Our Mission
Spirit Horse Ranch is dedicated to promoting self-growth, healing emotional wounds and processing lifetime trauma through the transformative power of equine-assisted psychotherapy. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can connect with horses and experience profound emotional growth. We empower participants to reclaim their spirit, rewrite their narratives, foster resilience, and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships with others. Through compassionate guidance and equine partnerships, we strive to promote healing, hope, and lasting change in the lives of those we serve.
Our Team
Kris Tevis, PhD, LIMHP, NCC, LPC
Kris Tevis has worked in the mental health field since 1999 in both hospital and outpatient settings. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a PhD and Master of Arts degrees in Social Psychology, with additional coursework in Developmental Psychology, Program Evaluation, Law, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She holds a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP), Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP), and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Nebraska and an LPC in Colorado.
Kris has worked with Omni Inventive Care since 2002 in various capacities. She has developed and maintained several programs within Omni in addition to leading agency-wide initiatives such as complex integration of electronic records systems and Evidence-Based Practices across various settings and geographic locations. Kris currently practices as a therapist and serves as the Chief Compliance Officer, responsible for leading quality assurance and improvement activities and maintaining compliance with Medicaid regulations, state licensing requirements, and Joint Commission accreditation.
Kris is very active in public policy initiatives and community mental health advocacy, holding numerous offices in professional organizations, organizing statewide conferences to advance mental health training for service providers, and speaking to community members on a wide range of mental health issues. She has also taught Psychology and Human Relations at Metropolitan Community College for over 20 years.
In addition to her mental health background, Kris has a lifelong passion for horses. She grew up with horses and has raised, trained, and shown them throughout her life. Kris is certified through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and the Icarus Model, integrating equine-assisted practices into her therapeutic work. As a 4-H leader and Council President, she continues to advocate for animal welfare and promote equine activities with local youth.
Lindsay Stayton, MSW, LIMHP
Lindsay Stayton has worked in the mental health field since 2006. She graduated from Florida State University with a Master of Social Work degree. She holds a Licensed Independent Mental Health Provider (LIMHP) and Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) credential in Nebraska, a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in Iowa, and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in North Dakota. She has also been previously licensed and practiced in Colorado and Wyoming.
Lindsay has worked in the child welfare field since earning her undergraduate degree in Social Work. Her experience includes case management for therapeutic foster care and adoption assessments. Clinically, she has provided services in a variety of settings, including intensive in-home family preservation therapy, community mental health, day treatment programs, pediatric medical care, primary care, and outpatient psychiatry. She specializes in supporting children, adolescents, and adults impacted by childhood abuse and trauma, sexual trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, and persistent mental illness.
She served on the Ward County Task Force that established the Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center in Minot, North Dakota, gaining valuable nonprofit development and leadership experience. At the organization’s launch, she became Program Coordinator and the primary Forensic Interviewer.
Lindsay discovered her passion for equine-assisted psychotherapy while working at a residential and day treatment facility in Colorado Springs, assisting with group sessions for at-risk youth. She witnessed firsthand the profound impact of the human-horse relationship on emotional regulation, trust, and healing. Lindsay is trained in the Natural Lifemanship model and certified in the Icarus Model, integrating connection-based, trauma-informed equine-assisted psychotherapy into her clinical work.
Our story
Spirit Horse Ranch was born from the simple yet powerful belief that healing can begin in the quiet presence of a horse. What started as one woman’s spark of inspiration has grown into a thriving community dedicated to emotional wellness, personal growth, and connection.
More than twenty years ago, Keryl Mines, a licensed social worker and school counselor in the Plattsmouth Public Schools, discovered the incredible impact horses could have on healing the human spirit. Drawing on her own experiences, Keryl saw how these intuitive animals could help people process emotions, build confidence, and rediscover hope. She and her colleague, Bill Fitzpatrick, trained in the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) model, began offering equine-assisted therapy for youth in the Plattsmouth and Omaha metro area.
From those first sessions in 2002, Spirit Horse Ranch became a place of trust, transformation, and belonging. Young people found their voices, families rediscovered connection, and lives quietly changed — one horse, one session at a time.
When Keryl prepared to retire in 2024, she wanted to ensure the mission she and Bill had built would continue to grow. At that same moment, Kris Tevis — a lifelong horsewoman, mother, and mental health leader — was seeking renewed purpose. Horses had always been her grounding force, and through years of riding and showing alongside her daughter, she witnessed firsthand how they cultivate strength, empathy, and leadership. As her daughter
prepared to leave for college, Kris felt called to return to her roots — to that place of connection, healing, and purpose that horses have always offered her.
A mutual colleague introduced Kris to Keryl, who was considering closing Spirit Horse Ranch. The timing could not have been more perfect — a moment where two paths aligned, ensuring that the vision and the herd would live on. Kris immediately knew this was where she was meant to be.
Believing deeply in the power of partnership, Kris invited Lindsay Stayton, an ambitious licensed mental health clinician and fellow mother of a young equestrian, to join her. Kris pitched the idea at a soccer tournament as they watched their sons, and Lindsay emphatically agreed to join the journey. Together, they brought Spirit Horse Ranch into a new era — blending professional expertise with personal passion to expand trauma-informed, equine-assisted therapy across the region.
Today, Spirit Horse Ranch continues to embody its founding values: compassion, connection, and growth. Our programs — from individual and family therapy to group sessions and corporate wellness — are designed to help people heal from trauma, build resilience, learn from each other, and rediscover hope.
At Spirit Horse Ranch, every story matters. Every journey is honored. And every person is reminded that healing doesn’t have to happen alone — sometimes, it begins with the gentle nudge of a horse.
Our Herd
Larry
Flint
Tango
Blackjack
Bailey
Frequently Asked Questions
What is equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)?
A therapeutic approach combining licensed mental health professionals, experienced equine specialists, and horses to help clients explore emotional, behavioral, and relational goals in an experiential way. Horses serve as mirrors of emotion and social cues to support insight and growth.
What is the Icarus Model, and why is Spirit Horse Ranch certified in it?
Spirit Horse Ranch is proud to have the only clinicians in Nebraska certified in the Icarus Model of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. The Icarus Model is a trauma-informed, sensory-based approach that helps individuals process emotions, strengthen relationships, and build resilience through guided interactions with horses. Rather than relying solely on traditional talk therapy, it focuses on creating feelings of safety, connection, and nervous system regulation through hands-on experiences with horses. Horses naturally respond to emotions and human behavior, creating opportunities for insight, healing, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
Do I need to know how to ride a horse?
No! All of Spirit Horse Ranch’s programs are ground-based — interaction with the horse happens on the ground, not riding.
Why use horses instead of traditional talk therapy?
Horses are highly attuned to human emotional and non-verbal cues. Their responses offer real-time feedback that can accelerate learning, emotional regulation, and self-awareness in ways talk therapy alone may not.
Is equine-assisted psychotherapy safe?
Yes. Safety is a top priority at Spirit Horse Ranch. Sessions are ground-based and facilitated by a licensed mental health professional and a trained equine specialist working together as a team. Our facility follows established safety and risk-management protocols, and our horses are carefully selected, closely monitored, and given regular breaks to support their wellbeing. While no experiential activity is entirely risk-free, equine-assisted psychotherapy has a strong safety record when provided by trained professionals in a structured, supportive environment.
Who can benefit from EAP? Are there age limitations?
Individuals ages 5+ with emotional, behavioral, trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges — as well as those seeking personal development and coping skills — can benefit from equine-assisted psychotherapy. We do not serve youth under 5 years old due to safety considerations around horses.
What credentials do your therapists and equine specialists have?
Our clinicians are licensed mental health clinicians in Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa, and North Dakota with specialized training in equine management and trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy. They are certified in the Icarus Model® and have additional training in EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Leaning Association) and Natural Lifemanship.
What happens during a typical session?
Sessions involve structured activities (e.g., grooming, groundwork, observing herd dynamics) guided by your therapeutic team. You’ll work with horses to practice communication, boundaries, trust, and self-reflection. Many sessions are grounded in mindfulness, so guided reflection and processing will be included in many interventions.
Do I stop seeing my other therapist?
No. Equine-assisted psychotherapy is most effective when used alongside traditional therapy. Many participants continue working with their existing therapist while engaging in services at Spirit Horse Ranch. When appropriate and with your consent, our team can collaborate with your current provider to support continuity of care and reinforce therapeutic goals across settings.
How much does equine therapy cost?
Costs vary by program, session length, and needs. Individual and family sessions cost $225/hr. Our services include two mental health therapists and an equine partner in each sessions, resulting in higher costs than traditional office therapy.
Do you offer funding assistance?
Yes. As a nonprofit organization, Spirit Horse Ranch is able to offer full and partial scholarships made possible through grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships. Individuals seeking financial assistance are asked to complete a brief application and provide recent income verification (two most recent pay stubs). Full scholarships include a small materials fee per session.
Do you take insurance?
Insurance is accepted for the initial intake evaluation through one of our contracted therapists; however, Spirit Horse Ranch does not bill insurance for ongoing sessions. While our services are mental health–based and often eligible for coverage, we do not submit claims directly to insurance providers. Upon request, we can provide documentation to support out-of-network reimbursement, and we also accept Health Savings Account (HSA) payments.
What is your admission process?
To begin services, complete the contact form on our website. Spirit Horse Ranch requires a clinical evaluation completed within the past six months. This evaluation may be conducted by one of our contracted therapists, or you may submit a recent evaluation from another provider. If an outside evaluation is used, we will request a release of information to coordinate with the evaluating clinician and ensure continuity of care. As a mental health provider, Spirit Horse Ranch also requires completion of informed consent and standard intake paperwork prior to beginning services.
What should I wear to a session?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety. Services take place in a barn, so there is dust and dirt.
Can I show up early or stay later after my session?
Please do not show up more than 10 minutes prior to the start of your session. We also ask that you leave promptly after your session to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all our participants.
Will I always interact with the same horses?
Possibly, but not always. Horses may rotate depending on session goals, therapeutic needs, and horse availability. Your therapist and equine specialist thoughtfully guide horse selection based on your goals and each horse’s unique strengths and temperament. Spirit Horse Ranch’s five therapy horses each bring distinct personalities to the work. Their wellbeing and happiness are a top priority, and like people, they occasionally need rest to ensure they remain healthy and engaged partners in the therapeutic process.
What if I’m afraid of horses?
Fear of horses is common and can actually be beneficial in therapy. Facilitators work with you at your pace to ensure safety and comfort.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?
Appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled 24 hours in advance. Cancellations and rescheduled session will be subject to a $100 fee if NOT RECEIVED AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. This will be billed and charged to the card on record at the time of the scheduled visit. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to the client and is held exclusively for the client.
Do you operate year-round? Do you cancel sessions in cold or hot weather?
Yes, Spirit Horse Ranch operates year-round. While sessions are held in an indoor space and we offer a temperature-controlled viewing and group room, services are typically canceled when temperatures drop below 35 degrees or over 100 degrees to ensure the safety and comfort of participants, staff, and horses.
Can family members observe or participate?
Some programs offer family sessions; others accommodate observers on a case-by-case basis. Since we offer mental health treatment, we take confidentiality and privacy very seriously.
Are horses the only animals at Spirit Horse Ranch?
No! We have goats, cats, chickens, and rabbits who love attention from our visitors.
Do you offer non-therapy services?
Yes! Through our Team Spirit program, Spirit Horse Ranch offers team-building and corporate wellness experiences for groups of up to 20 participants. These interactive, ground-based experiences are ideal for families seeking a meaningful and private activity, as well as businesses, organizations, or sports teams looking to strengthen communication, teamwork, and group cohesion. Each event is customized to the group’s needs and goals. Pricing varies based on group size and event duration.
Do you accept volunteers?
Yes, Spirit Horse Ranch welcomes volunteers, though opportunities are limited due to the size of our facility and the nature of our clinical services. We accept a select number of volunteers to assist with on-site support at the ranch, and prior horse experience is not required.
We also welcome volunteers who are interested in supporting our mission through fundraising, securing donations or sponsorships, grant writing, and other behind-the-scenes support. All prospective volunteers are asked to complete a volunteer interest form so we can match skills and availability with current needs.
What makes Spirit Horse Ranch different from other equine therapy programs?
Spirit Horse Ranch is a clinically driven, trauma-informed nonprofit that provides equine-assisted psychotherapy, not recreational riding, adaptive riding, or general equine activities. Our services are delivered by licensed mental health professionals who support therapeutic goals in a safe, structured environment.
What truly sets us apart is our intentional integration of evidence-based mental health practices, individualized treatment planning, and strong collaboration with families, schools, and community providers. We prioritize accessibility through scholarships and partnerships, ensuring services are available to those who might otherwise face financial barriers.
Equally important, our horses are respected as therapeutic partners. Their wellbeing, readiness, and unique personalities are central to the work we do. Combined with our deep roots in the local community and commitment to measurable outcomes, Spirit Horse Ranch offers a thoughtful, ethical, and impactful approach to equine-assisted psychotherapy.
What can I do to support Spirit Horse Ranch?
There are many meaningful ways to support our mission and help expand access to equine-assisted psychotherapy:
- Make a donation or become a corporate sponsor: Financial contributions can be made through our website and directly support therapy services while helping reduce financial barriers for children, youth, and families. We proudly recognize our corporate sponsors through our website and ongoing social media features.
- Support our mission through purchases: You can purchase Spirit Horse Ranch merchandise, including our coloring book featuring SHR therapy horses. Every purchase helps sustain our programs and daily operations.
- Purchase items from our Amazon Wish List: Our Amazon Wish List includes supplies that directly support the care, comfort, and wellbeing of our equine partners—essential members of our therapeutic team. Donating items from this list is a hands-on way to support the horses who make our work possible (and yes, they especially appreciate treats!). Plus, they ship directly to the Ranch!
- Share our mission: Follow Spirit Horse Ranch on social media, share our story, and invite others to get involved. Spreading the word helps grow awareness, strengthen community support, and extend our impact.