YOUTH PROGRAM
Providing a safe space for children and youth ages 8 to 18 that allows them to feel seen, valued, and accepted.
Healing pathways for youth in crisis.
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.
Many 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 provides a safe space for children and youth ages 8 to 18 to interrupt this cycle through human–horse connection, offering a safe, non-judgmental relationship that allows youth to feel seen, valued, and accepted. Through patience, partnership with the horse, and trauma informed care, youth can move toward greater stability, resilience, and wellbeing.
How equine-assisted services can support you:
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
We integrate several proven modalities including Brainspotting, HeartMath coherence techniques, and Natural Lifemanship® principles such as Rhythmic Riding. Brainspotting allows participants to process deeply held trauma while the horse’s presence provides stability and safety during the process. HeartMath techniques help develop practical tools to regulate stress and improve emotional balance. Rhythmic Riding supports nervous system organization through the horse’s natural bilateral movement.
About the Program
Our 6–12 week equine-assisted learning and trauma-informed care programs are designed to meet each child exactly where they are on their healing journey.
At the heart of our program is connection. Horses respond honestly and without judgment, creating a safe space for youth to explore how their actions, emotions, and energy affect others. By learning to build authentic relationships with horses, children also gain tools to strengthen relationships at home, at school, and in their community. This process nurtures empathy, resilience, and a sense of belonging—key foundations for healing and growth.
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
strengthening social and emotional competence
provide a natural environment than an office to work through their challenges
A positive reinforcement vehicle with horse nonverbal neuro-feedback — 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.
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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.
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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.
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.
“Horses reach into your soul, pull out the good and heal what isn’t.”
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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Recently, we were informed that Maui wildfire funding has not been extended. As a result, sessions will now be offered at the rates listed below until additional funding is secured.
Mahalo for your understanding and continued support as we work to serve our community and heal together.
Sliding scale payments are available for qualifying household only (individuals with household income below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level).
*For foster care programs please call us for scholarship booking information.
We do require a minimum $10 booking fee to secure the session.
Kama'aina: $165 + $10 booking fee
Family Sessions: $215 + $10 booking fee
Visitor/Out-of-State: $190 + $10 booking fee
For questions, please call (808) 280-7070 or email info@thespirithorseranch.org
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Yes absolutely, please go ahead and book a session or contact info@thespirithorseranch.org for questions.
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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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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.
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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.
Your Support Matters!
Your support ensures that our programs continue to heal, encourage and educate participants on their journey to mental wellness.
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.
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.