News

Stories, spotlights, and updates from the Ranch

From horse and volunteer spotlights to community recognition and press features, this is where we share what’s happening at Ivey Ranch. Browse recent stories below, or catch up on past newsletters at the bottom of the page.

Galloping bay horse at Ivey Ranch in Oceanside, CA

Ivey Ranch staff and volunteers stand with a black-and-white paint horse in the arena as two women hold a BIA Cares grant check at Ivey Ranch in Oceanside, CA.

Thank You to BIA Cares and Coleman Dentistry

A BIA Cares grant is supporting the health of our horses, and Coleman Dentistry and the Smiles for Life Foundation have made a generous donation to Ivey Ranch.

Chestnut horse with a white blaze and a rope halter picks up a carrot from a wooden rail

The Carrot Fund: Honoring Luis Rodriguez

Board member Luis Rodriguez brought our horses carrots every Wednesday. The Carrot Fund carries on his tradition and supports future projects at the ranch.

Ivey Ranch Awarded Latham Foundation Grant to Launch Beyond the Barn

A Latham Foundation grant is helping Ivey Ranch launch Beyond the Barn, a new humane education and service-learning program led by our miniature horse Compassion Ambassadors.

Adjusting a horse's headstall at Ivey Ranch in Oceanside, CA

New at Ivey Ranch: The Instructor in Training Series

Ivey Ranch’s new 11-month Instructor in Training series is open to aspiring instructors, volunteers, and anyone curious about therapeutic riding. Next session: October 17.

Meet Laurie Crane-Schmelzer – Board Secretary and Volunteer

From dropping her daughter off at orientation in 2011 to serving as Board Secretary, meet Laurie Crane-Schmelzer, the volunteer behind many of the Ranch’s event photos.

September 2026 Horse and Volunteer Spotlight: Amylynn and Ardmore

Meet Ardmore, our Gypsy Vanner from Ireland, and Amylynn, a volunteer with more than 300 hours who loves grooming his long hair.

Child leading a horse through cones during Equine Assisted Services at Ivey Ranch in Oceanside, CA

Open Gate — A New Path to Ivey Ranch

Thanks to a new grant from Children’s Health Foundation, Ivey Ranch is opening its gates to more North County families — meet us at our September 26 Meet & Greet.

Meet Christina Paad – Care Programs Manager

From volunteer to Care Programs Manager — meet Christina Paad and the path that led her to lead both of Ivey Ranch’s on-site care programs.

Palomino Quarter Horse named Jack standing in paddock at Ivey Ranch in Oceanside, CA

August 2026 Horse and Volunteer Spotlight: Jack, Pat & Debbie, Christa

Meet Jack, our newest Quarter Horse, and the volunteers who keep Ivey Ranch running — Pat, Debbie, and Christa share what keeps them coming back to the barn.

Volunteer Teri standing with retired thoroughbred Island at Ivey Ranch in Oceanside, CA

June 2026 Horse and Volunteer Spotlight: Teri and Island

Meet Island, a retired thoroughbred who’s brought sensitivity and steady support to Ivey Ranch’s therapeutic and equine-assisted programs for years, and Teri, a volunteer since 2019 whose hands-on help—and sponsorship of Island—keeps things running smoothly at the Ranch.

Ivey Ranch Adult Day Program participants hiking through a narrow slot canyon during a community outing

Inside Ivey Ranch’s Adult Day Program

At Ivey Ranch Park Association, we believe that growth doesn’t have an expiration date. Our Adult Day Program (ADP) is built on that belief — offering adults with developmental disabilities…

Tonya Danielly and colleague at the 74th Assembly District Women of the Year recognition event in Oceanside

Tonya Danielly Honored as 74th Assembly District Woman of the Year Nominee

Ivey Ranch Park Association is proud to celebrate our Executive Director, Tonya Danielly, who was nominated for the 2026 Women of the Year Program by Assemblywoman Laurie Davies of the…