Spirit Horse Ranch began as a spark of inspiration from Keryl Mines, a licensed social worker and school social worker at Plattsmouth School. Drawing from her personal experiences, Keryl understood the therapeutic benefits horses could offer, having found solace in their presence during her own struggles. This realization led her to wonder if others might also benefit from equine-assisted therapy.

Motivated by her vision, Keryl embarked on a quest for knowledge. She discovered the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) and quickly saw the potential of this approach to help struggling youth. Determined to turn her idea into reality, she convinced her colleague, Bill Fitzpatrick, to accompany her to a training session in Minneapolis. Though initially skeptical and armed with a bag full of books for some quiet reading, Bill’s perspective shifted dramatically after just one day of engaging with horses. He witnessed firsthand the profound impact these animals could have in fostering healing and growth, igniting his passion for the cause.

In 2000, after their transformative training, Keryl and Bill officially established Spirit Horse Ranch. They began offering equine-assisted therapy to youth in the Omaha metro area, working part-time while continuing their full-time roles at Plattsmouth Schools. Their program quickly gained traction, as they witnessed countless young people experiencing positive changes through the unique bond formed with the horses.

As the years went by, Spirit Horse Ranch became a beacon of hope for many families, providing a nurturing environment where youth could confront challenges and find resilience. The combination of horses and therapy created a safe space for participants to explore their feelings and learn valuable life skills.

As Keryl prepares for her own retirement, she wanted to ensure the mission of Spirit Horse Ranch would continue to grow and evolve. Keryl Mines sought new leadership that could bring innovative ideas while honoring the foundation she and Bill Fitzpatrick had built. This transition began with the appointment of Kris Tevis as the new leader of Spirit Horse Ranch in 2024.

Kris, with her deep passion for equine therapy and a strong commitment to mental health treatment, brought a wealth of experience and fresh vision. Kris sought to add another provider to execute the mission of Spirit Horse Ranch and enlisted the assistance of Lindsay Stayton, who brings valuable clinical insight and expertise to the team. Lindsay’s background in mental health and her understanding of the therapeutic process complemented Kris’s equine and leadership knowledge. Together, they have renewed the mission of Spirit Horse Ranch with a focus on treating lifetime trauma. As they continue to evolve, Spirit Horse Ranch stands poised to make an even greater impact, helping individuals find their voices, build resilience, and discover the healing power of the horse-human connection.

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