"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another. "

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SPURS is our one-on-one mentoring program at Crossfire Ranch, where each child or teen is thoughtfully paired with a mentor and a horse—forming a unique team that encourages and strengthens one another along the way.
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Through their time together, participants learn the fundamentals of horse care and handling, gaining confidence and responsibility in the process. But the heart of the SPURS program goes far deeper. Within the safety of this consistent and caring relationship, children are gently guided in developing trust, understanding healthy boundaries, and growing in both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Each session becomes a meaningful opportunity for personal growth, where mentors encourage participants to step into their God-given strengths and cultivate leadership—both in the arena and in life.

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Bloom & Build Sessions are small group mentoring experiences designed for participants who have already spent time in our one-on-one SPURS program. When it’s a good fit, and the child is ready, they transition into a group setting with up to four participants—opening the door to a new layer of growth.
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By this point, each child has developed a foundation of horsemanship skills and a strong connection with their mentor. Adding peers into the mix offers a natural next step—allowing them to practice what they’ve learned in a more dynamic environment. Working alongside others often brings out new behaviors, perspectives, and opportunities for growth.

In these sessions, mentors continue to walk closely with each participant, encouraging healthy relationships, deepening communication skills, and fostering leadership—all within a supportive and safe group setting. It’s a powerful stage where growth begins to bloom and confidence begins to build.

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​Stable Hands offers opportunities for participants to step into leadership and service within the ranch community. This phase is designed for those who have grown through our mentoring programs and are ready to give back in meaningful ways.

Whether it’s helping with barn chores, guiding a new participant or mentor through the daily rhythm of ranch life, or lending a hand during special events, Stable Hands provides a space to put learned skills into practice beyond the mentoring session.

It’s a chance to lead by example, serve with purpose, and be an integral part of the ranch family—demonstrating growth, responsibility, and a heart for others.

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Why Horses
There are countless reasons we choose to work with horses—and if you've spent any time around them, you probably understand why. At the ranch, we experience these gifts firsthand every day. Horses accept us just as we are and at the same time, call us to bring our best selves to each interaction. They are honest, responsive, and deeply intuitive creatures that reflect our energy and intentions with remarkable clarity.

Horses help us grow in character and confidence. They teach us to be present, to focus, and to lead with gentleness and consistency. They offer a unique kind of partnership—one built not on words, but on trust, respect, and connection. Simply being in the barn—unplugged, breathing in fresh air (barn air counts!), surrounded by big skies and kind hearts—has its own quiet healing rhythm.

While interaction with a horse is therapeutic in itself, the real impact of our SPURS program comes through the consistency of one-on-one sessions. As kids and teens learn to communicate with their horse using body language, connection, and gentle pressure, they begin to grow in empathy, awareness of others, and awareness of themselves.

As comfort builds and confidence grows, we often see this progress ripple outward—into home, school, and community. It all begins with the steady presence of a mentor, the silent strength of a horse, and a space where hope can take root.

Learn more about Equine Therapy:
Children and Horses: Equine Activities Improve Lives
​​Time to Horse Around: The Psychological and Developmental Benefits for Youth Involved with Horses​
Efficacy of Equine Therapy: Mounting Evidence
The Healing Power of Horses: How Equine Therapy Benefits Veterans, Victims of Abuse & More
The Surprising Way Horses Benefit Kids' Emotional and Social Skills

Books:
​Riding Home
Joey
Bridge Called Hope
Hope Riding

>> ​Session Application Link <<

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Please use the button below to make session contributions, adding the
​participants name in the memo is greatly appreciated if sponsoring a specific youth/teen.
​Thank you for your partnership!