Nestled among the rolling fields and woodlands of Caledon, Ontario, Rusty Jade Ranch stands as a testament to the transformative power of connection—between people, animals, and the land itself. Over the past two decades, this family-run ranch has evolved from a simple riding facility into a multifaceted haven of healing, wellness, and community, redefining what it means to find refuge and renewal.
The Roots: A Family’s Vision Takes Shape
Twenty five years ago, Kelly Solowka founded what would become Rusty Jade Ranch, but back then, it was simply known as Stable Relations. Armed with a passion for horses and a deep belief in their therapeutic potential, Kelly set out to create a space where humans could rediscover themselves through meaningful interaction with these majestic animals.
“When I first started the company 20 years ago, there was a lot of issues out there, especially since COVID-19, with people having anxiety and depression and all that kind of stuff,” she said. “Riding horses, isn’t just about riding horses. It’s about making a connection with another being, and they themselves bring so much to us, and our bodies and souls.”
From its inception, the ranch offered more than riding lessons. As the years passed, the facility expanded in both physical footprint and philosophy. Horses were joined by new initiatives, harvesting hay and vegetables, teaching youth about rural life, and more recently, an emphasis on mental wellness and equine-assisted therapy.
The family aspect of the ranch has never been an afterthought. Kelly’s children grew up alongside the horses and the business, learning the rhythms of ranch life and—eventually—contributing their own skills to its growing mission.
“Twenty years ago, there was no iPhones, there weren’t tablets. That’s something that I have a hard time wrapping my head around, but the young people keep me online with that stuff,” Kelly said. “Then Brad’s daughters, they’re also way more advanced in technology. They’re able to speak up and help us try to understand.”
Brad, Kelly’s partner, has also become a central figure in the ranch’s daily life and growth. Together with their blended family, the team is a living example of the inclusive, collaborative spirit they foster at Rusty Jade.
More Than Riding: A Holistic Approach
Rusty Jade Ranch is not just a place to ride horses—it is a place where bodies and spirits are nourished. “We’re not just doing the riding stuff. The ranch itself is developing into some good stuff like healthy eating, wellness being,” Kelly said. “My vision is not just to give riding lessons, what I teach I’m more of a therapist. The children will tell me all kinds of stuff and what’s happening at home or if they’re upset and the horse absorbs that as well and gives back to them. They do the same thing for the adults as well.”
The ranch’s daily operations are evidence of this holistic approach. Besides their stables, they harvest their own hay and vegetables, teaching young people to “get their hands dirty” and learn the values of hard work and cooperation.
And while agriculture has historically been a male-dominated field, Rusty Jade’s team is nearly all women.
“It’s pretty much an all-girl operation,” said Kelly. “I think girls can do so much more than they’re ever given credit for. Typically, farm work in the past has always been a male dominated thing. There’s more and more females getting into it.”
Healing in Motion:
The Expansion of Equine Therapy
While Rusty Jade Ranch has always believed in the healing powers of horses, its evolution into a center for equine-assisted therapy was propelled by both need and opportunity. The ranch now works with a variety of therapists and organizations, offering specialized sessions for first responders, people with mental health challenges, and groups seeking deeper connection.
Christina Crowe, a registered psychotherapist and founder of Dig A Little Deeper, brings a unique perspective to Rusty Jade Ranch. She provides Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) for those seeking a less traditional, more experiential approach to mental health treatment.
“There is research supporting EAP as a supportive or adjunct treatment option for common mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, complex grief, ADHD and PTSD,” Crowe said. “These ranch sessions can be the final ah-ha that may have been missing in previous therapy sessions. As a therapist who also has ADHD, I know first hand some people learn better side by side, or prefer to be on their feet, rather than sitting, face to face in a session room. Whether it’s the novelty or the dynamic nature of the ranch, I’ve watched my clients learn things about themselves in just one or two sessions that may have taken five or six psychodynamic-type sessions to get to in the office.”
Brad said Christina came to them and asked if they wanted to collaborate using horses for equine therapy for clients.
“Who she’s been booking varies, mostly a lot of first responders, and more or less one on one, but it’s been popular. We’ve had a lot of success with it. From everything I’ve gathered, not being in an office environment with therapist, being on the farm, it seems to make talking easier. When horses interact, it brings another level to the game.”
The ranch works with a wide variety of clients, including children with cerebral palsy, autistic individuals, and groups from organizations like SNAP Mimico.
“It’s really great for them mentally, physically, everything for these people. They’ve dealt with car accident victims,” Brad said. “Horses can teach people how to communicate, to receive their therapy.
Safety and expertise are paramount. For Dig A Little Deeper, Rusty Jade trained Christina and a couple of staff on horse etiquette. They had to use horses and the facility in a safe manner.
Boots on the Ground:
Recharge Days for First Responders
One of the ranch’s flagship collaborations is with Boots on the Ground (BOTG), an organization supporting first responders through peer support and wellness programs. Together, they’ve launched the First Responder Recharge Day—a monthly event where 10 first responders spend a day at the ranch, unplugged from their demanding roles.
Dave McLelland, BOTG leader, describes the experience as hosting a First Responder Recharge Day at the ranch.
“It’s a chance for first responders to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy a stress-free day away from work,” he said. “There’s no agenda or pressure — just time to relax, explore new experiences, and enjoy the peace of the ranch. While many programs focus on therapy and clinical support, this day is all about rest, fun, and community in a calm, welcoming environment.”
The program, launched in May 2025, has quickly become a cornerstone of Rusty Jade’s therapeutic offerings. Each session has been incredibly well-received, with first responders leaving feeling refreshed, supported, and grateful for the opportunity to unwind in a stress-free environment.
The partnership grew organically out of shared values.
“Last year, we hosted a Boots on the Ground (BOTG) managers’ retreat at the ranch, and it turned out to be a truly memorable day,” McLelland said. “That’s where we met Brad and Kelly — two incredible people who made the experience even more special. The day was peaceful, grounding, and exactly what we all needed. Later, Brad joined us at another event and brought some of the ranch’s horses, which sparked a great conversation about how powerful a day like that could be for First Responders. From there, we reconnected with Brad and Kelly, and together we created this program — a chance for First Responders to recharge, reset, and enjoy a day of rest at the ranch.”
The program’s intention is clear and simple. The idea for the program came from recognizing a real need for a safe space for First Responders to come together, away from the pressures of their daily work.
“We wanted to create a non-clinical, supportive environment where they could simply relax, unwind, and enjoy themselves without the weight of stress. This is a place to find peace, community, and a chance to recharge — all on their own terms,” McLelland said.
The day is designed around freedom and comfort. Every month, BOTG brings 10 First Responders to the ranch for a day of relaxation and connection. Brad, Kelly, and their team lead the day’s activities, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. Additionally, BOTG provides a peer supporter who stays with the group throughout the day, offering guidance and ensuring everyone feels comfortable and supported.
And feeling comfortable and supported is what Brad and Kelly ensure.
While the ranch itself is peaceful, serene, a call back to the Evergreen forest and simpler times, it is also a difficult place, full of hard work, large animals, and infinite possibilities. And it is the people that make it a place where others can find peace.
While they would give all the credit to the ranch, the land, and the animals, it is the stewards of Rusty Jade that make it so welcoming. Just watch out for that first handshake.
It’s a doozy.