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

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…

Kim Prince receives the Volunteer of the Year award from the North County Philanthropy Council at Ivey Ranch Park Association

Volunteer of the Year – Kim Prince

We are proud to celebrate Kim Prince, who was recently honored by the North County Philanthropy Council as Ivey Ranch Park’s, Volunteer of the Year. Kim’s outstanding dedication has spanned…

March 2026 Horse and Volunteer Spotlight: Amy and Tia

Amy You can find Amy at the ranch on Saturday mornings, ready to help with any task that needs completing, from mucking stalls, leading and side walking in lessons, mentoring…

Volunteer Ann H. and Belgian Draft Horse Sasha

Horse and Volunteer Spotlight – Ann H. and Sasha

Ann H. You can catch Ann over on the North Side, dutifully volunteering Tuesdays and Thursdays during Grooming Gang. A volunteer since 2021, Ann has spent 650 hours taking care…