Journey Equus

Journey Equus is a nonprofit equine-assisted learning and therapy center at Healey's Outback Ranch in Stanwood, MI.

We partner horses and people in guided, trauma-informed experiences that build trust, emotional balance, and resilience-no riding required.

06/11/2026

Reminder of our upcoming tea party on June 14, 2026. There are only a few spots left so if you have not gotten your tickets, please call 231-972-7255, email - [email protected] or go to GiveButter.

06/09/2026

Meet Lilly

Lilly’s story begins with a little bit of heartbreak and a whole lot of resilience. Born right here at Journey Equus, she started life as a bright, curious filly but everything changed when we lost her mom when she was 8 months old, just after we finished weaning her.

In her grief, Lilly pulled away from people completely.
We couldn’t get near her to put a halter on.
She didn’t trust anyone.
And honestly, she had every reason to feel unsure.

Then one day, a good friend came to help and said something that shifted everything:
“You’re having a one‑sided conversation with her. She’s doing all the talking, and you’re doing all the listening.”

So we changed our approach.

We started talking to her in her language, body language, softness, intention. We only suggested to her how wonderful scratches would feel without actually touching her. Within 30 minutes, this little filly who wanted nothing to do with us was following us around, begging for scratches.

And from that moment on, she has never looked back.

Today, Lilly is the first one to meet you at the gate. She demands her halter turn (and gets a little offended if she’s not picked). She loves hugs, leans into affection, and soaks up every bit of attention you’re willing to give.

Now at 6 years old, she’s ready to begin joining some of our ground‑based Equine‑Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions and she’s already teaching us so much. Horses like Lilly remind us that communication isn’t just about speaking, it’s about noticing, responding, and meeting someone where they are. She shows us how trust grows when we slow down, listen with our whole selves, and let the conversation go both ways.

Lilly is proof that connection can grow from loss…
that trust can be rebuilt…
and that sometimes, the ones who push us away at first become the ones who love the deepest. 💛

Have you ever met a horse that loves to give hugs? Come meet Lilly and you'll get to experience it firsthand.

Every Story. Every Body.

06/08/2026

Some horses come to us with a story already in motion and some begin their story right here at Journey Equus. We would like to introduce you to Oreo who was born here at the ranch.

Oreo is Nala’s son, and at just 3 years old, he’s already showing the same gentle, steady heart she’s known for. He’s a big, soft‑eyed sweetheart who has never met a person he didn’t want to quietly connect with.

Right now, Oreo is off on an adventure learning how to drive and work as part of a team. Because he’s in training, he most likely won’t be at our Tea Party Meet & Greet this Sunday but he’s still very much part of the Journey Equus family.

He’s the kind of horse who makes you believe in good things.
A kind soul.
A golden heart.
A boy who was loved from his very first breath.

Send him some love while he’s away learning and growing. 🖤🤍

📸 Also we are looking for a volunteer photographer for Sunday!
If you or someone you know would love to capture the magic of our Tea with the Horses Meet & Greet, send us a message. It’s a beautiful chance to build a portfolio and spend time around some truly special horses.

06/03/2026

We still have a few more horses to introduce… but we can’t wait any longer to share this with you. 🐴💛

Story Time in the Stable launches June 27 as a six‑week reading program for ages 2–12, a gentle, sensory‑friendly literacy experience supported by the calming presence of horses.

Each week includes two session types:
Read‑Aloud Time: we read to the kids while the horses rest nearby
Read‑to‑a‑Horse Time: children read to our calm, nonjudgmental equine friends

Every week also features a special theme connected to Equine‑Assisted Learning, helping kids build confidence, emotional awareness, and communication skills through story and horse interaction.

We’re starting with simple, cozy reading moments but we’re excited to share that we’re being considered for a literacy grant that would allow us to:
*Provide weekly take‑home reading kits (book, phonics, vocabulary cards + parent information)
*Add a Fall 2026 session
*Create a cozy reading nook inside the barn for snuggly story time beside the horses

Our team includes:
• Candace, certified in Horse Powered Reading
• Two retired school teachers — including a reading specialist experienced with dyslexia
• Our gentle herd who make reading feel safe, magical, and fun

Horse Powered Reading® includes creative, movement‑based literacy activities — even an outdoor escape‑room‑style challenge that kids absolutely love at the end of the program.

More details and registration coming soon. We can’t wait to welcome your family into the barn.

Do you know anyone that would benefit from Story Time in the Stable? Share this information or even better share this post.

06/02/2026

Have you ever met a soul who teaches you to slow down just by standing near them?

Gulliver is our gentle giant, the kind of horse who brings calm with him wherever he goes.

He may seem shy at first, but truthfully, he’s just a little camera‑shy, and we love him for it.

Put him in harness and he steps into his purpose with confidence.

Ask him to carry or lead, and he pauses, reads his person, and softens himself to match their energy.

Steady. Thoughtful. Kind. That’s Gulliver.

In Equine‑Assisted Learning, Gulliver's ability to mirror a participant’s energy helps people practice emotional regulation, confidence, and grounded leadership.

He is the kind of soul who doesn’t ask to be seen, but once you notice him, you never forget him.

Tell us in one word: What’s the first feeling Gulliver gives you?

If you’d like to meet Gulliver in person, there are still a few tickets left for our Tea with the Horses on June 14. We’d love to welcome you.

05/28/2026

Today's Intro - Smurf:

Some horses arrive in our lives with stories that take a little time to understand. Smurf is one of them.

When she first joined our herd, we honestly weren’t sure where she fit. She was protective, watchful, and so deeply loyal to her herd that we wondered if our program was the right place for her. There were even moments we questioned whether she might need a different home to truly thrive.

But as we slowed down, listened, and gave her space, Smurf showed us her heart.

Smurf is not mean to people — not even a little. She simply takes her time deciding who feels safe. And once she chooses you, she is pure love: soft, affectionate, and deeply connected. Her protectiveness isn’t a challenge. It’s her gift. It’s the very thing that makes her powerful in Equine‑Assisted Learning. She teaches boundaries, safety, loyalty, and the courage it takes to let someone into your circle.

Smurf reminds us that sometimes the ones who take a little longer to understand are the ones who end up teaching us the most.

We’d love for you to meet her.

💙 Join us on June 14 for our Tea with the Horses, Meet & Greet
Come sip something warm, wander the barn, and experience Smurf’s gentle magic for yourself.
To get your free tickets:
Https://givebutter.com/JourneyEquusTeaParty (givebutter.com in Bing) or call 231-972-7255; email - [email protected]

If Smurf’s story resonates with you, drop a 💙 or share this post so others can meet her too.

Have you ever had an animal who surprised you once you earned their trust?

05/25/2026

Today we pause our horse introductions.
Today the herd stands with us in quiet gratitude.

In the stillness of the pasture, we honor the men and women who gave everything so we could live and heal in freedom.

05/24/2026

Everyone, I'd like you to meet Abby — she is 38 years old, blind, and still teaching us what courage looks like.

She listens with her whole body, leans into kindness, and trusts the world even when she can’t see it. Abby moves through the barn with a softness that reminds us that aging is not an ending — it’s a deepening.

Inspired by her spirit, we’ve created a series of equine‑assisted senior wellness programs designed to support memory, movement, confidence, and connection for older adults. Abby’s gentle presence is woven into every session, showing us how to slow down, breathe, and find meaning in every season of life.

Our seniors deserve experiences that make them feel seen, valued, and safe — and Abby shows us how to offer exactly that.

Journey Equus
Every Story. Every Body.

Address

12600 Buchanan
Stanwood, MI
49346

Website

http://journeyequusmi.org/

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