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Who We Are

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Second Chance Ranch, an award winning 501c3 nonprofit organization, has served the community since 1999. We hold the record for the largest and longest standing canine and equine rehabilitation and training/behavior modification program in the Pacific Northwest before transitioning into an Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning (EAPL) program in 2012.

 

Our services offer a dual impact; we provide a platform for mental health professionals in the Inland Northwest to incorporate Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) into their existing treatment program.  ​Additionally, we offer two other programs open to the community: a youth program and a military support group and art class.

The dynamic collaboration between mental health professional and equine specialist expands the role horses play in education, mental health and overall well-being.  A special collection of distinguished retired sport horses at SCR provide an adjunct alternative to conventional talk therapy for both therapist, or families visiting independently. 

 

Our Executive Director, Katie Merwick, is available to facilitate the visits. Katie has enjoyed more than 43 years as a successful Animal Behaviorist, trainer and author. As Founder and visionary, Katie has served on the board of SCR since 1999.  Therapist who have extensive equine experience may opt to handle their sessions privately.  Our learning philosophy used to instruct the horsemanship part of the program is based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – a modernized type of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and fundamental psychology. The developmental processes that include emotional behavior, self-control, perceptual, and cognitive development and sequential learning.

 

Notably, SCR is the exclusive provider of EAP in Washington that welcomes any licensed professional to participate in this transformative process.  With a genuinely creative and customizable program used in tandem with existing treatment plans, it allows overwhelmed mental health professionals with a vital outlet to connect with their most challenging clients.

 

We are passionately committed to equipping mental health professionals with the tools and knowledge to cultivate and advance the next generation of mental health care. Our mission is to provide vital support to young people and military communities through the transformative power of equine therapy.

 

EAP harnesses the profound therapeutic power of horses and presents a holistic approach to building resilience in families and combatting the adverse health and behavioral effects of trauma and toxic stress. We firmly believe that nurturing creative learning environments leads to tangible outcomes, including increased confidence, heightened motivation and engagement, and the development of essential social, emotional, and critical thinking skills.

Our services are accessible to the community at no cost when enrolled through their therapist. We are sustained by the generous support of our program partners, public donations, and grants to continue our vital work.



Read more about our programs and how Equine Assisted Therapy (EAPL) works 
 

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The History of Second Chance Ranch

Second Chance Ranch received it’s nonprofit 501c3 status in 1999. SCR Founder, Katie Merwick, has devoted her adult life to professional animal welfare, as a behaviorist, trainer (including animal actor training), caretaker, specializing in physical and behavioral rehabilitation.

 

As the Pacific Northwest’s first cage and kennel free, no-kill animal rescue for dogs and horses, SCR pioneered the now popular trend of rehabilitation in a home environment for dogs and use of a foster home network. SCR holds the record for the largest and longest standing canine and equine rehabilitation and adoptive program in the Pacific Northwest before transitioning into an equine assisted psychotherapy program in 2012.

 

SCR was the first to implement many of the adoption policies and shelter guidelines that are standard today. Using her unique insight and training from The Pacific Institute, she  incorporates and applies animal psychology into her training and rehabilitation of both domestic animals and wildlife. Katie has pioneered many innovative solutions for helping homeless animals and providing education to the community.

 

Methods implemented to train or instruct animals are based on the concepts of fundamental psychology; the cognitive developmental processes that include emotional behavior, self-control, perceptual, and sequential learning.  Katie was one of the first to utilize positive reinforcement with associative and cognitive learning along with sequential learning in animal training. 

SCR primarily works with sport horses in transition or enrolled in our retirement program.  We are proudly the Northwest’s first 501c3 rehabilitation and transitional facility exclusive to Thoroughbreds, with occasional exception to warmbloods and quarter horses.  SCR has made an impact on the lives of horses and their owners in our community through direct intervention, education, and community outreach. 

In 2012 SCR announced a shift in the mission to discontinue adoptions and operate as a sanctuary to further develop an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program, “Leading with Horses."  This change came in part to keep up with the current needs of our community.  The necessity for mental health programs cannot be overstated.  Katie wanted to demonstrate the value of horses beyond the show ring or as a backyard pet.  She felt that SCR could be more productive in helping both the equine population and the community by giving them a job!  This program was also intended to supplement the budget. 
 

As a nonprofit organization, Second Chance Ranch's primary funding comes from grants, private donations, and fundraisers. Our progress and contribution to the community is ongoing, and always flexible to meet the current mental health needs in our community.  We depend on the support and generosity of the community to deliver an outstanding mental health solution and opportunity. 

A few of our accomplishments; 

  • More than 2,500 dogs and horses have been rehabilitated, trained and adopted into forever homes
     

  • Over 500 additional animals have been rehomed through our virtual placement program. 

 

  • SCR pioneered many of today's standard practices in the animal welfare industry;
     

  • The first (at least in Washington and Oregon) to use legally written contracts for animal adoption and fostering, and to provide/share generic documents for others in the industry to use;
     

  • The first to use and promote a cage and kennel-free environment at home for the rehabilitation and re-homing of shelter animals (beginning in 1982);
     

  • A nonprofit that provided professional training and behavior work to rehabilitate in a home environment;
     

  • The first to create a safe network of foster homes with guidelines;
     

  • Katie Merwick was one of the first (at least in the PNW) to introduce the same cognitive science and positive reward theories as with teaching humans to training dogs and horses. 

  • 2000 -  A recipient of the National American Red Cross “Hero of the Year” award for [Katie's] work in animal nonprofit welfare
     

  • 2008 - The first and only Special Achievement Award from the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Association for her [Katie's] work with off the track Thoroughbreds
     

  • 2011 - The first Charlynn Taketa award from the Thoroughbred Exhibitor’s Association for SCR's contribution to thoroughbred rehabilitation
     

  • 2019, 2020, 2021 - Awarded the "Guardian" status by the EQUUS Foundation for transparency and work in equine therapy. 
     

  • 2019 Thoroughbred of the Year award - won by equine coach, Bruce, for his work in equine therapy.  This award was from the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP).
     

  • 2020  Equine Coach and Artiste, Bruce, inducted to The Horse Stars Hall of Fame by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)
     

  • 2020 - 2023 Awarded the GuideStar Platinum Seal

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