The Voices in My Head (and Why They're All About Cheyne Ranch)
I’m obsessing over words. It’s Mother’s Day, and my lovely family is making sure I have time to relax. My immediate responsibilities are few, so I've chosen to obsess over the words for Cheyne Ranch. I’ve updated our Mission Statement, Vision Statement, drafted 9 Core Beliefs, created a Welcome Statement, and wrote a Founding Narrative—the "why." Since Saturday afternoon, I’m probably on hour 18 of this.
My brain does this to me sometimes. I’m not mad about it.
I keep combing through every word, searching for clarity and cohesiveness. I want to articulate what we do that is making a difference. I want to express my passion—the energy that drives me every single day. I want to put into words why I’m so compelled to continue this, even when there are hard days.
I want to express just how talented and dedicated our staff is and why they’re so motivated to give so much to this job. I want to capture the incredible feedback from families and students about the impact Cheyne Ranch has made on their lives. I’m also thinking about how we continue to improve for the future.
And I want to have the right words at the front of my mind when potential donors or grantors ask why Cheyne Ranch deserves their investment—the opportunity to keep improving, keep serving, and keep changing lives.
Will you please review my words? There are many. I’d love your feedback when you have time. It doesn’t need to be detailed—I know my manic obsession with words is necessary in my own mind, but anything you can give feedback on would be appreciated. I’m adding some photos from the last couple days for some visual interest. I love what we do here.
**For the board members of Cheyne Ranch - I do need your approval on the updated mission and vision statement.
I’m certainly open to revisions as well.
And here we go…
Our Nonprofit Mission:
To teach animal care and connection in a safe, inclusive, accessible community where individuals of all abilities build confidence, form meaningful connections, and develop essential life skills.
Our Vision:
To create a future where individuals of all abilities experience authentic belonging, emotional resilience, and confidence through meaningful connections with animals and community, fostering purpose and empowering lifelong success.
Welcoming Statement:
Welcome to Cheyne Ranch! We are a safe, inclusive, and accessible community where individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, and neurodiversities connect with animals and the outdoors in ways that inspire growth and well-being. Whether through learning animal care, the unique experience of horseback riding, or simply spending time with our gentle animals, students grow in emotional resilience, develop essential life skills, and build lasting confidence in themselves.
As a non-profit organization, our work is guided by a set of core beliefs that shape everything we do, from our interactions with students and animals to the programs we offer. We are committed to making these powerful connections accessible to everyone through scholarships and a welcoming environment. Join us and discover the simple yet transformative magic of Cheyne Ranch.
Learn more about what drives us:
Cheyne Ranch Core Beliefs
At Cheyne Ranch, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Through honest communication and intentional connection—with animals, nature, and one another—we create the conditions for learning, growth, and belonging in a safe, inclusive community.
1. Safety That Supports Growth
Safety comes first—because it’s the foundation for everything else we do. Our environment is built on calm, steady awareness, with clear expectations, thoughtful preparation, and nationally recognized standards that keep people and animals protected. We lead with consistency and care—so that everyone can participate confidently, grow with trust, and feel safe enough to take brave steps forward.
2. Adaptive and Inclusive by Design
We welcome individuals of all abilities and backgrounds into a setting intentionally designed to respond to diverse needs. Our approach is responsive, respectful, and neurodiversity-affirming—honoring the many ways people think, communicate, and experience the world.
3. Connection with Animals is Transformational
At Cheyne Ranch, animals are trusted partners in healing, learning, and growth. Our animals are kind, well-cared-for, and deeply valued. Through connection, students experience trust, regulation, and the calm confidence that connection brings.
4. Growth Through Meaningful Work
We believe in the power of hands-on work. Through caring for animals and engaging in real farm responsibilities, students build skills, confidence, and resilience. Even when tasks are challenging, we support them in discovering what they’re capable of—and in learning that we grow by doing hard things.
5. Grounded in Evidence, Practiced with Care
We stay current with research in Equine-Assisted Learning, Animal-Assisted Activities, and neurodiversity practices to ensure our work is effective and aligned with what we know helps people grow. Research informs what we do—but it’s how we show up that makes it meaningful.
6. Committed to Continuous Learning
We believe growth doesn’t stop with experience—it requires reflection, mentorship, and a willingness to evolve. We learn from every student, family, and animal we work with, and we seek wisdom from trusted mentors and peers. Every team member is expected to stay engaged as a student themselves—through lessons, coaching, or guided learning. Our commitment to learning keeps us grounded, curious, and open to change.
Founding Narrative, the “why”:
Cheyne Ranch began as a deeply personal mission: to create an inclusive, enriching community where individuals of all abilities could connect with animals. As a mother of neurodiverse children, our founder experienced firsthand the financial barriers and lack of support for those with diverse needs in traditional equestrian settings. This ignited a passion to build something different—where the life-changing benefits of human-animal connection are accessible to all, regardless of learning styles or financial means.
Driven by the belief that everyone deserves this opportunity, we are dedicated to making it a reality through evidence-based practices, the powerful presence of our animals, and the neurodiverse-affirming support of our team. At Cheyne Ranch, lives are transformed, potential blossoms, and a truly inclusive world where all abilities thrive is within reach.
