Serenity Ranch: a lesson in the healing power of horses
By Sandra Serra Bradshaw
Sun contributor
Serenity Ranch, founded by Dawn and Phillip Chippewa in 2020, is on a mission firmly rooted in helping people in need of emotional healing through the mitigating power of horses. Set on a beautiful 65-acre parcel just north of Suttons Bay in Leelanau County, the property is blessed with grazing pasture areas, woods, trails and fenced pastures, several barns and other outbuildings as well as an indoor riding arena. The ranch currently has 17 horses including four miniature ponies, a mule, a donkey, two very curious goats and the always eager to greet visitors, their affable dog Makwa, meaning “Bear” in Chippewa.
Horses are a relevant and important component in Leelanau County’s special Serenity Ranch as their horses work closely with humans in their roles as companions, therapy animals and team members, just as these marvelous equine creatures have been doing for centuries throughout the world.
“Our vision is to self-empower every individual to take ownership of truths in their lives,” Dawn explained. “We advocate in allowing horses to nurture and teach persons how to be authentic and present; how to seek open and honest communication with others; and how to take care for themselves by giving and receiving trust and respect,” she said. “It truly works in helping people get through a rough part in their life, people of all ages too,” she added.
There is an emerging—and growing—body of scientific evidence which has found that interacting with horses improves health and well-being. They can help people with numerous physical and mental health conditions. This is from children living with motor disabilities to adults grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other emotional stresses.
Most people who have spent time around horses often feel that there’s a strong, uncommon bond between our humans and horses. Through a millennia-long partnership that dates to 3500 B.C., man has developed a unique, unspoken language that offers a profound level of understanding between us. And now, research on this phenomenon validates what many of us horse people intuitively know, the horse-human connection can be instrumental in one’s healing journey, whether working to improve a person’s physical or mental health and well-being.
The profoundly deep emotional connection between horses and humans is well documented world-wide. Their healing power coupled with their majestic presence allows them to mirror human emotion, be it good or bad. They read us more than we will ever quite understand. Whether in therapeutic settings, equestrian activities, or everyday interactions, horses embody their humans. This offers valuable feedback and ultimately enhances our understanding of our own emotions.
‘Horses can read energy,” explained Dawn. “It’s a natural phenomenon. That is how they communicate. They balance and energize humans and horses together. Horses are remarkable in their ability to read us. “
Research done by Karen McComb Emeritus Professor of Animal Behavior, Cognition and Psychology of the University of Sussex, England, found in her studies that horses can read facial expressions and even remember if a person was happy or upset when they previously saw them. Her studies show how sensitive and intelligent our equine partners are. Horses have unconditional acceptance of their human friends. This unique characteristic makes them perfect partners in equine therapy. Their presence alone can have a calming effect on us, reduce stress, and promote within us a sense of peace.
Both Dawn and her husband Phillip have had an entire lifetime of being around – and loving horses. Dawn was raised on a farm in Leelanau County and grew up with horses, dogs, and other animals. “Horses and dogs are the animals I credit for my ability to relate to others and whom I believe helped me become the adult I am today. Horses are my lifeline…even before I learned about equine therapy, I already knew that horses were beneficial for emotional healing,” she explained. Now with both her and her husband retired, Dawn spent twenty-five years in the gaming industry and eleven of which were as a Security Supervisor with the Grand Traverse Band of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians.
“I became a fire and rescue volunteer for our fire department, working as an EMT and a firefighter,” Dawn said. “I spent twenty years moving up the ranks, retiring from the fire department as Captain. “This is where I met and married my husband, Phillip. Together we raised seven children, and now we are blessed with 25 grandchildren to date,” she added proudly.
“Good fortune has blessed me with an opportunity to follow my dream of opening a horse therapy ranch where I can help those in need. My husband and I purchased an older ranch, giving us the space to do this work,” explained Dawn. “Our horses are used for programs for children and adults to enrich their lives with motivation, emotional support, and to learn about animals and how to care for them. We work with our police officers, fire and rescue workers, and our veterans, whom I see as being our biggest supporters and helpers in carrying out our mission. We have had many people reaching out for help and assistance, and am looking forward to our future partnerships,” she added.
Dawn’s husband Phillip worked for both the Leelanau Sands Casino and the Turtle Creek Casino, mostly in security and maintenance for 35 years before retiring in 2019. “I was a volunteer with the Grand Traverse Band of Fire and Rescue for over 20 years as a firefighter and medical first responder,” said Phillip. “I am a proud member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. I was blessed with the opportunity to give my wife her dream of working with horses again and helping others,” he added.
Chris Bussey is the ranch treasurer, and a board member. “After a lifetime of loving horses, I feel fortunate to be part of an organization that connects people and horses in a therapeutic way.” Chris has experience in business and finance and is a former member of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. “I am looking forward to the wonderful things ahead for Serenity Ranch and enjoy being part of the team,” he exuded.
Leelanau County Sheriff Michael Borkovich has had a long-term friendship with the Chippewa’s. “I have known them since they were working as EMT’s here in the county,” he explained. “We really appreciate having them – and because they were former EMT’s it feels like a peer support group.”
“The Chippewa’s opened Serenity Ranch not just for those with a disability, but also for the military, firefighters and police officers who may be experiencing stress,” the sheriff continued. “If any of our officers are having difficulties dealing with it, we will send them out there. The Chippewa’s understand, as former EMTs, what the military and police go through,” he continued. “Horses are just like dogs, they are such great therapy,” the sheriff reflected.
Truly both horses and dogs can form strong bonds with the people they trust, as well as within their own pack or herd. If dogs are said to be man’s best friend, surely horses are man’s most loyal servant. The Chippewa’s welcome all to come for a visit to Serenity Ranch. They even offer visitors the opportunity if so inclined to come sit on their covered deck, including with a welcoming firepit. They gladly invite you to come out in the morning for coffee to relax while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere while watching the horses. “We are here, we really want to help,” said Dawn. There is an ever ongoing need for volunteers, from office work to stable chores, and what a great local place to give of one’s time.
Serenity Ranch LLC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit company. A farm is a big expense to run; donations are always much needed and appreciated and are tax deductible. Serenity Ranch is at 2250 North Mork Road, Suttons Bay. Phone: 231-866-1250. Website: https://serenityranchllc.com
