From "Coffee Clutch by Dutch Henry"

Article from Dutch Henry

Feature Friday – Horse and Soul Ranch – Loreen Houdek

Howdy Folks,

Hearts, spirits and souls can find healing and rebirth here among peaceful trees, and the watchful, caring eyes of the horses. Horse and Soul Ranch, founded with the mission, to help broken spirits heal, by Loreen Houdek just this past February, is the magical place where dreams are rekindled. Here spirits are lifted, and broken lives reborn with confidence and newfound courage.

Loreen, a long time horsewoman, and abuse survivor herself, knows firsthand the healing, and courage horses can impart. As recently as last year, Loreen found herself in a low, trying moment and it was the healing power of her horses that snapped her out of it. That was the moment she understood, God was teaching her that, she, and her horses, who themselves are rescues, could and must help others.

She founded Horse and Soul Ranch and immediately began to invite women to come feel reenergizing power of the spirit if the horse. But she didn't stop there. She contacted PATH and began her certification to become a therapeutic riding instructor. She's been a volunteer at Thunder Rode Therapeutic Riding center for 5 years, and held a place on their Board for 2 years.

Recently she learned of Betsi Bixby's, Freedom Horses a program for battered and abused women. Freedom Horses is going nationwide and Loreen is excited that Horse and Soul ranch was selected to be one of the earliest expansion locations. Adding Freedom Horses to Horse and Soul Ranch brings more help, guidance and out-reach to her dream of helping others gain new footing.

Feeling love and courage

Loreen says, "When a person believes in themselves the possibilities are endless."

This little ranch located outside of Burr Oak, Iowa is abundant love, encouragement, and the healing power of horses. Horses who have felt the healing power of love themselves, and have that power, will and desire to give back.

"I want to give others the opportunity to experience that feeling of how a horse can heal, and to bring out their true selves and know they are an awesome person, and be the person that God intended them to be. I do this not for the money, I do it for the smiles on their faces and to see them grow into the person that they hide inside because of what happened to them and the nasty things they went through. I believe it is my gift, and that God has helped me get Horse and Soul Ranch off the ground." Loreen said. "I want to spread the word, how horses can help people as they did me, and continue to help me."

We thank you Loreen and your horses for spreading the word, and the healing.

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry