Speaking & Interviews
Betsy Cockrell
Doug Cockrell
Doug & Betsy Cockrell
Doug and Betsy are the co-founders of Abundant Life Ranch, a horse ministry tucked into California’s Central Valley that helps women, men, youth, and couples grow in communication, trust, and respect. What began in 2010 as “let’s see what God might do with a few horses and some kids” has become a place where people from all kinds of backgrounds come to work through fear, heal from hurt, and practice healthier ways of relating, with God and with each other.
They don’t show up as polished experts with all the answers. They show up as two people who have walked through deep brokenness in their own marriage and have seen, firsthand, the redemptive power of Christ when a couple chooses to stay, forgive, and rebuild. Their stories weave together scripture, real moments from the Ranch (including plenty of dirt, manure, and trailer drama), and practical tools that help people connect the dots between what they see in the arena and what they’re living at home.
Before Abundant Life Ranch was even an idea, Doug and Betsy were already sharing stories of how God meets people in ordinary places—barn aisles, dusty arenas, kitchen tables. Today, their favorite thing is inviting others into those same kinds of stories and helping them see how God uses the ranching lifestyle to restore hearts and relationships.
If you’d like Doug and Betsy to speak at your church, retreat, conference, nonprofit event, or podcast, the easiest way to start the conversation is to email connect@abundantliferanchca.com and let us know what you’re dreaming up. We read every request, pray over it, and get back to you as soon as we can.
What they love to talk about
Doug and Betsy can tailor their talks for churches, retreats, leadership gatherings, married couples, women’s groups, and ministry teams. Here are a few of their favorite themes:
- The message of the book
Doug and Betsy love pulling back the curtain on the stories behind the pages of thier book Small Yes, Big God: How God Uses Broken Pieces for Purpose. Drawing from how God met them in their own “perfect storms,” the way horses helped surface what was really happening in people’s relationships, and how the Ranch moved from a simple idea to a full ministry. This is a great fit if you want them to speak while also highlighting the book. - Restoring relationships when you’re worn out and out of ideas
Many couples arrive at the Ranch feeling like they’ve tried everything. Doug and Betsy share honestly about their own marriage story and walk listeners through practical, hope-filled ways God can rebuild trust, even when it feels like there’s nothing left. They talk about pressure and release, nagging and shutdown, and how small shifts in communication can change the entire tone of a relationship. - Using the ranching lifestyle to teach communication, trust, and respect
This message takes what happens in the arena—pressure, release, body language, boundaries—and connects it to everyday life. Guests learn why tone matters, why trust is earned over time, and how respect and clear boundaries can actually make relationships feel safer. It’s hands-on, visual, and full of “aha” moments that people remember long after they’ve left the Ranch.
They’re also happy to adapt existing messages Betsy already shares with women (living loved, walking through storms, choosing prayer over panic) or develop a specific focus that fits your group and season.
How to book them
If you’re interested in having Doug and Betsy speak:
- Email connect@abundantliferanchca.com with your event details (who you’re gathering, dates, location, and what you’d love them to talk about).
- Or use the “Schedule a Call” option on abundantliferanchca.com so we can hop on a call and hear more of your story.
Abundant Life Ranch doesn’t set a fixed speaking fee. We simply ask that you help cover reasonable travel and lodging when needed. If your church or organization feels led to give above that, every dollar goes right back into helping women, youth, men, and couples experience the healing and hope that happens out at the Ranch.
