Journey Equus, 12600 Buchanan, Stanwood, MI (2026)

09/01/2026

If you know Tracker, you know he’s our class clown, the hat thief, the boundary tester, the horse who always has something to say. And I’ll be honest, when we first started Journey Equus, I doubted whether he’d ever fit into our program. I didn’t see how all that mischief could help anyone. Brian said he believed every horse here had a purpose. Yesterday, Tracker proved him right.

I had an EAL session with a young girl and chose Tracker because I thought he would be perfect in helping with boundaries and rules. But yesterday he didn’t. No testing, no pushing, no clowning. He wanted nothing to do with her.

At first, I questioned what was going on. I doubted my choice. I doubted Tracker. This wasn't like him.

And then I remembered something we teach all the time: horses are mirrors.

Tracker wasn’t being himself because he was responding to something happening inside her that I couldn’t see. Maybe she didn’t really want to be there. Maybe she felt unsure. Maybe she felt small or unseen. Whatever it was, Tracker picked up on it instantly, long before I did.

In that moment, I realized I need to trust the horses more. They see what we miss. They feel what’s real. They respond to the truth inside a person, not the behavior on the outside. And because of Tracker, I now know exactly where to begin in our next session.

Because everyone has a story…and every body is different.

Every Story. Every Body.

If you know someone who could benefit from an Equine Assisted Learning session, someone who could use connection, confidence, or simply a moment of being truly seen please reach out. Horses are amazing healers!!!

08/29/2026

What's missing from the flyer below?

Announcing - Fall Storytime in the Stable — Nature, Horses & Books!

Fall Storytime in the Stable is coming and we want to take it outside!

We want families to get out of the house, breathe fresh air, explore the woods, and enjoy cozy reading time with the horses.

Journey Equus sits next to 2,200 acres of state land, giving us endless space to wander, discover wildlife, collect natural materials, and let kids experience the grounding calm of nature.

And of course, we will still be learning and reading with the horses.

As an Equine‑Assisted Learning (EAL) program, we use horse‑human interaction to support literacy, emotional regulation, confidence, and focus.

Reading beside a horse, grooming while listening to a story, or sharing a book in the quiet of the barn helps children settle their bodies, regulate their emotions, and enjoy learning in a whole new way.

But we added something special for fall:

We purchased five books from the "Your Wild Books" series, filled with nature‑inspired crafts and activities to guide our weekly projects and connect reading to the outdoors.

We have been working with LLF all summer on a grant that would allow us to give each child a Reading Kit to take home each week, including:
✨ A new book
✨ Phonics practice pages
✨ A hands‑on activity
✨ Supplies for our nature projects
✨ And a warm, welcoming place to learn

If funding comes through, we’ll be able to support and create a truly special fall program for our community.

So what's missing from the flyer below?

A Date!!!!

Before we finalize the schedule, we’d love your input:

What day of the week works best for your family for Storytime in the Stable + Nature Walk?

Please comment below with your preferred day and time, your feedback helps us shape a program that works for everyone. So comment away, we want to see our comments blow up!!!

We can’t wait to explore the woods, read together, and make beautiful fall memories with your kids.

Every Story, Every Body.

08/28/2026

It's Feel‑Good Friday!

We’re smiling big at Journey Equus and feeling really good. Our Murder Mystery Dinner already has 16 amazing guests signed up, and we’ve officially started assigning characters! It’s going to be such a fun night.

And… something even better to feel good about:

A HUGE thank you to Antler’s Restaurant, who is generously sponsoring the main course for our event.

And another HUGE shout‑out to Pastry Chef Sally Vernier, who has graciously offered to create the desserts for the evening.

Their support helps us continue our equine‑assisted learning mission, and we are so grateful.

There are only a few spots left so you better hurry and grab yours before they’re gone!!!

journeyequssmi.org/events

Every Story. Every Body.

08/27/2026

Helping Hands Thursday Spotlight: Candice!!

Today we want to shine a light on someone who quietly keeps Journey Equus moving forward, our board member and dear friend, Candice. She gives her time, her energy, her ideas, and her heart to this ranch without asking for anything in return.

As a small nonprofit, we don’t have big budgets or paid staff. What we do have are incredible people who show up because they believe in the mission, because they care about the horses, and because they want to make a difference in the lives of the families we serve.

Candice goes out of her way to help with projects, events, planning, and the behind‑the‑scenes work that no one sees but everyone benefits from. Her dedication, kindness, and friendship mean the world to us.

Journey Equus is being built by hands like hers, by people who show up, pitch in, and help create something meaningful from the ground up. We are so grateful for the love and effort she pours into this place.

To every volunteer, board member, and supporter who gives freely, thank you!! You are the backbone of this ranch, and we couldn’t do any of this without you. We love and appreciate you more than you know.

08/26/2026

TWO-DAY ADULT WORKSHOP SERIES ANNOUNCEMENT

For Anyone Who’s Ever Said… “I don’t understand horses.”

Over the years, we’ve learned something important, that people love the idea of horses, but they don’t understand them.
And that’s okay.
Because that’s exactly why we created this workshop series.

Maybe you’ve thought about equine therapy but you’re afraid of horses.
Maybe you want to understand how horses help people heal.
Maybe you dream of owning a horse someday.
Maybe your kids are getting into horses and you feel totally lost.

Whatever your reason, let us help you.

These workshops were built for beginners, for the curious, for the hesitant, and for anyone who wants to learn the real language of horses.

What You’ll Learn:

The basics of horse care and daily needs

How horses communicate with each other and with you

How to read their body language

How to feel confident and calm around horses

How connection begins long before you ever get in the saddle

This is your safe, welcoming place to learn, ask questions, and grow.

If you’ve ever wanted to understand and learn about horses this is your moment.

Every Story. Every Body.

Journeyequusmi.org/events

08/24/2026

What an incredible day at our Reset and Reconnect one-day retreat. The women who joined us brought such openness, courage, and heart.

From the opening tea ceremony, then to grounding in the pasture, followed by a forest sound bath. After lunch it was a relaxing afternoon get a 15 minute massage and connection with the horses.

There's something special that happens when people step away from the noise of everyday life and allow themselves to breathe, rest and reconnect.

Thank yoi to everyone who joined us, supported us and helped make the day a success. We are already looking forward to the next one.

Every Story. Every Body

08/21/2026

*Feel‑Good Friday*

We’re feeling so grateful today because our Reset & Reconnect Retreat reached its full 12‑person capacity, which is exactly what we hoped for when we designed this day to be intimate, personal, and deeply restorative.

Unfortunately, two friends who were planning to attend together realized they had the date wrong and had to cancel, which means we now have 2 spots available.

If you’ve been thinking about joining us or tried to register and saw the tickets were already gone, this Feel‑Good Friday surprise might be your moment.

Reset & Reconnect Retreat
Sunday, August 23
10 AM – 4 PM
Journey Equus, Stanwood MI

A gentle day of grounding with the horses, nature‑based reflection, journaling, sound work, and connection.

If you’d like to claim one of the two spots, send us a message or go to:
journeyequusmi.org/events

We’d love to welcome you into this beautiful day.

08/21/2026

It's - Helping Hands Thursday!!

Today’s Helping Hands Thursday is extra special, because it highlights someone who pours his heart into this ranch every single day, co-founder Brian Healey.

After working full‑time at his job, Brian comes home and gives his evenings, weekends, and energy to Journey Equus. This past weekend, he spent hours painting the Welcome Center, bringing warmth, brightness, and new life into a space that so many families will walk through.

It’s still a work in progress, but every step is a Journey and together we are making this place feel like a home to all.

And thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to purchase the paint and supplies that made this transformation possible. Your support shows up in every brushstroke.

We’re grateful for Brian, grateful for our donors, and grateful for every helping hand that keeps Journey Equus growing.

Every Story. Every Body

08/19/2026

RESET & RECONNECT RETREAT — THIS SUNDAY

We are so excited and looking forward to welcoming guests for a meaningful day of grounding, reflection, and connection with the herd. This retreat was created to offer a gentle pause from the pace of everyday life. A chance to breathe, settle, and reconnect with yourself in the presence of our horses.

WHAT THE DAY WILL BRING

This retreat is designed to guide you back into your body, your breath, and your present moment. Throughout the day, you’ll move through a series of intentional experiences, each supported by the wisdom and presence of our herd.

💚 Opening Grounding & Arrival
🐴 Heart to Heart with the Herd
🌿 Reflection & Integration
🍽️ Nourishing Lunch & Community Connection
💚 Closing Practice

OUR NON-PROFIT MISSION

At Journey Equus, every program is created and facilitated through our nonprofit mission and proceeds from events like this retreat directly support future equine‑assisted learning offerings. Your participation helps us continue growing meaningful, accessible programs for our community.

Explore this event and others we’re developing at:
Journeyequusmi.org/events

Thank you for supporting Journey Equus and helping us grow the impact of our herd.

Every Story. Every Body.

08/15/2026

Today is "Feel Good Friday"

Ethin arrived at Journey Equus very shy and quiet. He doesn’t speak, and new environments can feel overwhelming. Ethin has Dravet Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy that can affect balance, muscle strength, sensory processing, and overall endurance. Even small amounts of activity can be tiring, and transitions can be challenging.

We introduced him to Harley. The two of them spent about half an hour together. It was a slow, sensory‑safe, and completely at Ethin’s pace. By the end, his legs were tired, his energy was spent… but his smile was absolutely glowing.

His mom and grandma told us they’re ready to come back for more sessions because even in just thirty minutes, Harley brought him joy, comfort, and connection and a big SMILE.

That’s the beauty of equine‑assisted work:
Horses don’t rush.
They don’t judge.
They meet people exactly where they are.

How incredible is it that a horse can bring that much joy, safety, and confidence to someone navigating such a tough condition. These are the moments that fill our hearts.

Every Story. Every Body.

Journey Equus

09/01/2026

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