The Conversation: Healing Through Horses: Peace Ranch | Jackie Kaschel and Kim Walton

In this episode, Christal sits down with Peace Ranch Founder Jackie Kaschel and Executive Director Kim Walton to explore how horses help people heal when words fall short. Together, they unpack the origins of Peace Ranch, the science behind equine-assisted trauma recovery, and the profound ways horses mirror human emotion to restore trust, calm, and safety.

Jackie shares how Peace Ranch has grown over 15 years into a nationally recognized model, while Kim reflects on her diverse background with land stewardship and wild horse programs — and what brought her back to Northern Michigan. The conversation also previews Peace Ranch's new retreat center, designed for deeper healing experiences for families, veterans, first responders, and more.

A hopeful, heartfelt look at trauma, resilience, and the human-horse connection — and the community that makes it possible.