Our Story
Founded in the spring of 2015 and set within 40 serene, wooded acres in Lowell, MI, The Barn for Equine Learning is a place where people come to connect, learn, and grow in a peaceful sanctuary. It offers an environment that encourages staying present. Like many who visit, The Barn has experienced its share of hardship, healing, growth, and transformation. It began humbly, with no barn at all—just a grassy field, a trailer as a hitching post, and trails for an arena. In that first year, The Barn overcame obstacles and realized its first dream: building a beautiful barn to house its beloved horses. This space soon became a vital meeting place, providing a dry refuge during spring rains and a warm shelter for the horses through Michigan’s cold winters.
In April 2017, The Barn faced a devastating tragedy—a fire that claimed the original barn and the lives of thirteen cherished horses. The loss was profound for all involved, including the community members impacted by The Barn's programs and its horses. But the deep need for The Barn’s programs in the community helped drive a path forward, sparking the resilience to rebuild.
With overwhelming support from the community, along with determination and grit, The Barn rose from the ashes and resumed its vital mission. Our herd has since grown, welcoming horses in need of a safe home and those suited to meet the wide-ranging needs of our programs. Today, our herd is a unique and dynamic team, whether standing calmly for a child overcoming a fear of horses or carrying an experienced rider over jumps. The Barn for Equine Learning stands as a testament to hope, healing, and the enduring power of connection.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We are committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion through our programs and the way we welcome every person who walks through The Barn doors.
Our vision and mission reflect our fundamental belief that all people belong here and deserve fairness, equal participation, access to services and inclusivity. We will not tolerate discrimination, biases, harassment, or bullying of any kind. Regardless of race, socio-economic status, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, or marital status, we are an organization that celebrates the diversity of our community.
The Barn is proactive in reaching out to diverse populations, such as residential programs for youth in foster care, residents living in assisted living, people living in poverty and those experiencing developmental/physical disabilities.
The Barn incorporates DEI practices into every program we run. Through the You Belong Here programs, we offer experiences that range from increasing horsemanship and riding skills, deepening mindfulness and enriching lives through counseling services. You Belong Here includes riding lessons, herd meditation, therapy services, community events, youth summer camps and more.
The Barn also offers Strong Futures through Equine Connections, which provides pro bono and low cost services to individuals and organizations experiencing financial hardship so that everyone can have access to impactful equine programming. Equine programs and mental health services have often been accessible to primarily affluent populations, but The Barn recognizes the importance of making equine services available to all. Additionally, due to The Barn’s rural location, the mental health services provided at The Barn offer access in an area with limited counseling services available.