Connecting with horses at Spirit's Whisper Ranch
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A large ranch that specializes in horse-guided learning near Straffordville held its second annual fundraiser on Saturday.
The Spirit’s Whisper Ranch had people come out to experience the wonders of horses during its second Hearts 4 Hooves Wellness Jamboree, offering up some fun activities like archery and other games, live music, food and a horse driven wagon ride.
All of the proceeds earned at the jamboree go right back in to caring for the horses.
Owner of the ranch Kristi Rockley said they have a herd of 11 healing horses that work with individuals, families, groups and businesses who are looking for something more in their life.
“They (horses) are able to sense and read us more clearly than we know ourselves," said Rockley. "They can sense our heart rate, our blood pressure and our emotional state, so by connecting with them and honouring them and respecting them as teacher and guide to us, they are able to show us how we need to heal, or help us heal. Show us what we need to let go of, or acknowledge, or become aware of, whatever it is in the moment.”
Rockley said that horses live in the moment and can help people learn to live in the moment as well.
A friend of Rockley’s, Joanne Howard, said they met a year ago when she found out what Rockley did on her ranch. She said the event has gotten much larger from last year.
“I truly believe that (Rockley) does wonderful things, her horses do wonderful things,” Howard said. “I’ve experienced the energy through her horses myself, they’re just amazing creatures, it’s such a peaceful spot. The therapy that these horses provide is priceless.”
Nancy McGuire had never been to the ranch before Saturday, but she said that she thinks it’s a great business to be in.
“Apparently some of the animals are rescue animals, like Moose over there,” she said, gesturing to a large horse off in the distance. “In this day and age people tend to throw animals away and they shouldn’t do that. There’s something in all of us that should have an animal around.”