Healey's Outback Ranch

05/03/2026

9 days ago, we opened a door and invited you into the heart of Journey Equus.

Since then, you’ve learned what equine assisted learning really is — and what it isn’t. You’ve learned why horses heal, how their heartbeat can steady ours, and what a session actually feels like. You’ve met some of our herd. You’ve seen who this work is for — and maybe you realized that includes you, or someone you love.

You’ve discovered why Stanwood, Michigan is exactly the right place for this mission. We hope you felt the deeper truth at the center of everything we do: every person deserves a place where they belong.

Every Story. Every Body.

Now comes the invitation.

There are so many ways to be part of this story:

• Join our Reading with the Horses program (to be announced soon), where children build confidence, fluency, and joy through quiet moments shared with a gentle equine partner.
• Attend our Tea Party Meet & Greet (June 14), a summer gathering where you can meet the herd, sip something lovely, and take home a vintage teacup as our thank you. More details to come.
• Volunteer your time at the barn and become part of the heartbeat that keeps this place moving.
• Sponsor a horse and step directly into their story of healing and purpose.
• Donate to help us grow, so we can serve more people, more families, more moments of transformation.
• Share this mission with someone who needs to know a place like this exists.

And soon — something even more meaningful.

A wall is being built at Journey Equus. Not to keep people out, but to hold the names of those who believe in what we’re building. A handcrafted, intentional, beautiful donor wall that will stand as a testament to the people who said, “Yes. Healing matters. Horses matter. This mission matters.”

We’re not ready to reveal everything yet… but something sacred is taking shape. And your name could be part of it.

The barn door is open. Will you walk into the story with us ❤️🐴

🌍 journeyequusmi.org 📧 [email protected]

04/10/2026

Day 3 - The big reveal of what Journey Equus will be doing.

By now, many of you probably had a sense of what this new non-profit was about. Today's post from Journey Equus lays out the actual programs and experiences that will be offered here on the ranch.

From Equine-guided healing sessions to literacy with horses, from support for veterans and first responders to inclusive programs for people with disabilities...this is the kind of work that changes lives.

Please help spread the word as Journey Equus prepares to open their doors to the community.

Journey Equus
Every Story, Every Body.

Day 3 - the final reveal of what we will be doing.

Over the last two days, we've shared how and why Journey Equus began. Today, we get to share 'what' we are doing and what we will be offering.

Journey Equus will be a place where people can heal through connection - with horses, with nature and with themselves. A non-profit dedicated to creating experiences to meet people exactly where they are, without pressure, judgment or expectation.

Here is what we will be doing:

*Equine-Guided Healing Sessions
*Veteran & First Responder Support Programs
*Teen Trust-Building Experiences
*Women in Transition Programs
*Grief Support
*Adaptive & Inclusive Programs for People with Disabilities
*Reading & Literacy with Horses
*Education & Experiential Learning Programs
*Retreats, Workshops & Community Healing Events

Every story matters here.
Every body belongs here.
And wherever a person is at in their journey, they will be met with compassion, presence, and a horse who chooses to stand beside them.

This is JOURNEY EQUUS.

04/09/2026

Many of you have stayed at our Bed and Breakfast or spent time with our horses. There are so many stories behind the start of Journey Equus. Please feel free to share your story if you'd like. Also please go on Journey Equus' page and follow the page and share with your friends.

It started quietly.

After welcoming guests into our Bed and Breakfast, we saw something we couldn't ignore. People who arrived tired, overwhelmed, grieving, unsure of their next step - carrying things others can't always see - found themselves drawn to the horses.

And the horses...they responded.

The horses asked for nothing and offered everything.

We saw:
* A teenager open up while letting a mare rest her head on her shoulder.
* A veteran soften while brushing and breathing with a gelding for almost an hour.
* A woman find courage and self-confidence while working with a draft horse.
* A grieving mother find comfort in the warm breath and soft nudge of a donkey.
* A gentlemen regain confidence in his physical ability while riding a horse after his leg amputation.

And in their stories, we recognized our own - the way horses have steadied us, healed us, and walked us through our hardest seasons.

That's when it clicked:

This wasn't coincidence.
It was a calling.
It's the beginning of something much deeper.

Tomorrow, we share the words that will guide everything we do - day 2 of 3.

04/09/2026

We know it's been a little quiet around here...but that's because something big has been taking shape behind the scenes. A new chapter. A new offering. A new way to welcome every body, and every story. We're ready to share our new journey - and we cant wait to bring you along.

Some journeys begin with a single breath.

Before the first step, there's a stillness. A moment where the world gets quiet and something deep inside you says, it's time.

There's no rush. No pressure. Just presence - the warmth of a muzzle against your palm, the steadiness of a heartbeat that isn't yours but somehow feels like home.

Not every path forward starts with words. Some start with trust. Some start with showing up. Some start with a horse who sees you - all of you - and stays.

Something is beginning.

Stay close and follow along - day 1 of 3.

05/23/2025

Registered name: Classy Rapped
Barn name: Harley
Born - 3/26/2001 at the University of Findley

24 looks good on you Harley boy.

03/05/2025

Benny wants you to put the word out that the ranch is looking for barn help. We are looking for a part-time worker to help with barn chores.
The qualified candidate must love the outdoors, even when it's 90 degrees during the summer and -20 below in the winter. They will need to know how to operate a manure fork, it can be tricky. Lift 50-pounds bags of grain, along with 50-pound bales of hay. They must love scrubbing water tanks and wrestling the crazy hoses. Fill hay bags (they don't fill themselves) and feed grain to the horses. Along with the horses, the ranch has a few small animals that need TLC as well (did I mention that Pixie the goat sometimes head-butts people?). The ideal person should be able to multi-task, be a critical thinker (animal's lives are in our hands), and love p**p (cuz there's lots of it). Is it an easy job, kinda, kinda not. Is it a great paying job, well let's just say it's not a banker's salary. BUT... it is a rewarding job!!!! All the love the animals give makes it all worth doing the job. Soooo, if you think you are interested in all this fun, give the ranch a call at 231-972-7255.

12/09/2024

Did you know, we also provide Xmas Wagon rides to see the light display at the Castle on Friday and Saturday evenings? Call, text or PM us to get on our schedule.

01/03/2024

Are you a sewing enthusiast looking for a weekend get away? Or maybe you are new to sewing looking for help? Here is a great way to meet new friends or bring a friend along; and share your love of sewing with others. Package options are available so give us a call to get pricing and book your stay!!!