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:
Our Core Beliefs:
Safety and Well-being First: The safety and well-being of our students and animals are paramount at Cheyne Ranch, a working farm environment. This commitment is reinforced by our founder's PATH certification, comprehensive professional liability insurance, our dedication to continuous safety learning and improvement, and the added reassurance that all adult workers and volunteers maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications.
The Value of Inclusion: We believe in the immense power of an inclusive community where individuals of all abilities learn and grow together. Students of all diversities being together builds empathy, understanding and acceptance.
The Power of Connection with Animals: We believe in the powerful and positive connection our students can develop with our animals, who are genuinely kind, well-attended to, and thrive in their role here at the ranch. These animals become special partners in their learning and well-being within our working farm environment.
Empowering Growth and Resilience: Through hands-on animal care, even in the face of challenges, individuals build emotional resilience and self-awareness. In our supportive community, they learn that 'we can do hard things' and realize their potential as they grow.
Building Skills and Confidence: We are committed to providing meaningful, hands-on experiences with our animals that help build essential skills and a strong sense of accomplishment. Seeing their progress empowers each student and boosts their confidence within the real-world context of our ranch.
A Truly Accepting Environment: Creating a truly accepting and adaptable environment is fundamental to what we do. As a working farm, we wholeheartedly welcome individuals of all abilities and embrace the diverse ways they may experience the world.
A Personalized and Responsive Approach: We believe in taking a personalized approach, genuinely getting to know each student and their family. By understanding their unique needs, strengths, and learning styles, we can tailor our support and celebrate every achievement, fostering their individual growth and success.
Evidence-Informed Practices: We are committed to evidence-based practices, staying up-to-date with the latest research in Equine Assisted Learning, Animal Assisted Activities, and neurodiversity to ensure the effectiveness and positive impact of our programs.
Continual Learning and Growth: At Cheyne Ranch, we are committed to the continuous growth of our team and organization to provide the best support in a safe, nurturing environment. Our instructors benefit from regular lessons and mentorship from experts like Chezz Perlini, alongside Sally’s PATH certification and valuable guidance from mentors such as Saebra Pipoly and Cara Blanchard. Through ongoing engagement with industry publications and podcasts, our team stays informed on the latest evidence-based practices in Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) and Animal-Assisted Activities (AAL), ensuring we continually improve and enhance the experience for those we serve.
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.
