Our Story
Richard’s Story…
I came from a background of turmoil. In my early childhood, I experienced violence, the divorce of my parents, and many kinds of emotional pain. Growing up in a city in southern California, I witnessed first hand the devastating affects and scars left behind by the brutality of gang and mafia warfare.
From the time I was a small child, all I ever wanted to be was a cowboy who helped people. My friends knew they could count on me, but the cruelty I experienced created much bitterness and anger in my heart.
God got my attention in a dramatic way. I had a supernatural experience that forced me to choose between God and the lies of this world. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 22. Knowing I was forgiven of all my sins allowed me to begin on the road to healing.
I was able to forgive myself and let God heal my heart so I could find peace.
My greatest desire is to lead others to the same healing and peace I have experienced.
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Jeannette’s Story…
I grew up on my family’s farm in Connecticut. My mom knew before I was a year old that I would never outgrow my love for horses. The horse I was given when I was ten was my best friend and shoulder to cry on throughout my teenage years.
As far back as I can remember classmates always knew me as a compassionate listener to their problems. One year I went with my family on a wilderness pack trip for our vacation. It was then that I knew I wanted to work with horses and people for my life long career.
I had a fairly normal childhood, but like most children, I ended up repeating family sins. Even though I grew up going to church, I never truly understood the gift of Jesus until I was 22.
I realized I would perpetuate the family baggage and continue in selfishness without the strength and forgiveness of God. So I began on a journey of healing and allowing God to cultivate my gift of compassion.
My passion is sharing my love of horses and God’s creation with everyone.
Our Story…
We met in college while studying horses and guest ranching. Richard previously worked a few years on a psychology degree, but then chose to pursue his dream to be a cowboy.
Jeannette, as valedictorian, was pushed to go to a prestigious university, but remained true to her dream to share horses with people, thus we ended up at the same college.
After college we were married. Together we worked on several guest ranches as program leaders, lived at hunting camps, worked on horse farms, and helped at a therapeutic riding facility.
Jeannette started a horse training and lessons business, while Richard acted as the behavior specialist at a school for adjudicated youth.
In our marriage we experienced financial hardship, illness, major injuries, and the pain of combined and un-dealt-with baggage. We sought out biblical counseling and were given practical tools to allow healing in our lives, thus blessing our marriage.
Throughout the years, God has faithfully sent people into our lives to remind us and encourage us to follow our dreams. This support gave us a great desire to “pay forward” the kindness we received and…
God ultimately revealed to us the calling of Hearts Up Ranch.
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Thank You to our faithful Board Members without which Hearts Up Ranch could not exist…
* Kelsey Hester – private sector development, (currently deployed)
* Jay Allen – fly fishing guide, program developer
* Ed Kennedy – pastor of Motherlode Church, outdoor enthusiast
