Our Unique Approach

What is Equine Assisted Healing?

and how do we use it?

Horses are highly intuitive, responding to energy, body language, and emotion in real time—making them powerful partners in personal development. Unlike traditional talk-based coaching, this experience is fully embodied. As participants interact with horses on the ground, they receive honest, nonjudgmental feedback that builds self-awareness, emotional regulation, and trust.

Backed by research in neuroscience and trauma-informed care, equine-assisted coaching has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), regulate the nervous system, and improve heart rate variability—key indicators of emotional and physical resilience. It helps individuals strengthen communication, develop leadership skills, increase confidence, and navigate challenges with greater clarity and calm.

Whether you’re working through trauma, seeking personal growth, or developing professional soft skills, equine-assisted coaching offers powerful, lasting breakthroughs—no words required.

Program Objectives

Rescue

We rescue equines from some of the harshest conditions imaginable—abandonment, slaughter pipelines, neglect, and exotic game hunting. But we don’t stop at survival. At Redemption Ranch, each animal begins a journey of rehabilitation, rediscovering safety, structure, and gentle human connection. These rescues then become powerful partners in healing, working alongside us in sessions with children with special needs, trauma and abuse survivors, veterans, and those navigating deep personal growth. Every horse, zebra, and pony is a testament to second chances—and a mirror for the resilience within us all.

Heal

Healing at Redemption Ranch is not passive—it’s an active, raw, and often emotional process. Each session is intentionally designed to hold space for transformation, honesty is welcomed, pain is not ignored, and healing becomes possible. Our rescued animals—each with their own history of abandonment or fear—stand beside participants not as projects, but as partners. Healing happens in the mutual recognition of struggle, in the rebuilding of trust, and in the quiet understanding shared with an animal who has also chosen to begin again.

Transform

Transformation is not a single moment—it’s a thousand quiet ones. At Redemption Ranch, we create the conditions for meaningful change, both in the humans we serve and the animals we protect. A child who once hid behind silence now confidently leads a pony through an obstacle course. A rescue horse, once head-shy and broken, now gently lowers its head into a veteran’s hands. Trust is not given—it’s rebuilt, step by step. Through structured programs, guided exercises, and the simple magic of shared space, we help individuals and animals move from fear to freedom, from isolation to connection, from surviving to thriving.

Our Partners

Lemonade

Partner

Lemonade BVI is a local nonprofit in the British Virgin Islands supporting children with Down syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. In partnership with Lemonade BVI, Redemption Ranch offers no-cost equine-assisted sessions that help nurture self-regulation, balance, empathy, and fine motor skills in a safe, empowering environment. By connecting children with our gentle rescue animals, these experiences build trust, confidence, and joy. Together, Lemonade BVI and Redemption Ranch help every child discover their strengths and thrive.

YEP

Partner

YEP (Youth Empowerment Project) is a privately funded program in the British Virgin Islands that serves as a safe haven for youth. With 135 active members, YEP provides structured opportunities and engaging activities for children during critical after-school and out-of-school hours, helping to reduce the risks associated with unsupervised time. The organization is dedicated to creating a secure and stimulating environment that gives parents peace of mind and keeps youth away from negative influences. By offering meaningful alternatives, YEP actively works to reduce the number of latchkey children, street gang involvement, youth-related crime, loitering, drug abuse, and at-risk behavior among children ages 8–15 across the territory. They are currently seeking volunteers to support and expand their impact.

Local Children's Schools, Groups and Organizations

Community

Redemption Ranch offers no-cost programs to local schools, youth clubs, and community organizations across the British Virgin Islands. These sessions focus on building self-worth and nurturing the next generation of animal welfare stewards through hands-on learning in animal husbandry and compassionate care. By partnering with gentle rescue animals, participants develop empathy, responsibility, and confidence in a safe, supportive setting. Through these programs, Redemption Ranch inspires young people to value kindness, respect, and the wellbeing of all living things, including themselves.

Transformations

Life changing. Seriously, Ashley and Titan changed my life. Realized I shouldn’t be ashamed of what I did, I should be proud. I do deserve to relax and appreciate the things I’ve accomplished. Everytime I meet someone and talk about my past, I say there is the meanest nice woman named Ashley that made me look deeeeeep inside myself and answer some dark questions. Made me see the world in a new light.

Mystery Person
Austin F

It’s so interesting to notice the small changes in [him] after the sessions. I’ve been having trouble sleeping again recently. After yesterday’s encounter with Spirit I slept until 8:30am this morning!”

Mystery Person
Juliane

What an incredible experience! The staff was super knowledgeable and you could tell they loved what they do. Would recommend this island and absolutely once in a lifetime experience to anyone visiting the BVI

Mystery Person
Becky H

The mission behind the ranch is so much more than animal rescue that just supporting this organization is a great way to give back. On top of that they offer different experiences including feeding Zebras (!), swimming with ponies and confronting your fears with equine coaching. I tried all three and came out learning new things about myself as well as having the experience of a lifetime. Highly recommend!

Mystery Person
Krista G

“I’m a veterinarian. Along with that I grew up with horses, so naturally I have a respect, admiration, and a feel for them. Because of my background, I had heard about equine-assisted therapy. I had never participated in it, but thought “I just want to see what this is like so I’m more educated.” I wasn’t really planning on getting anything personal out of it other than some quality time with one of God‘s beautiful creatures. Oh, pride and naivety.

(more…)

Mystery Person
Dr. Kelley Lay

Sponsor an Animal

Donate A Custom Amount

Every Dollar Makes a Difference

Your custom donation—no matter the size—directly supports the heart of Redemption Ranch. From rescuing and rehabilitating neglected animals to feeding our herd, maintaining safe facilities, and offering life-changing programs, every contribution helps us continue this meaningful work. Thank you for standing with us in healing, hope, and purpose.

Experience The Ranch

At Redemption Ranch, every experience supports rescue. Our beach rides, pony swims, zebra encounters, and equine healing programs aren’t just memorable—they directly contribute to the rehabilitation of horses, ponies, and zebras who’ve survived neglect and hardship. When you ride with us, you’re not just visiting—you’re helping rewrite a rescue’s story while creating something unforgettable of your own.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, connection, or personal growth, there’s a place for you here. Book an individual, group, or custom equine session to release stress, build emotional strength, and reconnect with yourself through the powerful presence of our herd.

Come for the experience. Walk away transformed. Your visit changes lives—including yours.

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