Equine Assisted Learning
Our Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs offer participants the opportunity to build confidence, self-awareness, and emotional resilience through meaningful interactions with our horses. Whether or not riding is involved depends on the unique needs and goals of each participant. The focus is on fostering a relationship with the horse, which helps create emotional, cognitive, social, and physical benefits.
Through these interactions, participants can experience increased self-esteem and learn the importance of trust, both with the horse and with others. For those struggling with mental health challenges, equine interactions have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and self-harming thoughts, providing a pathway toward healing and personal growth.
Riding Lessons
Whether you're brand new to the saddle or looking to sharpen your skills, BondFire Ranch offers personalized riding lessons in a peaceful and supportive environment. Our program covers both Western and English riding styles and includes essential ground skills that help students build strong, trusting connections with our horses.
Each lesson goes beyond riding—we teach stable management and basic horse care to provide a well-rounded equine education. Our approach is tailored to each individual’s learning style and pace, ensuring every student feels confident and comfortable as they grow.
We believe in meeting each rider where they are and helping them reach their goals—one ride at a time.
To inquire about lesson availability, please contact Anne:
Call or text: 205-602-0372
Email: anne@bondfireranch.org
Hiking
Benefits overall health, ranging from physical exercise (building stronger muscles and bones, improving sense of balance and heart health, as well as decreasing the risk of certain respiratory problems). Also, spending quality time in the outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression, according to a study done by researchers at Stanford University.
Fishing
Supports both your physical wellbeing and your mental state. With regards to the physical benefits, it can get you some exercises, help clean out your lungs in the fresh air, and put some sun on your face for that dose of vitamin D. It can also help you eat a bit healthier if you land that big fish. As for your mental state it can help you combat stress and anxiety, improve concentration and patience, increase self-esteem and resilience, and ultimately build stronger bonds with you fishing family.
BondFires
At BondFire Ranch, our gatherings around the fire ring offer more than just warmth—they create an environment for connection and healing. The mesmerizing and soothing effect of the fire promotes meaningful social interaction, allowing families to come together in a comforting setting. These experiences help us fulfill our mission to Warm the Heart of the Family by fostering connection and creating lasting memories.
Crafts
Bolsters mood, improves self-confidence, and reduces stress overall. In addition, crafting has shown to improve mental agility, both gross and fine motor movements, and decrease cognitive decline. Crafting also creates a situation very similar to that of meditation. When engaged in a craft, you are focusing on the here and now. Additionally, it’s been shown to be a natural anti-depressant, and research studies have shown that those suffering from PTSD, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Insomnia, and any level of chronic pain have achieved a reduction in symptoms by incorporating crafts into their lives.