Apparently prepping my 501(c)3 paperwork, taking part in a youth Winter Retreat weekend, painting a new house, subbing at a preschool, packing up the apartment, and moving in has created a little bit of a whirlwind in my life because I’m all off schedule on my blogging this week.  It’s been easy to …

When we went out to visit Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in May 2010, we had the opportunity to speak directly with Kim Meeder (one of the Founders) about our own hopes and dreams and what we believed God was asking us to do.  I specifically remember being an emotional mess.  I was standing at the …

When we started on this journey to find land, we were open to just about anything, but we did have a few parameters.  Our list looked like this: within 30 minutes of Good Shepherd (under that if possible), have 10-15 acres, have some areas of the land already cleared and ready for pasture, and …

On 2.14.14, we invited friends and family to join us in person or through social media to pray over the home and land we just purchased and to dedicate it back to God. Below, you will find the time, focus, and specific prayers for each major area.  Thank you for partnering with us in prayer! 5:00 - …

The mission of Bright Side Youth Ranch is to Rescue the Horse, Inspire the Child, and offer Hope to the Family.  But, what does it look like to inspire or mentor a child, and how do horses and the family fit into the picture? If I could have a moment of your time, I would love to share the working …

This is an expanded look at the values I have learned from horses and the horse world as first described in the blog post:  Why Use Horses? While I was in college, I had the privilege and honor to meet Olympic athlete Karen O’Connor.  She and her husband, David O’Connor, are both team and …

This is an expanded look at the values I have learned from horses and the horse world as first described in the blog post:  Why Use Horses? As prey animals, horses are usually characterized by one of two responses when in a precarious or stressful scenario: fight of flight.  Most often, the horse …

This is an expanded look at the values I have learned from horses and the horse world as first described in the blog post:  Why Use Horses? Buckles was often the bane of my existence… or at least, he was every time I needed to catch him.  Because he was so difficult, I typically left him last.  I …

This is an expanded look at the values I have learned from horses and the horse world as first described in the blog post:  Why Use Horses? To many of you who know me, you are already well aware of this fact: I love horses… and pretty much everything about them.  I love the smell of sweet feed, the …

This is an expanded look at the values I have learned from horses and the horse world as first described in the blog post: Why Use Horses? I have had the dream of Bright Side Youth Ranch in some shape or form for many years.  I have waited and prayed for such a long time, and at times, it often …