In this inspiring episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Melissa Connor, Executive Director of Renew Therapeutic Riding Center in Holland, Michigan. Recorded just weeks after Rupert visited the center, this conversation highlights what it takes to create a truly horse-centered therapeutic program—where equine well-being is as prioritized as human healing.

Melissa shares her decades-long journey through the equine-assisted services field, how she shaped a program with excellence in horse care, and the practical systems Renew uses to maintain a thriving herd of 22 horses. From rider conditioning and pasture management to financial sustainability and healthy organizational culture, Melissa offers a rare, transparent view into what truly ethical equine-assisted work looks like behind the scenes.

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✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Creating a Culture of Equine Well-Being (Starts at 01:00)

• Why therapeutic horses deserve the same quality of care as competition horses
• How listening to horses and honoring their vocation sets the foundation
• The importance of movement, friendship, and forage (the three F’s)

Evolving Out of the "Donated Horse" Mentality (Starts at 09:00)

• Melissa’s early experiences with horses in Virginia
• Why therapeutic programs shouldn’t accept broken-down or unsuitable horses
• How to reframe our value system when it comes to horses in service

Setting Standards for Horse Acceptance & Retirement (Starts at 20:00)

• How Renew handles free leases and vet care caps
• Why written agreements and ongoing owner relationships are critical
• What happens when retirement is needed—but the owner steps back

Toplines, Thriving, and Conditioning (Starts at 29:00)

• Rupert’s reaction to seeing three glowing, fit therapy horses
• The conditioning system at Renew: riding, groundwork, and professional lessons
• Why not all conditioning needs to involve riding—and how Teke work will integrate

Time Management & Staff Structure (Starts at 37:00)

• How Renew blocks out weekly time for horse conditioning
• Using shared digital logs and notes to communicate across staff
• Why excellence in horsemanship is a hiring priority

Finding Skilled Riders for Conditioning (Starts at 41:00)

• Where and how Renew recruits advanced, balanced riders
• Why setting the bar high helps attract the right people
• Building a team of instructors with both equestrian and teaching skills

Turning Horses Out—Even in Michigan Winters (Starts at 47:00)

• How Renew designed their pastures and shelter for 24/7 turnout
• The mental and physical benefits of herd life and freedom to move
• Managing blankets, individualized care, and daily wellness checks

Funding a High-Standard Therapeutic Program (Starts at 56:00)

• Renew’s journey from a small leased parcel to a built-from-scratch facility
• Strategies that work: storytelling, Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary clubs
• Why inviting donors to the farm changes everything

Community Culture, Conflict & Longevity (Starts at 1:10:00)

• How Renew fosters staff cohesion, continued education, and joy at work
• Melissa’s perspective on conflict resolution and non-toxic leadership
• Building systems that ensure sustainability beyond one leader

The Future of Equine Assisted Services (Starts at 1:33:00)

• Why mentorship is urgently needed in our fast-growing field
• Recruiting not just horse people, but professionals in governance and finance
• Melissa’s dream: long-term impact and positive life change with every ride

🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• Rupert’s reaction to seeing perfect toplines on therapy horses (29:00)
• Why “the barns are for humans, not horses” (07:00)
• Melissa’s powerful response to someone offering broken equipment (14:00)
• The reality of owners not reclaiming their horses after years in service (22:00)
• One donor’s lunch meeting that became the start of Renew’s land purchase (1:05:00)

🤝 Connect with Melissa Connor & Renew TRC: 
Website: https://renewtrc.org 
Facebook: https://facebook.com/renewtrc 
Instagram: https://instagram.com/renewtrc

🌐 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: 
Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com 
Equine-Assisted Programs: https://newtrailslearning.com

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