Groundwork Ranch is a nonprofit organization in Louisville, Colorado dedicated to providing equine-assisted learning programs that are empowering, engaging, and effective. We work with people who can benefit from feeling empowered in their own lives, in their relationships, and in their communities, including at-risk teens and foster/kinship parents of traumatized children. None of our programs involve riding. All interaction with the horses is done from the ground, and no previous horse experience is required.

 

– VISION –

We are inspired by the possibility of a world where all people have the understanding and skills to create the lives they want, tackle challenges with confidence and curiosity, nurture truly healthy relationships with others, and engage in their communities in ways that are personally meaningful.  We are also inspired by the possibility of a world where all horses can live free from cruelty and neglect while using their natural gifts to educate and inspire humans.  

 

– Mission –

Our mission is to offer equine-assisted learning programs based on science and developed by experts that engage and empower people while providing horses rescued from abuse and neglect a safe home where they can inspire people to live their best lives.  

 

– values –

  • Integrity – We say what we mean and mean what we say in matters of business, counseling, teaching, and horse handling.

  • Knowledge – We dispel the myths about horses by helping people understand the facts about why equine-assisted counseling and learning are so effective. We strive to educate people about the effects of trauma and the needs of survivors so that everyone can be a part of the healing process for the people in their lives.

  • Compassion – We’re willing to truly feel another’s suffering and respond without pity, judgment, or fear. 

  • Humility – We acknowledge that we haven’t walked in anyone else’s shoes and that we don’t know everything, so we embrace opportunities to be taught by our clients, horses, and partners.

  • Humor – We find ways to laugh even in the hardest circumstances because when we can laugh at ourselves or at a situation, we are not victims.

  • Responsibility – We strive to avoid feeling like victims by taking personal responsibility for how we chose to act, even in situations we can’t control. 

  • Trust & respect – We endeavor to earn the trust and respect of our clients, partners, and horses by establishing clear boundaries and demonstrating an unwavering belief in their capabilities, rights, and basic goodness.