Hope, Healing, and Horses

Founded in 2020, Willow Ranch was born out of a mother’s grief, a daughter’s legacy, and their shared love of horses. A licensed counselor since 2015, Christa Malcolm established the nonprofit in memory of her daughter Jessica, who was lost to cancer in 2011. 

“Jessica and I shared a love of horses,” Christa explains. “I know the healing power of equine therapy on a personal level, so I started Willow Ranch to promote hope, healing, and wellness for others walking through trauma or grief.” 

Willow Ranch focuses on helping families process a wide range of traumatic experiences—divorce, addiction, grief, deployment, and more. The ranch is home to nine horses, seven of which Christa owns personally. Two others have recently retired from riding programs and come from the 3F Ranch in Guthrie. 

Unlike traditional talk therapy, Willow Ranch uses equine-assisted therapy to help clients process their emotions. Christa highlights the unique value of working with horses: “Horses, as prey animals, are naturally attuned to their environment. They have a fight-or-flight response and often reflect the emotions of our clients. This helps people understand what they’re going through or identify what they might need.” 

The bond between horse and client accelerates healing. Christa recalls one particularly powerful story of a woman who had lost her son. “She was stuck in grief for over two years, unable to care for herself or her family. Through her work with the horses, she was finally able to process those emotions and reunite with her loved ones.” 

Another family, devastated by a father’s death, found a safe space at Willow Ranch. “We worked individually with the youngest child to process grief without triggering other family members. Eventually, they all came together, recognizing and supporting each other’s healing journey.” 

The therapy at Willow Ranch uses multiple approaches, including the Eagala model, faith-based Spur modality, and PATH training, tailored to each client’s needs. Sessions are often held outdoors to leverage nature’s calming effect, providing a beneficial contrast to office-based therapy. “Being in nature with animals eliminates many discomforts of a clinical setting,” Christa notes. 

Most of the ranch’s staff are dedicated volunteers trained to ensure the safety of both horses and clients. “It’s heavy work,” Christa acknowledges, “but it’s worthwhile. Plus, the horses benefit from having a purpose and staying socialized through groundwork sessions.” 

Whether it’s processing grief, overcoming addiction, or healing from divorce, Willow Ranch offers a place of solace. Participant Amanda Hampton shared her experience, ”I am a survivor of suicide loss, having lost my husband four and a half years ago. The loss brought my two daughters and me to Willow Ranch Equine Therapy. Together, we embraced the healing power of horses, working as a team to navigate our pathways through grief. This experience allowed us to communicate openly, share our feelings, and support one another in our healing processes.” 

Amanda says her youngest daughter continues to attend horse camp, “where she finds solace and strength in her connection with the horses, allowing her to express emotions that would otherwise remain unspoken.” 

Learn more about how Willow Ranch continues Jessica’s legacy at willow-ranch.com.