About Me
I'm Kim Chappell, owner and founder of Chappell Ranch. I have been in the horse business for 29 years, and in the people business just as long.
As an alumni of Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, CA where I earned my BA, working with kids and adults in the role of instructor, facilitator, educator, coach, and consultant is a career woven like a tapestry out of many life experiences.
After years of witnessing the remarkable changes in people in regard to personal growth and development resulting in empowerment by way of the horse, I went back to school at Prescott College in AZ and earned my M.Ed with a concentration in Equine Assisted Learning.
I am a writer and currently write a column for Horse Tales along with other writing projects in the works. I enjoy the creative process of making something out of nothing thus the programs at Chappell Ranch evolve as a need arises.
The programs at Chappell Ranch are wide and varied, but all maintain the same goal of having FUN AND GROWING while working on the ranch and working with horses. I have taught hundreds of kids leadership skills, life skills, work ethic, horsemanship skills, and riding. One of the most important aspects in working with kids is that the instructor must be in inspired so that the learning is inspired. The development of the programs is a direct result of this philosophy.
The programs at Chappell Ranch are wide and varied, but all maintain the same goal of having FUN AND GROWING while working on the ranch and working with horses. I have taught hundreds of kids leadership skills, life skills, work ethic, horsemanship skills, and riding. One of the most important aspects in working with kids is that the instructor must be in inspired so that the learning is inspired. The development of the programs is a direct result of this philosophy.
The art of being an effective coach is the result of being an effective listener; a good communicator; and one who has the ability to embrace all types of kids and adults and in turn address the different styles of learning that each student brings into the arena. I am big on personal growth and it is important to me that the students not only learn about horsemanship, riding, and ranch life, but about themselves as well.
Character building, confidence, and self-esteem, are all aspects of the programs and happens naturally when working with horses. It is a joy to see these kids and adults grow within themselves as a result working at the ranch.
The work ethic is alive and well at the ranch as kids take care of everything from cleaning stalls, feeding, fixing, handling livestock, to doing all things ranch. Working is a good thing and kids learn that! Responsibility, commitment, teamwork, perseverance, honesty, communication, and dependability, are just a handful of the life skills and leadership skills taught here. The value of what happens at the ranch has far reaching effects once the day is done and the kids head home.
EALC (equine assisted learning & coaching) is the field of personal growth and development with the horse as co-coach. The work is done on the ground and/or in the saddle and is something anyone can participate in, not just those interested in horses. The work is expedient, efficient, and effective (The 3E’s) and much ground can be covered as you unlock your potentials and possibilities.
I am always in a constant state of learning as I work with my horses, or as they work with me! It is not only exciting but life changing as the learning is endless. As I share my world with others, it gives me great joy to see students reap the benefits of the programs offered in an environment where life happens!
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