Neigh-borhood Connections: How Nature and Equine Collaboration Help Heal

Nestled on 80 acres of fields, trails, gardens, and pastures, this nonprofit community center invites people to rediscover connection through horses, nature, and one another. Founder Sandra RietKerk, whose lifelong bond with horses began on her grandparents’ dairy farm, has built a haven where equine-assisted learning nurtures emotional wellness and resilience. Sandra’s journey has been guided by the grounding presence of horses – creatures that are said to mirror human emotion and guide healing. Today, her vision is to make the wisdom of horses and access to nature available to all who need it. Located conveniently on H Ave in Oshtemo Township, the center offers space for events, learning, and renewal. Collaboration and inclusion are its foundation, as it continues to grow a healthier, more compassionate community – one mindful step, one hoofbeat at a time. Public Media Network visited Horse Time Center for Equine Collaboration this fall to speak with founder Sandra RietKerk, Head Groundskeeper Mark RietKerk, and board member Nancy Salvaggio to learn more about their backstory, their vision for the future, and how their 80-acre sanctuary is using the wisdom of horses and the power of nature to build community. Learn more about Horse Time Center for Equine Collaboration at www.horsetimecec.org.