Our Team
Doug and Betsy Cockrell
Founders
Compelled by a desire to share their faith, joy, horses, and passion for the ranching lifestyle, Doug and Betsy launched Abundant Life Ranch in 2010. While the Ranch’s program and impact extend beyond it’s humble beginnings, their passion to see lives changed remains the same.
Today the Ranch hosts people from all backgrounds and beliefs through individual sessions, ongoing group sessions, plus couple and family events. Their desire is for every guest to recognize they are uniquely created with a plan and purpose for their life.
The Four-Legged Team
Many of our guests can identify with our horses and their stories.
Like the participant who said “I identify with Coco because he was a punk and wasn’t. I am a punk and I’m working to not be any longer.”
Visit the ranch and learn the powerful impact of a respectful relationship with our favorite four-legged team.
Coco – the Social Butterfly
Coco is our painted goofball. He is infamous for greeting guests at the fence, licking people like a dog and making funny faces. Disrespectful at first, with time, training and love, he has learned that respect goes two ways. He excels at helping participants feel welcome and to grow as riders.
Rusty – the Introvert
This old sorrel is our favorite introvert. Rusty tends to internalize his emotions by pretending to be fine when he is secretly having a hard time. We love helping our participants learn his quirks and little signs for help as they spend time with him. He excels at taking our riders to new comfort levels.
JD – the Athlete
This old sorrel serves with the best of his heart. Affectionately called Bugsy, JD came to us with lots of focus and skill, but very little social awareness. Since being here, he has learned to adapt to herd life, fallen in love with an uninterested mare and become a staple in our programs.
Grace – the Redemption Story
This gorgeous mare is our one-and-only rescue horse. She came to the ranch with 3 lame feet and a mistrust of humans. As we’ve worked with her we’ve learned to love her sensitivities. She helps participants learn how a gentle, consistent, respectful voice can produce a successful relationship.
Sugar – Sugar and Spice
At a whopping 14.2 hands is our little paint named Sugar. She excels at all things athletic, sporting the prettiest braids, and reminding us it’s important to have people around who help us overcome fear.
Manny – Overcoming the Odds
Manny is our former racehorse with an incredible heart. Known for starting in the back and beating the odds to be in the winner’s circle, he continues to overcome. After 3 hoof surgeries he is still a kid at heart who loves to go and can overcome his fears with a trustworthy human by his side.
Hoss – People Lover
Hoss is an overgrown kid. He’s the first to greet you at the fence, and loves to welcome visitors to the Ranch. As our gentle-giant, he struggles to remember that he can’t treat humans like a horse.
Goose - The Quiet Leader
Goose is a quiet leader whether he tries to be or not. He always rises to the top in any pasture and herd. He is humble, kind, and firm; he is not mean or pushy. Coming to the ranch has been an adjustment for him since he is a no-nonsense type of guy who is dedicated to getting the job done with no emotional attachment, and at the ranch there is a lot of emotional expression from participants, especially little kids who want to love on him.