A Quiet Connection with Sugar & Spice

Service Description

Nestled within the magical setting of The Heritage Ranch, children are invited into a quiet, individualized experience with two miniature horses, Sugar & Spice. In this peaceful outdoor space, each child is gently guided to slow down, notice their breath, and become present in their bodies before stepping into the horses' space. Rather than directing or leading the horses, children practice what is called free liberty receiving- allowing Sugar and Spice to move freely and choose how they interact. Horses are remarkably sensitive to human emotion and often mirror the energy we bring into their space, giving children a natural opportunity to explore emotional regulation, confidence, and loving boundaries. As children spend time quietly observing and connecting with the horses, they begin to notice how their calm presence and awareness can shape the interaction. This personal experience nurtures curiosity, empathy, and self-trust while honoring the playful, creative spirit that makes Olivenhain Farms such a special place for children to explore and grow. YOUR FACILITATOR Heather Papandrea Heather is an elementary educator of 25 years, a lifelong horse lover, and a trained horse-guided facilitator. Her specialized training was completed through an immersive month-long program in Costa Rica, working alongside a herd living in Free Liberty- an experience that deepened her understanding of how horses respond to what we feel, not just what we do. Sessions are shaped by this philosophy: when a child slows down and shows up with presence, the horses notice. Heather holds the space so every child feels safe, seen, and free to grow. A new 2026 UC Davis study found that adolescents who spend just three minutes interacting with miniature horses and donkeys reported feeling calmer, less anxious, less sad, and less lonely. Even more interesting, researchers found that the relationship went both ways. Teens learned to notice and respect the animals' body language and choices, suggesting that the connection itself- not simply petting an animal- may be an important part of the benefit. Foster that connection here with Sugar & Spice. $75 for a fully private 1 hour session Please complete this intake form upon booking: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXdbkN7aM6IAWT7McPvXkyiOpYIRmfLrgV1ykHkEWGjSBU0g/viewform Also our waiver: https://bit.ly/RanchWaiver *If you prefer a morning, please email us.