Suzy Stanfill believes in harnessing a horse's intuitive nature and God’s healing power to offer "Life Support for our Nation's Heroes." Eagle's Nest Ranch ministry serves military personnel, veterans, first responders and their families.
The 40-acre property in Elizabeth, Colorado, has barns, arenas and open pastures on it. Suzy's dream came to life in 2014. "We started with $185 and one horse. One day a lady called and said, ’I hear you need hay. I have 240 bales to give!’ Donations kept coming in and 10 years later, the ministry is thriving and continues to offer free services funded by events and donations.”
"Our sessions are 90 minutes and start with a chore. It's beneficial for our participants to join in with us in taking care of horses. It also gives them an informal time to share their stories. The balance of the time is spent working with a horse and a Session Leader, with the goal of bringing about healing from invisible wounds through God's amazing care and love. It isn't me that does the healing, it's all God's work," says Suzy.
Horses have remarkable awareness of human emotions, body language and physiology. Their interactions bring about healing for the inner pain of many people, especially service members who experience trauma in their work.
Suzy explains, "I think it's important to serve those who serve us. We use horses to help people heal from invisible wounds and our services are free."
"I think it's important to serve those who serve us. We use horses to help people with their invisible wounds and our services are free."
For more information about the Ranch go to eaglesnestranch.org. Suzy wants the community to be involved. "There are three ways for people to participate. Give, volunteer and pray and the other important thing is to tell people about us. We want to be known in the community. We want people to know we're here as a support for military, veterans, first responders and their families."