  but "this child".

Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of every participant and horse. Sessions are carefully structured and supervised by trained facilitators and equine professionals who create an environment where youth can explore, learn, and heal with confidence.

Every aspect of our youth programming is rooted in love, care, and safety. We believe healing is not one-size-fits-all, and through the rhythm of horse hooves, the steadiness of gentle equine partners, and the guidance of compassionate facilitators, we create space for transformation—where young people can grow stronger, braver, and more connected to themselves and others.

For many youth who feel overwhelmed by trauma, social pressure, or constant digital noise, this phone-free time is one of the rare moments they can truly breathe, reset, and experience healing.

Program Benefits & Outcomes

Our equine-assisted services are designed to support children and youth ages 8 to 18 meet them where they are at in their healing:

  • prevention of drug use and destructive behavior

  • building resilience to withstand challenges and change 

  • providing support kids need and can’t find in intimidating settings

  • provide safe, nonjudgemental space to share or just be

  • strengthening social and emotional competence

  • provide a natural environment than an office to work through their challenges 

  • A positive reinforcement vehicle with horse non verbal neuro feed back — changing the neurons in the brain working as a bottom up technique 

Disconnect to Reconnect

We ask all participants to set aside cell phones during sessions. This isn’t just about rules—it’s about creating a space where everyone can be fully present. When phones are put away, distractions disappear and youth can tune into their emotions, the horses, and each other.

Being free from screens allows participants to:

  • Build focus and awareness essential to bond with the horses and practicing self-regulation.

  • Engage authentically to nurture real connections form when eyes and hearts, not phones, are engaged.

  • Strengthen resilience skills and learning to be comfortable without constant digital stimulation helps calm the nervous system.

  • Deepen healing: equine-assisted activities work best when individuals are grounded in the moment. 

Program Partners

Our programs are open to all youth at this time, including referrals coming from private and public agencies, schools, and community partners. We continue to collaborate with child welfare services, foster care programs, and other frontline organizations to reach youth most in need.

Agencies & Community Partners

The Spirit Horse Ranch Equine Therapy Program for children 8-18 years old is open to all agencies and schools. A program consists of a 1 hour session for up to 8 participants for 6-8 sessions coming to the facility once a week.

  • The curriculum designed on the clients needs and goals. To schedule or request more information, please contact us at (808) 280-7070 or email info@thespirithorseranch.org.

Child Welfare & Foster Programs

The Spirit Horse Ranch is a funded foster program, a milestone that affirms the value and credibility of equine-assisted services within the child welfare system. This recognition enables us to serve not only children placed in foster care but also foster families and kinship caregivers navigating the many challenges of the child welfare process.

  • Children in foster care often carry layers of trauma ranging from neglect and abuse to the profound disruption of being removed from their homes. These experiences can manifest as anxiety, depression, attachment challenges, difficulty with trust, and behavioral struggles. At The Spirit Horse Ranch, our equine-assisted sessions provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where these youth can begin to rebuild trust, practice healthy relationships, and experience unconditional acceptance.

    For foster families, our programs also create opportunities for shared growth and bonding. Caregivers are supported in learning new tools for trauma-informed connection, helping to strengthen family resilience and reduce the risk of placement disruption.

    Equine-assisted learning (EAL) and trauma-informed care at Spirit Horse Ranch are uniquely suited for foster youth because horses naturally model healthy boundaries, non-verbal communication, and emotional regulation. Through guided activities, children learn to self-regulate, build confidence, and experience moments of joy and accomplishment—often for the first time since entering foster care.

    By becoming a funded foster program, Spirit Horse Ranch is not only filling a critical gap in Hawai‘i’s foster care support system but also advancing a model of healing that addresses the whole family unit—child, caregiver, and community partner—on the path to stability and long-term well-being.

Self-pay EAL Sessions

While Spirit Horse Ranch remains deeply committed to providing free trauma-informed services for children and families in crisis, we also understand that some individuals or families with struggling youth 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 families with greater means to support the ranch, while ensuring that those with limited resources continue to receive services at little or no cost.

    This model may include:

    • Above poverty level: Families able to contribute toward program costs.

    • Below poverty level: Families qualifying for no-cost sessions.

    Advised contribution: $165/session

    Note: Spirit Horse Ranch does not believe mental health and trauma recovery should ever be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it. Any self-pay option will be structured with compassion and equity at its core, designed only to sustain programming and expand access—not to limit it.

IMG_9001.jpeg
348689476_215758037892413_5006224402662827117_n.jpg
469316530_17908280469060931_6093025718378100542_n.jpg
IMG_8440.png
3L Ranch 11.jpg
IMG_3292.png

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • Yes absolutely, please go ahead and book a session or contact info@thespirithorseranch.org for questions.


  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • We recommended a minimum of 4 sessions to see lasting results.

  • While Spirit Horse Ranch remains deeply committed to providing free trauma-informed services for children and youth in crisis, we also understand that some individuals or families with struggling youth 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 families with greater means to support the ranch, while ensuring that those with limited resources continue to receive services at little or no cost. Please contact us at info@thespirithorseranch.org for more information.

  • If you’re under 18, yes — a parent, guardian, or approved caretaker must bring you to your first session and complete the paperwork. After that, some youth may attend sessions on their own, while others may have a caretaker stay nearby depending on what feels safest and most supportive.

We need your ongoing support to grow our unique programs to heal, encourage and educate participants on their journey to freedom.

Help Maui heal by making a tax-deductible charitable donation today!

We are a 501(c)3 Nonprofit recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity. We need your support to allow us to provide free services to our Maui keiki and community.

Programs we can get started with your help

Artistic Expression

The arts, such as painting, crafting and drawing contribute to core determinants of health; playing a critical role in health promotion; helping to prevent the onset of mental illness and age related physical decline; supporting the treatment or management of mental illness, and noncommunicable diseases and neurological disorders.

Youth Wrangler Program

For those enrolled in longer programs, we expand upon these foundations with rhythmic riding sessions, which promote balance, coordination, and body awareness while also fostering deep emotional grounding. In addition, the Wrangler Program (funding dependent) gives youth the chance to step into greater responsibility—learning horsemanship, teamwork, and leadership skills within a framework of safety, supervision, and respect.