Be Still Ranch is a family owned and operated micro-business that began accidentally. We have relationships with rural communities in Kenya and Uganda. We wanted to increase our giving to help efforts being made in these rural villages. Yet, as a single-income family, living on a horse ranch in California, additional funds were not often available.
When we heard a family member of friends in rural Kenya had an urgent medical need, we began looking for ways to raise money to help them. We decided to hold a trail riding fundraiser with horses and ponies that weekend. The word spread quickly, giving children and adults the opportunity to participate in guided trail rides while partnering with us to help this family. The event was a success and created a lot of heart warming joy to know everyone pulled together to support a family in crisis on the other side of the world.
We relished in the joy, peace and confidence that was deepened in us and everyone else involved. We continued to offer opportunities like this and other activities and realized at one point that we should probably get a business license.
What started as a way to give more to others, grew into being able to give to our horses (providing for horse expenses), which freed up more personal resources and an ability to expand our regular giving to our friends in Kenya, Uganda and additional other local friends and organizations that are dear to our hearts.
We recently had a conversation with a CPA who told us we needed to stop giving so that we could build wealth. That didn’t resonate with who we are or how Be Still Ranch started. While we may not be a non-profit, our ultimate goal is to continue to grow so that we can give more. It’s what we were founded on.
Some of y’all have been with us from the very beginnings, others have joined us more recently. Our gratitude for each of you is resounding.
In 2023, with your help, we were able to give over $5,000 to help others locally and abroad. Thank you for your support of our small business, doing small things to make the world a better place for everyone.
For more information on a way you can partner with one of our friends, Cyprian, please watch this Instagram video and read about the Two Sows and a Boar program:
Miss D
Miss D. started riding horses at around 3 years old. Her daddy would take her to the trails in the Hayward hills in Northern California and she loved it. Sometimes they would have to ride on paved streets, with cars and around blind corners to get to the park trails, but she was oblivious to the risks being taken. Times have changed with cell phones and distracted drivers, but as an adult she now enjoys safe passages to local trails where she is revitalized by nature. Horses instilled a deep joy, peace and confidence in Miss D. during her formative years, which carried over into her adult life. Now that she has horses of her own, she lights up knowing she is helping others (both young and old) grow in their joy, peace and confidence through connecting with horses. Horses never stop teaching us about ourselves. Miss D. loves sharing that with others.
Cowboy Vince
Cowboy Justus
Cowboyo Justus started riding horses when he was 2 years old.
Donations
Partner with us to make a way for a child or family to join an equine activity. You can support our hope to make equines accessible to all social-economical backgrounds. A donation of any size will be used to bring children from organizations we partner with together with equines.