One of the biggest concerns of moving was how to make it the least stressful for our two 33 year old horses, Sporty and Passion. Sporty had already had one eye removed and was beginning to lose sight in the other. Passion, I had promised after her 7 year abandonment that she would never have to move again. Cognitively, I knew this was not the same, but my heart ached putting her on that trailer. I did my best to reassure her she still had her forever home.

Because the new property did not have any horse shelter and we did not know how long it would be before we could build a barn, two run-ins were set up.

Sporty and Passion moved into The Retirement Home that was purchased from and brought in by Grandpa's Shelters. This company was a joy to work with and this was a wonderful purchase for our elderly friends.

Sporty and Passion adjusted to their new home with all the strength of character that a 33 year old horse clearly posseses. What a blessing this pair of mares have been to each other and each of us.

The horses adjusted very quickly to their new home. We did get to learn first hand just how different of an experience it is to move a whole herd as opposed to just one or two horses. Of course as I write this that seems quite obvious! 

Just as in our human lives, when there are large changes in the herd, each of the horses' strengths and weaknesses became more pronounce. Their communication was "louder" and less predictable. Hope Reins did not miss a single day of sessions. However, for the first couple of weeks most of our session time with the horses was observation from behind the fence.

We just celebrated 1 year at The Ranch on Dietrich Road!  I realize there has been a communication silence over the past year. This has been a year of many ups and downs. I experienced once again, just how true it is, that Hope changes everything! During the past year toxic mold in our house became a significant challenge.. A few of the hard parts have been sickness and pain that have made everyday life difficult, together with my family we have thrown over 90% of our belongings into dumpsters, and have been struggling with difficult decisions and the fear of losing our home.  However, none of that can take away what Hope gives me. My hope is my relationship with my heavenly father and also my purpose to help others find hope and healing. That Hope makes me strong even when I am  weak!

I would like to make up a little for the lack of communication and share some of the "ups" from this past year. Over the next week or so I will be sharing pictures and some highlights starting with our move.

Kristine Pienkowski
Executive Director of The Ranch of Hope Reins

ENJOYING LUNCH OUTSIDE AT THE RANCH.

​And some time to meet Bunny (the horse).

A quick summary of the past year:

• In the fall of 2015, many of you joined with us for our first work day and made tremendous headway on cleaning up the newly purchased property.
• Through the generosity of Dan and Karin Abrell and Kate Lambie, a beautiful and extremely successful fundraiser in Valparaiso, IN, raised more than $8,000 for The Unbridled Hope Project.
• July 22, 2016 we officially became a 501c3!
• A second work day successfully prepared The Hall for use and removed a large amount of unsightly weeds.
• Friday Nights with the Horses ran biweekly starting in January and was the development of volunteers learning about the uniqueness of our horses, the work we do and growing together as a team.
• During October and November, funded by The Unbridled Hope Project, 5 foster care youth from Chicago, participated in 6 weeks of Power Tools for Living, experiential learning with the horses.
• In November, our first event at The Ranch took place, Raising The Ranch Barn Dance. Much fun was had and we raised $1,540.00

Not all that was planned for was accomplished. However, it was only through the help of people giving of themselves that we accomplished all that we did.

​Our plans for 2017, with much hope and excitement:

• Already two families are being served on a weekly basis for counseling both in the office and with the horses.
• As the weather warms a bit, both The Unbridled Hope Project will resume, as well as our Volunteer Program.
• This summer will include a few weeks of Power Tools for Living day camps.
• In June, we will host a day camp for Holt Sunny Ridge, an adoption agency. The camp will be for parents and children to learn and practice the powerful program, Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).  This programming has been a long needed tool for both foster care and adoption families.
• Included in our plans are a number of community activities to both raise funds and to build a community of people serving each other and bringing hope to those who so desperately need it.
• We look forward to seeing you and partnering with you in 2017 as we:

Restore Hope, Rescue dreams and Renew possibilities!