by Bill Byrne | Apr 29, 2016 | Uncategorized
Thanks to the tireless efforts of our program director [Tracy McVicker], and our many volunteers who help with fundraising, sidewalking, and other duties needed to do the program, we continue to serve more and more children with challenges in their lives. We just hosted a 5 day instructor training in SpiritHorse methods, and are now a licensed SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center. See spirithorsenews.com We had 10 instructors trained, who will assist us at Crystal Creek Ranch, as well as working at other Therapeutic riding centers. The SpiritHorse program is free to all participants, and funded entirely by donations and un-paid volunteers!!
by Bill Byrne | Mar 24, 2016 | Uncategorized
The Livery Stable cabin is nearing completion, as we work on the plumbing and the final touches. It will sleep up to 6 people, with a small bathroom in the cabin. It and it’s nearby cousin, the Country Store cabin [coming sometime this summer], will give us a less expensive alternative to our full amenity houses, and still have restroom facilities. They are perched on a slight rise overlooking the fields and creek, where one of the original homesteads was located many years ago. As with all our places to experience, these two new ones will combine history with comfort, and will be themed to reflect their names. We hope you can visit and stay with us soon.
by Bill Byrne | Feb 8, 2016 | Uncategorized
Only a year after we had it scheduled, we have finally finished our covered horse stalls for those guests who wish to bring their own horses and stay at the ranch. We have 6 new stalls, each one 9 by 10, and covered from the sun and rain. Also coming this Spring is our newest place to stay on the ranch, the Livery Stable. We will theme the outside in the style of an old fashioned stable, but of course it will be brand new inside with a restroom and sleeping for up to 6 people. We will price the livery stable in between our more economical cabins and our bigger houses. And of course it will be available at no cost to families facing difficult times under our outreach programs. If you wish to be among one of the first to stay here, we will be booking for May and after, so give us a call!
by Bill Byrne | Jan 16, 2016 | Uncategorized
….and we’re back and hard at it! I will confess that after a long and busy season, Bette and I took some time off to recharge ourselves during these winter months. One thing I am SLOWLY learning is the need for balance in our lives. Even the best of intentions and programs will benefit when the leaders and participants have a more balanced lifestyle in general. In this workaholic society, we tend to easily forget that as we get wrapped up in the “doing”. I’m working hard this year to try and remember that all “doing” first starts in our minds as a thought, so the place to make initial changes is there, in our minds. And our minds need to be in touch with our soul, to that “still, small voice within”. That’s where we find God, and where we go forward from, trusting we are on a course to bring both ourselves and others to that peace and purpose we all would like to have.
by Bill Byrne | Nov 18, 2015 | Uncategorized
…..and it’s beginning to look a lot like wintertime is coming. All the leaves are down, and we’re starting our fall projects list, and winterizing all our areas. We do keep the Overlook Ranch House open for use during the winter months, but all our other houses, cabins, and recreation areas are put away or closed until next March. It’s also a time for planning for the next year. We have started on the horse stalls barn area, and are doing the final layout on two new cabins [with restrooms inside!] that will sleep up to 6 people in each.
by Bill Byrne | Nov 12, 2015 | Uncategorized
Our therapeutic riding program for children with disabilities started up again this Fall, under the direction of Tracy McVicker, a Spirithorse certified equine instructor. Tracy, and all the other volunteers in the program, give their time on an unpaid basis, just to help the children develop their mental and physical abilities. Please see our web page under our outreach programs for more info on this great program!
