Who We Are

Our Story

In 2005, Jackie, an Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC) was doing her Clinical Pastoral Education as a way to help her discern a path forward with her ministry work. As part of that learning, Jackie took a unit that included Equine Facilitated Learning and says she, “got hooked!” She ended up doing four units of training with the horses and found that “over and over again, the horses taught me something about myself that I couldn’t necessarily see, and they helped me uncover some of my own wisdom that I had somehow been blocking.” She knew that someday, she would be doing this work helping others through equine-facilitated learning. Along the way, she acquired a couple of horses to become a better horse person, and in 2015, she did a certification program for Equine Coaching. She started Dancing Spirit in 2016. Jackie says that she, “loves helping people on their personal journey and on their spiritual journey.”

I know that horses can help us see ourselves in a whole different way. They have this beautiful way of being in the world that we can learn from, and emulate, I love bringing that to people to see how it can help with healing and with growth. That’s what I do and I love it.

I create space for people to have an experience with the horse by asking curious questions, such as: What might you be learning? What is the horse trying to tell you? What is the horse showing you today? We create experiences with the horses, whether with individuals or in groups, so that people can look within themselves, and access what they already know within themselves, their own truths…which can lead to healing.

~Jackie Hibbard

Founder

Our Philosophy

Meet Our Family

Sweetie

Sweetie is a 22 year old quarter horse. Sweetie has a wonderful, giving, kind loving spirit. She became the lead mare of our herd after her mama died and has stepped into that role in her own unique and beautiful way. She loves to teach people and invites each person who interacts with her to be present and authentic. She can push boundaries too!

Bonnie & Clyde

Bonnie & Clyde joined us in July 2017 after being rescued by Acres of Opportunity Ranch. Bonnie is sweet and full of spunk. She doesn't trust easily but when she does, she's a lover. Clyde is funny, mischievous, and loves to be groomed. They may be miniature horses, but don't let their small stature fool you, they can teach just as well as any bigger sized horse!

Anu

Anu is a 19 year old Appaloosa Gelding who joined our herd in Fall 2022. He is a survivor and loves to help people. He invites those who interact with him to be fully present and aware.

Jackie Hibbard

Jackie Hibbard is an Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC). Her ministry is expansive beyond the walls of a building and offers progressive perspectives in viewing God and theology. She invites Spirit to dance with, through, in, and among herself and others so that everyone can live their best life.

Her life purpose is to accompany people on their life journey to experience freedom and joy inviting their light and soul to shine brightly. She holds sacred space and is a courageous leader, cheerleader, and partner. Jackie is committed to expanding her own heart and spiritual life, while nurturing natural gifts and talents in herself and in others, to create a world that is loving and just for all.

Jackie has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and received a Master of Divinity degree from Iliff School of Theology. She is a graduate of The Academy for Coaching with Horses and holds Advanced Facilitator status. She also received a certificate in spiritual leadership and trauma-informed soul care (aka Spiritual Direction) from Restoring Connections. In her professional career, she has worked in Volunteer Management, Hospice Chaplaincy, Hospice Leadership, Campus Ministry, Camping Ministry, and Education (all levels).

Currently, she is the Owner and Coach of Dancing Spirit Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching and partners with Horse to offer individual and group coaching sessions, workshops, and retreats. In addition, she is the Associate Pastor at Community United Church of Christ in Boulder where she leads and collaborates with Pastoral Care, Adult Exploration, and Worship. She volunteers with Wide Spaces Community Initiative in Lyons, CO, and is a former member of the Board of Directors for Boulder’s Interfaith Network for Mental Illness (INMI).

Jackie lives in the foothills of Lyons, CO with her wife, dog, cats, chickens, and horses and feels blessed to live on beautiful, sacred land with spectacular views and an amazing variety of plants, bushes, and sage. It is common for deer, elk, rabbits, dozens of bird species, and the occasional bobcat to visit the property.

Our Location

Nestled into the foothills of Lyons, Colorado within minutes of Boulder and Longmont

876 Stagecoach Trail

Lyons, CO 80540