What does the bible say about teamwork?

In 2015 Mike retired from his job in Colorado Springs and relocated to Westcliffe Colorado. As a Viet Nam veteran Mike was diagnosed with PTSD and with the help of a caring Christian counselor with the Vet Center, he was given a grant to attend a weekly equine therapy program at StableStrides in Elbert CO. Mike transferred to the Remount Foundation at the United States Air force Academy where he is still active.

Through the amazing progress this therapy brought about, the exposure to Dave Roever’s Eagles Summit Ranch and being asked by his Veterans Service Officer to open a facility that would bring a resource to Custer County for veterans, Mike considered hosting a similar program in Westcliffe. After being shown a video of the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Oregon and attending the Information Clinic they offered, the dream was set in his heart to open the ranch to veterans, first responders, youth, and families to aid those who are hurting by showing the love and acceptance of Christ using one on one mentorship with horses.

After this time Mike’s youngest son Adam became very passionate about the vision of the Ranch and is the Co-founder of the JS Perfect Peace Ranch. Adam has been a powerful driving force in the ranch’s humble beginnings. Mike with the support and encouragement of the Remount Foundation and the JSPP Ranch program director Rachael Cheeley, Mike and Rachael acquired two certifications through Greg Kersten and OK Coral Series. Troy (Mikes oldest son and also a Veteran) and Adam both play a very significant and supportive role in the forming of this Ranch.

Adam is a Colorado native and became addicted to the outdoors at a young age. He has had a passion for helping our veterans and first responders but didn't know where he would be the most help. He grew up seeing the the effects of PTSD and the toll it takes on families . After Mike started his walk, through equine therapy, and living that change with Mike, he finally knew what God had been calling him to do and to walk that journey with as many veterans and their families as possible and help overcome the devastating effects of PTSD.

Rachael grew up a Navy brat and has been riding since she was 9 years old. Initially trained in English disciplines for the first 5 years of riding, she learned dressage, show jumping, equitation, and gymkhana skills. With experience also in barrel racing, cattle sorting, pole bending, and other western events, it’s hard for her to choose a favorite.

Always involved with different horse rescues, she discovered a soft spot for horses abused, abandoned, and unloved. From off-track thoroughbreds, to mustangs and orphaned foals, she discovered a passion for loving the unloved and teaching horses to trust again.

Soon enough, that became her passion for people as well.

Time and time again, Rachael witnessed horses and humans healing one another, and the magic of the bond they can share when the healing happens together.

She has lived in Colorado since summer of 2019 and now has 2 horses of her own as well as a whole flock of chickens and ducks.