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Who We Are
Our Mission
Changing Lives Through Horse Powered Connections
Our vision
To make a lasting impact on our community and beyond through our horse based programs.
Spirit Winds Ranch is a registered non-profit with the goal of making a difference in the lives of individuals and our community.
We’re located in the scenic Wild Cat Hills area, just 20 minutes west of Cochrane, Alberta, Canada. The Rocky Mountains are on our doorstep mere minutes away, while the lushly forested foothills are right outside our door. All of our programs are held at our ranch inside our arena, which is dedicated to hosting schools and other groups. Our ranch is a place of communication and understanding, where judgments are not made.
The Need
Mental health has significantly declined in recent years, with increasing pressure on both kids and adults. Unfortunately, the resources to teach coping skills are often limited. Our programs are designed to support both kids and adults in developing these essential skills.
We’ve found that participants who thrive in our program often struggle with communication (both verbal and non-verbal), lack of confidence, bullying, depression, anxiety, and mood regulation, among others.
Through interacting with their human partners and equine teachers, participants learn effective communication and collaboration skills by solving a series of engaging and often challenging problems. Our EAL program has helped many participants flourish, with improvements such as increased confidence, listening skills, and overall communication.
Why Horses
“The horse. Here is nobility without conceit, friendship without envy, and beauty without vanity. A willing servant, yet never a slave.” – Ronald Duncan
For thousands of years, horses have been essential to human survival. They have been a source of transportation, food, and physical labour. Throughout human history, the horse has been by our side; we have loved, owned, and ridden horses, but what we are tapping into more recently is how horses speak to our hearts.
The beauty of working with horses from the ground is understanding that they are non-judgmental, listen without interruption, and offer participants the immediate gratification of being unconditionally accepted.
Horses are prey animals and stay highly aware of their surroundings at all times. Their sensitivity and intuition can be applied to the emotional state of people, making them excellent partners to work with.
Our Team
Society & Board of Directors
The Friends of Spirit Winds Ranch Society Board of Directors consists of 7 elected volunteers who oversee the organization’s operations and ensure its mission is successfully fulfilled. They are instrumental in planning, governance, and managing financial oversight.
Volunteers
Spirit Winds Ranch is supported by a team of over 30 volunteers. We’re extremely grateful and proud of the volunteer base we’ve built, and believe everyone’s role is important, no matter how small it may seem. Our volunteers have a direct impact on the operation of our programs and are crucial in helping to maintain the ranch. If you’re interested in becoming part of our team, check out our volunteer page!
Chief Horse Officer – Laurel Griffin
Laurel is the contracted Equine Service Provider for the Municipal District of Rocky View West and has been working with thirteen schools in Cochrane and the surrounding areas for several years. Her programming is also available to marginalized groups. The combination of horses and Equine-Assisted Learning has had a significant impact on students, schools, and other groups. Laurel previously instructed riding and horsemanship for over 30 years. She was also once part of the local Cochrane Pony Club and then later moved on to a successful show career on the “A” circuit across North America; A highlight of her career was a top-ten Open Jumper finish at the World Paint Show in Reno, Nevada. In her recent work, Laurel has deepened her connection with horses, transforming from a skeptic of natural horsemanship to being known as the “Horse Sensei” at Spirit Winds Ranch. She has redesigned her ranch to focus on these horse-powered connections, offering a unique experience. Laurel is a graduate of the Cartier Farms/Dreamwinds EAL program, certified in FEEL with Horse Spirit Connections, and a licensed coach with Equestrian Canada.
Read more about Laurel’s certifications:
- Cartier Farms / Dreamwinds EAL Grad Spotlight for Laurel Griffin of Spirit Winds Ranch – Watch on YouTube here
- FEEL Facilitator profile on Horse Spirit Connections website
(NOTE: Though she coincidentally shares the Griffin last name in print, Laurel is a completely separate entity from the Griffin Valley Ranch.)