Healing Hooves: How Spirit Horse Ranch Aids Maui Wildfire Survivors

A year has passed since the devastating fires swept through Maui, an event that left thousands of residents grappling with profound loss and trauma. Among them is Dapitan, who exemplifies the resilience and ongoing struggle of many in the community. Yet, amid the hardship, glimmers of hope have emerged, particularly in the form of an equine-assisted therapy program at Spirit Horse Ranch, located in the island’s rural upcountry, roughly an hour from Lahaina. This unique form of therapy has provided much-needed solace and a path to healing for Dapitan and many others.

The Spirit Horse Ranch program offers a distinctive therapeutic experience that combines interaction with horses and specific eye movement techniques aimed at processing trauma. According to Dapitan, the bond formed with the horses is unlike any connection one might have with machines or even humans. This sentiment underscores the profound, almost mystical, healing power these majestic animals possess. The program’s founder, DePonte, launched this initiative on her family’s cattle ranch in 2021 after witnessing the remarkable impact horses had on her own healing journey. Since then, the program has flourished, supported by generous grants from the Hawaii Community Foundation, Maui United Way, and various private donors.

With over 1,300 therapy sessions conducted, Spirit Horse Ranch has become a sanctuary for those affected by the fires. Many residents who had already been in therapy for previous traumas, like Dapitan, find that their time with the horses offers a different, more profound form of relief. The program’s success is not just in the numbers but in the personal stories of renewal and resilience that have emerged from the corral. These tales of recovery resonate deeply in a community still reeling from the emotional aftershocks of last year’s fires.

The significance of programs like Spirit Horse Ranch becomes even more apparent when considering the mental health landscape in Maui. Six months after the fires, a survey by the University of Hawaii revealed that more than half of the survivors and a third of all Maui residents reported experiencing depressive symptoms. As the island moves into its second year of recovery, mental health providers are bracing for a new wave of residents seeking support. The lingering uncertainty and ongoing challenges make the therapeutic environment at Spirit Horse Ranch a vital resource for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

For Dapitan and many others, the time spent at Spirit Horse Ranch is more than just therapy; it’s a grounding experience that helps them stay present amidst the chaos. The connection with the horses, the natural setting, and the supportive community create a unique space for healing that transcends traditional therapy. As Maui continues its journey of recovery, programs like Spirit Horse Ranch offer a beacon of hope, reminding residents that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, healing and connection remain possible.