Hooves of Hope Ranch

Hooves of Hope Ranch Hooves of Hope Ranch is a 100 acre ranch 1.5 km east of Millet, AB. Our ranch hosts Animal-Assisted

03/27/2026

Tucker is our tiny but mighty miniature donkey with the biggest personality on the ranch. He joined us three years ago as a rescue, arriving underweight, covered in lice, and carrying the quiet heaviness that often comes from neglect.
But Tucker had other plans for his story.

Over time, with safety, steady care, and a whole lot of love, he transformed. The once withdrawn little donkey has grown into a mischievous, larger-than-life character who absolutely believes he is the biggest equine in the herd — despite being the smallest. He bosses the big horses around, refuses to tolerate nonsense, and proudly lives up to the classic donkey reputation for stubbornness. When Tucker decides he’s not doing something… he’s not doing it. And when he decides he is? There is no stopping him.

He’s also our resident escape artist. Tucker occasionally slips away to visit the surrounding wildlife, but true to his loyal heart, he always comes home by the end of the day.

Tucker has a special gift for connection. His favorite things in the world are bum and back scratches , and long snuggle sessions with clients. He will happily sit with a client for an entire session, soaking up affection and offering his steady, grounded presence in return. He works especially beautifully with children who are strong-willed or oppositional — perhaps because he understands that spirit so well.
Tucker’s story is one of resilience, personality, and the power of safety to bring out the truest parts of who we are.

And around here, we wouldn’t have him any other way. 🤍

To schedule a therapy session with Tucker and his human co-therapist visit--> https://www.hoovesofhoperanch.com/contact

Welcome “Ollie” to Hooves of Hope Ranch 💕Ollie is a gentle 10-year-old Fjord horse who recently retired from the WELCA L...
03/24/2026

Welcome “Ollie” to Hooves of Hope Ranch 💕

Ollie is a gentle 10-year-old Fjord horse who recently retired from the WELCA Lil’ Bits Therapeutic Riding Program, where he spent years helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder build confidence and connection.

With his calm, sweet nature, Ollie has a special way of helping people feel safe the moment they’re near him. His steady presence and kind eyes make him a natural therapy partner, and we’re so grateful he’s now part of the Hooves of Hope Ranch family.

We can’t wait for the many quiet moments of connection and healing Ollie will bring to those who visit the ranch. 🐴💛

Some connections don’t need words. 🤍🐴Animals meet us exactly where we are—without judgment, without expectation. In thei...
03/19/2026

Some connections don’t need words. 🤍🐴

Animals meet us exactly where we are—without judgment, without expectation. In their quiet presence, children (and adults) often feel something powerful: safety, connection, and the freedom to simply be themselves.

At the ranch, we see it every day. A child leaning into a horse, a hand resting on warm fur, a nervous system slowly settling. These moments may look simple, but they can be deeply healing.

Animals have a way of opening the heart in ways that nothing else quite can.

✨ They offer calm.
✨ They offer connection.
✨ And they remind us what unconditional presence feels like.

Meet Buddy 🐑Buddy the sheep lives at Hooves of Hope Ranch, but his journey to belonging wasn’t easy.He came to us from a...
03/16/2026

Meet Buddy 🐑

Buddy the sheep lives at Hooves of Hope Ranch, but his journey to belonging wasn’t easy.

He came to us from another farm where he was rejected by his mother and raised entirely by dogs. For a long time, Buddy didn’t even realize he was a sheep. When he arrived at the ranch, moving in with our goats and other sheep was a big adjustment, and he struggled to find where he fit.

His story is a lot like the experience many children have when moving between foster homes or into adoptive care — learning who they are and where they belong.

Today, Buddy is one of the calmest and most grounding animals at the ranch. Children often feel drawn to his gentle presence.

Buddy reminds us that identity and belonging can take time to build — and sometimes the animals who have faced the greatest challenges become the ones who help others feel the safest. 💛

Happy Friday from Hooves of Hope Ranch 💕
03/13/2026

Happy Friday from Hooves of Hope Ranch 💕

“Love Yourself” is a confidence-building, animal-assisted therapy group for girls ages 8–11, held at Hooves of Hope Ranc...
03/10/2026

“Love Yourself” is a confidence-building, animal-assisted therapy group for girls ages 8–11, held at Hooves of Hope Ranch, just east of Millet, Alberta.

Led by a registered child psychologist alongside a Master of Counselling intern, this nurturing psychoeducational group helps girls strengthen self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-awareness while learning healthy social skills and peer connection.

Through gentle animal-assisted activities, creative art expression, mindfulness practices, and hands-on experiences in nature, girls are invited to discover their strengths, find their voice, and build trust in themselves—all in a safe, supportive, and joy-filled environment where growth happens naturally, one moment of connection at a time. 

TIME: 4-6:30 p.m.
DATES: April 10-May 15 (Fridays)
LOCATION: Hooves of Hope Ranch Millet

https://www.hoovesofhoperanch.com/groups

FACILITATORS: Anh Ambler, P. Psych 7346P & Stephanie Driver, Intern in Masters of Counselling Psychology

*Groups should qualify for reimbursement under “psychological services” with extended health care plans if you are covered by counselling services by a Provisional Psychology

*If you live in Wetaskiwin or Leduc County there are subsidies available (up to 80%)

Volunteer Opportunity: Help With Therapy Animals at Hooves of Hope Ranch near Millet 🐴We are looking for a compassionate...
03/05/2026

Volunteer Opportunity: Help With Therapy Animals at Hooves of Hope Ranch near Millet 🐴

We are looking for a compassionate volunteer animal handler to support a small wellness group at Hooves of Hope Ranch this spring and summer.

This program brings adults with disabilities to the ranch to experience connection, emotional regulation, and confidence through guided activities with animals, nature, and creative expression.

As a volunteer, you would help:
🐴 Assist with handling and preparing therapy animals
🐐 Support safe interactions between participants and animals
🌿 Help create a calm, welcoming environment for the group
💛 Be part of meaningful work that supports emotional wellness and connection

PROGRAM DETAILS

📅 Thursdays
📋 Session 1: April 9 – June 28; Session 2: July 2- Aug 27; Session 3: September 3-24
⏰ GROUP 1: 10:30-11:30am; GROUP 2: 1:30PM -2:30pm
📍 Hooves of Hope Ranch (1.5km east of Millet)

NOTE: You can volunteer for one OR all all sessions, and pick which time for each session you can volunteer for (i.e., Session 1 10:30-11:30) or do both times.

All that is needed is a comfort with farm animals (including horses), reliability, and a kind heart.

If you love animals and want to be part of a program that helps people heal, regulate, and connect, we would love to hear from you.

Email: tamara17ca@gmail.com for more information

Dusty is our 9-year-old palomino miniature horse — golden, gentle, and quietly profound.He came to us carrying significa...
02/27/2026

Dusty is our 9-year-old palomino miniature horse — golden, gentle, and quietly profound.

He came to us carrying significant physical trauma. While his body has healed in many ways, Dusty remains what we lovingly call a “deep feeler.” He is highly sensitive, attuned to every shift in energy around him, and he experiences the world with remarkable intensity.

Trust does not come quickly for Dusty.

It takes time. Consistency. Soft voices. Regulated nervous systems. But once Dusty decides you are safe, something shifts. His loyalty runs deep — and he will do almost anything for someone he trusts. The bond he forms is steady, intentional, and meaningful.

Big groups can overwhelm him. Too much noise, too much movement, too much energy — and you can see him trying to process it all. But if you meet him in a quiet moment… when your breath is slow and your mind is calm… Dusty will stand with you for hours. In those spaces, he teaches something powerful about presence and co-regulation.

Interestingly, Dusty is often one of the first ponies to approach new arrivals at Hooves of Hope Ranch. Despite his own sensitivity, he seems to gently welcome others, offering subtle reassurance that they belong. In many ways, he gives other horses the confidence to find their footing — just as he does for so many of our clients.

Dusty reminds us that sensitivity is not weakness. It is depth. It is awareness. It is the courage to stay open, even after hurt.

And when you earn his trust, it feels like being chosen. 🤍

If you would like to book a session with Dusty and his human co-therapist, contact is at https://www.hoovesofhoperanch.com/contact

Spirit is our 16-year-old buckskin Morgan who looks strikingly like the beloved stallion from Disney’s Spirit — golden c...
02/25/2026

Spirit is our 16-year-old buckskin Morgan who looks strikingly like the beloved stallion from Disney’s Spirit — golden coat, dark mane, and eyes that seem to hold entire stories. But his real magic isn’t just in how he looks. It’s in who he is.

Spirit came to us as a high-end performance dressage horse — trained to precision, excellence, and flawless ex*****on. When he first arrived at Hooves of Hope Ranch, he carried the weight of that world with him. He was anxious, hyper-aware, and deeply driven to get everything “right.” A true perfectionist, he seemed afraid of making mistakes.

So we slowed everything down.

We spent months helping Spirit learn something new: that he didn’t have to be perfect to be safe. That he could breathe. That he could simply be.

And something beautiful happened.

While Spirit can still feel the pull of anxiety, when you place him in his natural element — winding through trees, climbing mountain trails, surrounded by open sky — he transforms. On the trails, he is the bravest horse we have ever met. Nothing startles him. Nothing shakes him. He moves with steady confidence and takes extraordinary care of his rider, step by careful step.

It’s no surprise that Spirit connects most deeply with clients who struggle with anxiety and depression. He seems to recognize that familiar inner tension. If a client begins to cry, Spirit is often the first to step closer. He will lower his head, stand quietly beside them, and remain present for as long as they need — sometimes for an entire session.

He is, without question, a client favorite.

Spirit’s journey reminds us that strength doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from learning that you are safe enough to soften — and brave enough to keep going anyway. 🤍

If you would like to book a session with Spirit and his human co-therapist, contact is at https://www.hoovesofhoperanch.com/contact

Patches, our sweet Nigerian goat, came to us in the spring of 2024 as a tiny orphan with a big story already unfolding. ...
02/19/2026

Patches, our sweet Nigerian goat, came to us in the spring of 2024 as a tiny orphan with a big story already unfolding. His mama simply didn’t have enough milk to nourish him, so he found his way to us — and into our hearts.

From the very beginning, Patches carried a quiet gentleness. He has grown into one of the calmest presences on the ranch — the kind of animal who will quietly stand beside you as if he understands more than he lets on. He loves cuddles, leans in for affection, and is always ready for an adventure down the trails with our clients.

But don’t let that softness fool you.

Patches has a mischievous streak and a curious mind. He likes to explore, test boundaries, and occasionally find himself in just a little bit of trouble. That playful spirit is part of his charm.

At times, Patches has struggled to fully fit in with the other goats on the property. And in that space — between belonging and standing out — many of our clients see themselves. For children and youth who wrestle with friendships, social confidence, or feeling “a little different,” Patches offers something powerful: quiet companionship without judgment.

His story reminds us that even when you start life needing a little extra support, you can grow into strength, softness, and connection.

And on this ranch, Patches belongs — exactly as he is. 🤍

If you would like to book a session with Patches and his human co-therapist, contact is at https://www.hoovesofhoperanch.com/contact

Tucker is our tiny but mighty miniature donkey with the biggest personality on the ranch. He joined us three years ago a...
02/17/2026

Tucker is our tiny but mighty miniature donkey with the biggest personality on the ranch. He joined us three years ago as a rescue, arriving underweight, covered in lice, and carrying the quiet heaviness that often comes from neglect.

But Tucker had other plans for his story.

Over time, with safety, steady care, and a whole lot of love, he transformed. The once withdrawn little donkey has grown into a mischievous, larger-than-life character who absolutely believes he is the biggest equine in the herd — despite being the smallest. He bosses the big horses around, refuses to tolerate nonsense, and proudly lives up to the classic donkey reputation for stubbornness. When Tucker decides he’s not doing something… he’s not doing it. And when he decides he is? There is no stopping him.

He’s also our resident escape artist. Tucker occasionally slips away to visit the surrounding wildlife, but true to his loyal heart, he always comes home by the end of the day.

Tucker has a special gift for connection. His favorite things in the world are bum and back scratches , and long snuggle sessions with clients. He will happily sit with a client for an entire session, soaking up affection and offering his steady, grounded presence in return. He works especially beautifully with children who are strong-willed or oppositional — perhaps because he understands that spirit so well.

Tucker’s story is one of resilience, personality, and the power of safety to bring out the truest parts of who we are.

And around here, we wouldn’t have him any other way. 🤍

To schedule a therapy session with Tucker and his human co-therapist visit--> https://www.hoovesofhoperanch.com/contact

You don’t walk into this kind of counselling—you arrive.You park beneath tall trees, not traffic lights.You hear wind in...
02/13/2026

You don’t walk into this kind of counselling—you arrive.

You park beneath tall trees, not traffic lights.
You hear wind in the branches instead of sirens.
Your body starts to exhale before the door even opens.

This is what therapy looks like here.

A rustic cabin tucked deep into a private 100-acre property. Wood floors. Soft light. Quiet. No waiting room full of strangers. No fluorescent lights. No rushed appointments squeezed between city noise.

Inside, conversations slow down. Nervous systems settle. There’s room to think, feel, and breathe.

Outside, nature keeps holding you. The trees stand steady. Animals move calmly. The land itself does part of the work—grounding, regulating, reminding your body that it’s safe to soften.

This is therapy that meets you where healing actually happens:
in your nervous system, not just your thoughts.

For children, teens, and adults who feel overwhelmed by traditional offices…
for those who need space, privacy, and connection…
for anyone who heals better when surrounded by nature—

this place feels different, because it is.

Counselling doesn’t have to feel clinical to be effective.
Sometimes it works best when it feels human.

Welcome to therapy that feels like a deep breath.
Welcome to Hooves of Hope Ranch. 🌲🤍

https://www.hoovesofhoperanch.com/contact

Address

243036 TWP 475A Millet
Millet, AB
T0C1Z0

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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