Where Horses Heal, and Purpose Begins

A nonprofit Equine-Assisted Therapy ranch where healing is both structured and soulful.

Joy4Life is a nonprofit ranch where healing is both structured and soulful. We serve children, teens, and young adults with autism, mental health challenges, and emotional trauma—offering equine-assisted therapy, life coaching, and skill-building programs designed to nurture emotional resilience, purpose, and joy.

At the center of it all are horses—nature’s most intuitive healers. Some are rescues, given a second chance of their own. With licensed therapists, mentors, and trusted guides, we create more than therapy—we create lives worth waking up for.

OUR MISSION

Meet Peter Ellis

Former King’s Guard & British Army

Director of Ranch & Program Development

Black and white photo of a young man , Peter Ellis in British military uniform holding a sword and a ceremonial helmet with an ornate crest, standing in a dimly lit setting.

Internationally recognized for his service in the King’s Guard and his viral acts of kindness, Peter Ellis brings unmatched compassion, horsemanship, and heart to Joy for Life.

He leads the daily operations of our ranch, trains our therapy horses, and works one-on-one with participants—helping each one rise with structure, purpose, and dignity.

WHAT WE OFFER

Equine-Assisted Therapy — professional, relationship-based care with measurable outcomes.

Purposeful Ranch Work — Meaningful paid roles that help participants build structure, confidence, and pride in their contribution.

Life Skills, Mentorship, & Mental Health Support — licensed clinicians and mentors guiding growth.

Structure, Accountability, & Belonging — daily routines, responsibility, and a true community.

WHY HORSES

Horses are exquisitely attuned to human emotion. Their calm, responsive presence helps regulate stress, build trust, and model healthy boundaries—without words. On our ranch, horses aren’t props; they’re partners in healing.

Reduction of Stress via Cortisol in Children

A 2014 pediatric study at the University of Washington found that equine-facilitated learning significantly reduced cortisol levels in children, alongside improvements in social skills, self-esteem, self-control, communication, and respect for others.

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Adolescents

A 2024 literature review of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) demonstrated effectiveness in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents, and its potential utility for PTSD in first responders and individuals with substance use disorders.

Improved Mental Health in ADHD Children

A 2023 study involving children with ADHD showed that equine-assisted therapy boosted self-esteem and executive function—a key mental health metric.

WELCOME TO OUR HEALING RANCH

Joy4Life is a living, working sanctuary. Participants will care for horses, engage in meaningful paid ranch work, and receive structured equine-assisted therapy in a place designed to cultivate stability, purpose, and hope.

Sunrise over a foggy field with trees on both sides and a wire fence in the foreground.
A scenic view of a farm with cows grazing on grass, trees in the foreground and background, and distant mountains under a clear sky.
Four horses grazing in a fenced pasture with trees and rolling hills in the background.
A black horse running in a grassy field with trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
A black horse frolicking in a sandy outdoor riding arena with trees and a wooden fence in the background.
An outdoor equestrian jumping arena at dusk, with agility obstacles and a tent in the background, surrounded by a fence and tall trees.
Person riding a horse in an outdoor riding arena during sunset, surrounded by pine trees.
An outdoor fenced arena with a sand or gravel surface, surrounded by a forest of tall deciduous and evergreen trees.
Gravel trail in a forested park with trees on both sides, a gate at the end of the trail, grassy areas, and partial shade from trees.
Outdoor horse riding arena surrounded by trees, with a small enclosed shelter on the right, and a dirt path with a wooden fence on the front left.
A black horse galloping in a round outdoor enclosure with a wooded background and a small shelter building. The horse has green decorative bows in its mane.
Close-up of a black horse with a harness and bridle, standing outdoors in a forested area with blurred trees in the background.

BOARD & ADVISORS

  • Nicole M Hopman — President & Founder

  • Ryan L Hopman, Ph.D. — Co-Founder / Strategic Advisor

  • Peter Ellis — Director of Ranch & Program Development

  • Warner Knickrhem — Director of Land Management

  • Mason Azose — Vice President, J.P. Morgan Private Bank; Strategic Financial Advisor

  • Montecito Concierge Medicine — Clinical Partner

  • BestMind Behavioral Health — Clinical Partner

  • Nick Gower, Esq. — Civil Litigation & Formation Counsel

  • Jonathan J. Cavanagh, Esq. — Regulatory & Business Oversight

GET INVOLVED

Donate — Fuel therapy, housing, and paid ranch work.

Volunteer — Barn support, events, and mentorship.

Sponsor — Underwrite a horse, program, or resident.

What people are saying.

  • "My son struggled for years with anxiety and autism. After just a few months in equine therapy here, he has more confidence than I ever imagined possible. The horses brought out a calm in him no medication ever could."

    — Sarah Thompson, Parent

  • “Working with Joy for Life completely changed my recovery journey. The structure of the ranch, the guidance of the team, and especially the bond with the horses gave me purpose and focus again.”

    — James Rodriguez, Program Participant

  • “As a mental health professional, I’ve referred several families here. The results are consistent—children and teens open up, build resilience, and find joy through their work with the horses. This program is a true gift to our community.”

    — Dr. Emily Carter, Child Psychologist