Help us celebrate what would have been Kaylie’s 25th birthday. In her memory and spirit, H.O.P.E. Ranch Foundation is offering a special ticket promotion for our 4th Annual Kaylie Meyer Memorial Fundraiser!
From today through Sunday, August 24th, get $5 off every adult ticket purchased using promo code “Birthday”. It’s the perfect time to join us, support a wonderful cause, and remember Kaylie together.
Don’t wait, secure your tickets and help us make this year’s event the best yet. Let’s celebrate Kaylie and make a difference in our community!
Share this post, invite your friends, and join us for a day of fun, giving back, and honoring Kaylie’s legacy!
At H.O.P.E. Ranch Foundation, we believe in the healing power of horses. Through equine-assisted psychotherapy, we help individuals in need find hope, strength, and resilience. This March, you have a unique opportunity to make your donation go even further!
Thanks to Givebutter’s March Matchness campaign, we have the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 in matching donations—but we need your help to get there! This fundraiser is a way to jumpstart our efforts even before we start selling tickets for the main event in September. If we raise just $500 in March, we’ll qualify for this incredible matching opportunity. Every dollar you give now helps us build momentum and brings us one step closer to unlocking these vital funds. Won’t you help?Donate here!
Established in 2022, the Kaylie Meyer Memorial Fundraiser honors the memory of Kaylie Meyer, whose passion was to help others through equine-assisted psychotherapy. Each year, this fundraiser supports the H.O.P.E. Ranch Foundation, which provides financial assistance to organizations using the EAGALA model, the premier standard for equine-assisted therapy.
Mark your calendars! The 4th Annual Kaylie Meyer Memorial Fundraiser will be held on September 13 from 1 to 6 PM at Tavern 22 (3401 Northern Valley Pl NE, Rochester, MN 55906).
Your Donations Make a Difference
Since the fund’s inception, we have raised over $45,000 to support equine-assisted psychological services. In 2024 alone, thanks to generous donors like you, we distributed $23,284.28 to help clients access these life-changing services.
Your support doesn’t just fund therapy sessions—it changes lives. Every contribution, big or small, keeps Kaylie’s dream alive and ensures that those in need can experience the healing power of horses.
Be a Part of the Impact
This March, let’s come together to maximize our impact. Donate now, and your generosity could be doubled through Givebutter’s March Matchness campaign! Help us continue to make a difference in the lives of those seeking healing through equine-assisted therapy.
At H.O.P.E. Ranch, we believe in the power of partnership—not just between clients and therapists, but also between humans and horses. Through the EAGALA Model (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association), we harness the unique intelligence and emotional sensitivity of horses to create a transformative experience for those struggling with mental health challenges.
But why horses? What makes them such incredible therapy partners? The answer lies in their remarkable abilities.
Horses Are Highly Intelligent
Just like dogs, horses can be trained through positive reinforcement and even communicate their needs. Studies show they can learn to ask for a blanket by touching symbols on a board, demonstrating their capacity for advanced problem-solving. This intelligence makes them ideal for therapy—they are quick to respond, adaptable, and capable of engaging in complex interactions with clients.
Horses Can Uniquely Interpret Human Emotions
Horses don’t just see us—they feel us. These incredible animals can sense and interpret human emotions, often mirroring what a person is feeling. Whether someone approaches with anxiety, sadness, or confidence, the horse reacts accordingly. This makes them powerful partners in therapy, as they help clients become more aware of their own emotional states and learn to regulate them.
Horses Have Amazing Memories
Ever heard the phrase, “An elephant never forgets”? Well, horses come in second place! Their ability to remember past interactions helps build trust with clients over time. A horse will recall how a person treated them, how they approached, and even subtle changes in body language. This consistency provides clients with an opportunity to develop relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Horses Are Great Communicators
Unlike humans, horses don’t hide their emotions—they express them openly through body language. By observing a horse’s ears, head position, and nostrils, clients at H.O.P.E. Ranch learn to interpret non-verbal communication. This skill translates into real-world benefits, helping individuals become more in tune with their own emotions and the emotions of those around them.
The EAGALA Model at H.O.P.E. Ranch
At H.O.P.E. Ranch, our equine-assisted therapy follows the EAGALA Model, a structured and research-backed approach to partnering with horses in mental health and personal development. This model is ground-based, meaning there’s no riding involved. Instead, clients work alongside horses to complete exercises designed to promote self-awareness, problem-solving, and emotional healing.
Carolyn Baihly, H.O.P.E Ranch Foundation Board Member and retired D.V.M.
As H.O.P.E. Ranch Foundation board member and retired D.V.M. Caroline Baihly put it:
“Horses are incredibly intuitive. They don’t judge, they don’t lie, and they don’t have an agenda. That honesty creates a safe space where healing can begin. Watching our clients form connections with the horses is one of the most rewarding parts of our program.”
Experience the Power of Equine Therapy
If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other challenges, H.O.P.E. Ranch is here to help. Our equine therapy program offers a unique, effective, and compassionate approach to mental health support.
Help us make healing possible through the power of animals!
At H.O.P.E. Ranch Foundation, we believe in the transformative impact of animals on human healing. Whether it’s a gentle horse offering comfort to a child overcoming trauma, a loyal dog providing companionship to someone battling anxiety, or a curious cat helping a senior cope with loneliness, animals have a unique ability to break down barriers and foster emotional well-being.
Our mission is simple and profound: The Foundation supports EAGALA model programs in Southeast Minnesota that partner with animals to provide animal-assisted psychological services to clients of all ages, regardless of their financial situation.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal of ensuring that everyone who could benefit from animal-assisted therapy can access it. Your generosity helps cover the costs of therapy for those who can’t afford it, funds the care and training of the incredible animal partners, and sustains our mission of promoting emotional well-being through the human-animal bond.
Help Us Reach Our Goal!
Our goal this Give to the Max Day is to raise $2,000 to fund animal-assisted therapy sessions for individuals who need it most. Together, we can provide hope, healing, and connection to those who need it, one session at a time.
How You Can Help:
Donate today and make a lasting impact on someone’s mental health journey.
Share our campaign on social media using the hashtag #GiveHOPE, and encourage others to support our cause.
Let’s come together this Give to the Max Day to make sure no one is denied the opportunity for healing and growth through animal-assisted therapy.
With your support, we can offer hope—and a future filled with possibility.
Donate now and be a part of something that truly makes a difference!
Thank you for your generosity and belief in the power of animals to heal hearts and minds.
BS in Biochemistry from the University of Arizona; MS in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota; DVM University
Place of Work:
Retired DVM.
Why I chose to join the board:
Since retiring, I have found that serving on a board helps me interact with people. Having had therapy dogs (currently two) for a number of years, I know the benefits of animals helping people.
Education: BA in Sociology, University of Minnesota – Duluth : Master’s in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (expected graduation 2025)
Place of Work: Program Manager, Community Education & Engagement, Planned Parenthood North Central States
Why I chose to join the board: My experience with H.O.P.E. Ranch continues to serve as a major factor in my ability to pursue and maintain health and happiness in my life. Through the years, Kit and the animals have been integral forces in helping to navigate challenges and anxiety. I believe therapy should be available, accessible, and de-stigmatized for everyone.
I am passionate about animal assisted therapy and want to bring awareness to the possible benefits clients may experience.
I am passionate about the fundraising efforts and the commitment to helping make animal assisted therapy accessible for people as well as ensure the well-being of the animals.
I am passionate about community and utilizing partnership to build and maintain networks of care within our regions.
The National Center for PTSD designates the entire month of June as PTSD Awareness Month in an effort to bring greater awareness to the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.)
WHAT IS PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health problem that can occur after someone has been exposed to a single traumatic event or multiple traumatic events, such as sexual or physical assault, natural or man-made disaster, and war-related combat stress. Those suffering experience symptoms such as persistent intrusive thoughts and distressing dreams about the traumatic event, triggered emotional responses to reminders of the trauma, trying to avoid thinking or talking about the trauma, and persistent hypervigilance for cues that indicate additional danger or trauma re-occurring.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD was created in 1989 by a congressional mandate. The goal was to address the needs of veterans with military-related PTSD.
After a traumatic event, the effects of the event fade over time for most people. But for others, the memories, thoughts, and feelings don’t go away – even months or years after the event is over. Mental health experts are not sure why some people develop PTSD and others do not.
POSSIBLE TREATMENTS FOR PTSD
There are many possible treatments for PTSD and a person may have to try a number of them before finding one that works: Counseling and Psychotherapy Treatments such as Cognitive Psychotherapy, Exposure Psychotherapy Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing for instance. Some suffering from PTSD may also benefit from anti-depressant medications.
There’s a rapidly growing interest in equine-assisted psychotherapy supporting the psychological health and family relationships of service members, veterans, and their families worldwide.
More than 30 VA Medical Centers are participating in Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) programs all around the US.
WHY HORSES
According to EAGALA.ORG, The experiential nature of working with horses through the EAGALA Model engages military personnel in their own healing process, with solutions that meet them squarely on their own terms.
Horses have a special ability to help people work through emotional barriers, serving as metaphors and powerful stand-ins for the people, issues, and challenges in the client’s life. The EAGALA Model leads to powerful emotional breakthroughs and life-changing insights for the client, strengthening resilience and coping skills. Through the efforts of facilitators certified with EAGALA Military Services designation, service members, veterans, and their families can more quickly and completely understand and integrate new perspectives and behaviors into their lives.
This is especially true and valuable for people who suffer the effects of trauma. With the EAGALA Model Psychotherapy, clients challenge themselves in activities with horses that remove much of the perceived stigma associated with traditional talk Psychotherapy treatment methods.
If you know a military person or anyone suffering from PTSD, consider horse Psychotherapy through the EAGALA Model.
“We have conducted a number of EAGALA EAP sessions. The veterans who participate tell me that never have they found a group or individual session so useful and life-changing and that they have found hope. After these workshops, many reflect frequently on the experience and skills learned and then take these lessons into their daily lives.”
– Susan T. Lisi, AFGE Local 3306 Chief Steward, VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, New York
“Seeing how differently the horses reacted to each one of us has helped
me get closer to my wife. It has brought our entire family
closer than we have ever been.”
Equine-Assisted Therapy has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting emotional growth, self-discovery, and healing. At HOPE Ranch, we are committed to providing cutting-edge therapeutic interventions that empower individuals to overcome challenges and thrive. One approach that we wholeheartedly embrace is the EAGALA method of Equine-Assisted Therapy, a unique and effective modality that guides our work with clients toward meaningful transformation.
What is the EAGALA Method?
The Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to setting the standard of excellence for equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development. The EAGALA method is a model of Equine-Assisted Therapy that emphasizes a team approach, involving a licensed therapist, a qualified equine specialist, and horses as active participants in the therapeutic process.
How is the EAGALA Method Implemented at HOPE Ranch?
At HOPE Ranch, we adhere to the principles of the EAGALA method in all aspects of our Equine-Assisted Therapy programs. Here’s how it works:
Team Approach: The EAGALA model emphasizes collaboration between the therapist, equine specialist, and client. Our licensed therapists and certified equine specialists work together to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Ground-Based Activities: EAGALA sessions are conducted on the ground, with clients interacting with the horses in a controlled environment such as an arena or round pen. Ground-based activities allow for hands-on experiences that promote self-awareness, communication, and relationship-building.
Client-Centered Process: In EAGALA sessions, the focus is on the client’s experience and insights. Our therapists facilitate discussions and reflections that encourage clients to explore their feelings, beliefs, and goals in relation to their interactions with the horses.
Metaphorical Learning: Horses are powerful metaphors for human behavior and emotions, providing clients with tangible experiences that can be applied to their lives outside of the therapy session. Through guided activities and reflections, clients gain insights into patterns of behavior, communication styles, and interpersonal dynamics.
Non-Prescriptive Approach: The EAGALA method is non-prescriptive, meaning that clients are empowered to explore their own solutions and insights without judgment or interpretation from the therapist. This client-centered approach fosters autonomy, self-discovery, and personal growth.
At HOPE Ranch, we are proud to be a certified EAGALA program, offering high-quality Equine-Assisted Therapy that adheres to the highest standards of ethical practice and professionalism. If you’re interested in experiencing the transformative power of the EAGALA method firsthand, we invite you to contact us today. Together, we can embark on a journey of healing, growth, and hope.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the profound healing potential of animals in therapeutic settings. One such approach that has gained significant attention is Equine-Assisted Therapy, a unique form of therapy that harnesses the power of horses to promote emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. At HOPE Ranch, we are proud to offer Equine-Assisted Therapy as part of our comprehensive psychotherapy services, providing clients with a transformative experience unlike any other.
What is Equine-Assisted Therapy?
Equine-Assisted Therapy involves interactions between individuals and horses under the guidance of trained therapists or counselors. Unlike traditional therapy settings, where clients may sit in a clinical office, Equine-Assisted Therapy takes place in an outdoor environment, often in a natural setting such as a pasture or arena. The focus is on engaging with the horses through various activities and exercises, which can include grooming, leading, and groundwork.
Equine-Assisted Therapy at HOPE Ranch
At HOPE Ranch, we integrate Equine-Assisted Therapy into our psychotherapy programs to address a wide range of mental health and behavioral issues. Our team of licensed therapists and certified equine specialists work together to create customized treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs and goals.
Equine-Assisted Therapy sessions at HOPE Ranch may include:
Building Trust and Communication: Horses are highly attuned to human emotions and nonverbal cues, making them excellent partners for building trust and communication skills. Clients learn to communicate effectively with the horses, which can translate to improved relationships and interpersonal skills in their daily lives.
Emotional Regulation: Interacting with horses can evoke a range of emotions, providing clients with opportunities to practice emotional regulation and self-awareness. Through guided activities, clients learn to identify and manage their feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
Overcoming Challenges: Working with horses can present clients with challenges that require problem-solving and resilience. By overcoming obstacles and achieving success in their interactions with the horses, clients gain confidence and self-esteem.
Mindfulness and Presence: Spending time with horses encourages clients to be present in the moment and attuned to their surroundings. This mindfulness practice promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and increased self-awareness.
Healing Trauma: Horses have a natural ability to sense and respond to emotional distress, making them valuable partners in trauma recovery. Equine-Assisted Therapy can help clients process traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies for managing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions.
At HOPE Ranch, we are dedicated to providing a holistic approach to healing and growth, and Equine-Assisted Therapy is an integral part of our commitment to client-centered care. If you’re interested in learning more about Equine-Assisted Therapy or exploring our psychotherapy services, we invite you to contact us today. Together, we can embark on a journey of healing, transformation, and hope.
Bring the entire family to Chip Shots for a day of fun for a great cause. Food, games, wine and whiskey pull, as well as a silent auction!
When: Saturday, September 28th, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Where: Chip Shots, 3708 N Broadway Ave Suite 140, Rochester, MN.
Event Admission Ticket Prices:
Adult (Ages 12+) $55.00
Children (5-11) $40.00
Under 5 free
Cornhole Registration:
Each player must also purchase event admission ticket, enter PROMO code Cornhole for 20% off each admission ticket as a cornhole player)
$40.00 per team of 2 players
Event Admission Ticket price includes:
T-shirt while supplies last*
Buffet meal with soda
Admission
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Help us celebrate what would have been Kaylie’s 25th birthday. In her memory and spirit, H.O.P.E. Ranch Foundation is offering a special ticket promotion for our 4th Annual Kaylie Meyer Memorial Fundraiser!
At H.O.P.E. Ranch, we believe in the power of partnership—not just between clients and therapists, but also between humans and horses. Through the EAGALA Model (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association), we harness the unique intelligence and emotional sensitivity of horses to create a transformative experience for those struggling with mental health challenges.
Education:
