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Katie Merwick
Executive Director, Second Chance Ranch

Second Chance Ranch is a nonprofit that I founded in 1999. I have also enjoyed a 43 year career as an animal behaviorist, trainer/animal actor trainer and author.  Prior to forming SCR, I worked in the Executive offices of Microsoft as support to the senior CEO team.

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Proposal For Property Lease

I am excited to introduce you to Second Chance Ranch, an award-winning nonprofit with an impactful mission. This is more than just a sanctuary for retired sport horses, it’s a dedicated space that enriches the lives of individuals through our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program (EAP). Importantly, we want to clarify that we are *not* a rescue. We have a finite number of professionally trained horses who contribute to our vision of healing and growth. Our programs are non-riding. 

Over the span of 27 years I have purchased, remodeled, and sold five equestrian properties in the Pacific Northwest as part of a long-term plan to expand our business.  In 2018 I purchased our current property located in Spokane, Washington for $250K. After adding $600K in capital improvements, it will be listed this month for $915,000.

OUR FACILITY REQUIREMENTS 

  • Minimum 20 - 40 *safely* fenced acres (no barbed wire). Cross-fencing a plus.

  • Must be free of soil diseases such as strangles and no exposure to Virus' EHV-1 and 4.

  • Small home or cottage

  • Indoor Arena - preferably 60 x 120

  • Stables with minimum 6+ stalls

  • Pasture run-in sheds

  • Finished feed and tack room(s)

  • Hay and bedding storage

  • Located within 10 minutes of a major highway and 30 minutes to town


3 to 5 YEAR PLAN
This transition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Second Chance Ranch. I am eager to relocate SCR to Oregon State, drawn by its lush landscapes, vibrant and forward-thinking mental health community, and the many colleagues and collaborators I have residing in the state.

 

The sale of our Spokane property will relieve us of debt, cover relocation costs, and  provide several years of financial security. Oregon is where we will continue our legacy of cultivating and advancing the next generation of mental health by expanding the role equines play in well-being solutions.

 

A 2-5 year lease, with or without an option to buy, will allow us the flexibility to ensure our new location is ideal for our operational needs before committing to a purchase in this region. We are prepared to offer one year's lease payment upfront and maintain full business and property insurance. 


If the Oregon community works as well as I anticipate, we will then seek to purchase a property in partnership with our collaborators. 


OUR PROGRAM
The services we offer:

  • An Equine Assisted Psychotherapy platform for licensed professionals (non-riding, no mounted therapy).
    Due to the sensitivity of HIPAA regulations, we have minimal traffic. No boarders. Limited social events. 
     

  • Equine and Canine Behavior Modification (NO Boarding). Most of this work is done at the client's location.

 

At Second Chance Ranch, we believe in the transformative power of connection that horses provide between past experiences and future aspirations. Our mission is about healing, growth, and the invaluable lessons we learn from these magnificent beings. Each horse has a story, and together, we create new stories of hope and resilience through our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program.


SCR has a stellar reputation for developing innovative and pioneering ideas.  Our programs have served as a model for other organizations to emulate. My extensive experience in farming and equestrian practices enhances our ability to enrich every property we occupy.

Worth noting; our liability risk is greatly reduced as riding horses is not part of our program, and we are not liable for medical malpractice associated with EAP.  SCR is *not* offering mental health services, but providing a space for licensed/insured/bonded professionals to collaborate. We have a variety of liability releases that we use, in addition to proof that the mental health professional is insured for remote sessions.  In 26 years, we have not had one single insurance claim or even an unreported incident, underscoring our commitment to maintaining a safe space for both humans and horses. 

BUSINESS PLAN​ OVERVIEW - EIN 91-1999946

Available Upon Request;

  • 990's and financial portfolio

  • References in both WA and OR

Contact

1810 W Paradise Road, Spokane, WA  99224
PO Box 19602, Spokane, WA 99219

425-443-4638

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