Writer | Mikayla Balk
Photo | Red Horse Ranch
Building Community: Healing Horses Equine-Led Therapy
Winter 2025 Issue
Animals have a mysterious way about them. They live without words, but they have a distinct language. For humans, forming connections with animals can provide serenity. In the lush fields of Fennville, people can book equine excursions at Red Horse Ranch. Fresh air, majestic horses grazing and the buzzing of crickets surround those who spend time on the property.
Fred Bueltmann developed Red Horse Ranch as a way to connect humanity with nature. Horses, he believes, have a knack for helping others discover things about themselves and bringing people together. The facility hosts equine-assisted psychotherapy, wellness retreats, team outings, professional development and educational courses, as well as occasional meditation sessions.
Equine Wellness
“Horses are herd animals and have a finely tuned nonverbal language that exists for the benefit of the herd,” Bueltmann explains. “They possess a naturally collaborative language and way of being. When people enter their space, they are trying to find a balance or harmony within that group. People can take literal lessons from it, like understanding how horses work, or take lessons about how groups can come together and become more connected. Whether people have horse skills or not.”
Bueltmann says horses tend to bring forward what’s most important in life. The ranch’s increasingly popular Thrive retreats incorporate therapeutic art, meditation and interactions with the horses. The retreats encourage people to delve into what they want out of life and think about what will take them out of “survival mode” into thriving mode.
While working with horses takes a pivot from traditional therapy and self-help work, many mental health professionals embrace the integration of equine therapy. Whether for anxiety, depression or any other diagnosis a person has, wellness sessions and retreats can be beneficial. Several clients bring their therapists with them on these outings, supplementing their healing process. Bueltmann notes that healing can happen just by being in the presence of the horses.
Professional Development
Work outings and professional training workshops are a creative way for companies to strengthen communication skills within their teams at Red Horse Ranch.
“Horses seek congruence and authenticity,” Bueltmann says. “Belonging to a herd is part of being physically and socially safe. They are prey in the wild. When we enter their circle, they need to know people are presenting themselves authentically. Teams need the same thing. If there’s something that needs to be addressed that isn’t brought up, it can bring discomfort.” As a result of these dynamics, groups often find themselves finally discussing the important issues and bringing them to the surface.
Workshops such as Widening Our Worldview, an implicit bias workshop, and Trauma-Informed Lens exist to provide a space for important conversations in a relaxed, natural environment. The Trauma-Informed Lens course goes over the five principles of trauma-informed care: safety, choice, trustworthiness, an empowering mindset and collaboration. It helps leaders, healthcare professionals and anyone else to avoid activating trauma responses.
A Place for Tranquility
Once a month, every first Friday, herd meditations led by the ranch’s facilitation team are held. Groups can also book these meditation sessions on other days by request. They start with introductions, engage in a guided seated meditation in viewing distance of the herd, and afterward, guests are free to observe or interact with the horses if they wish. The guests can also pet or groom them. “The horses have a natural affinity for regulation. It can range from peaceful to profound,” Bueltmann says.
For a simple getaway to enjoy the beauty of the land, lodging on the property is available. People can reserve overnight accommodations with or without any equine sessions. There’s an Airstream camper, and there is currently another lodging site in development. Guests are encouraged to ground themselves within the property and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Thriving Community
The ranch couldn’t operate without the help of volunteers. Volunteer roles range greatly, but all are vital. The horse team helps with the upkeep of the pasture grounds and caring for the horses. The giving team works with the giving circle, comprised of individual and family donors. The development team works on research and writing grants. In total, Red Horse has over 25 volunteers that they’re incredibly grateful for. People reach out often, looking for ways to help.
Whatever your reason for going to Red Horse, you will find a supportive community that cheers you on. The team meets you at your comfort level and encourages you to engage with the animals however you feel fit. Even if you’ve never seen a horse in person, you’ll have people there to guide you in facilitating that connection. Red Horse Ranch has just one hope — that you’ll find peace and transformation there.
