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
What does a session look like?
It all starts with a scenic drive to our remote ranch in Ulupalakua on the southwest side of Haleakalā.
Our sessions are individualized but typically include:
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 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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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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Our program is a ground-based, non-riding, and confidential Trauma Informed Care Equine Assisted Service (EAS). These services are FREE of charge with 1-hour sessions. Please book a session by clicking the button below. We kindly ask that you please keep your appointment. We are a free program this allows as many as possible to receive the care they need if you cancel last minute it takes away the space from someone who may need healing including you, self care is important and healing is the first step to recovery. For specific questions please contact us at 808-280-7070 or email info@thespirithorseranch.org.
*HIPAA compliant
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We are here to help our community by providing free services for Maui giving the healing care needed as Maui faces continuing challenges. Grief, loss, despair, depression anxiety and mourning, healing is an individual and community process. To help rebuild our communities resilience and the recovery efforts we invite our Maui Ohana to come and learn effective coping tools and to process here at our ranch. We also offer a technique called Brainspotting® to help facilitate healing and trauma recovery.
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Who can participate?
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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Individuals of all ages and levels of cognitive development can benefit from Equine-Assisted therapy. Clinical studies suggest that equine-assisted therapy is effective in treating:
Depression
Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Behavioral problems
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Autism
Conduct disorder
Aggression and Substance abuse
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Sessions are offered free of charge and by appointment only. Please book online.
The wildfires that swept through Maui left scars—on the land, on our hearts, and in our spirits. Yet, in the midst of this devastation, we have seen the power of resilience and the unbreakable bonds of community.
If you find yourself or your ʻohana struggling, know that you are not alone. Reach out, take that brave first step, and allow us to support you in your healing journey. 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!
