Where It All Began
Meadowlark Ranch traces its origins to Meadowlark Shires, a small family operation dedicated to the care and appreciation of draft horses in Boulder County, Colorado. What began as a personal passion for these gentle giants soon grew into something far greater — a vision for a place where horses and humans could heal together.
Founded by Dr. Kirk Mitchell, the ranch was built on the belief that the bond between people and horses holds extraordinary power — the power to restore, to teach, and to transform.
The Evolution to Integrated Healing
As the ranch grew, so did its mission. Dr. Mitchell's background in compassionate medicine led to the integration of equine-assisted therapeutic modalities, transforming Meadowlark Ranch into a sanctuary for emotional, behavioral, and relational healing.
Today, the ranch offers professional therapeutic programs for children, families, individuals, and groups — all set within an environment carefully designed to nurture growth and well-being.
CCP Percherons — 2024 and Beyond
In 2024, Meadowlark Ranch launched the CCP Percherons program, a competitive draft horse showing initiative dedicated to preserving the Percheron breed. Named after Compassionate Concierge Physicians, the program represents the intersection of Dr. Mitchell's two greatest passions — medicine and horsemanship.
The CCP Percherons hitch has quickly become a recognized presence at regional draft horse competitions, carrying forward a tradition that nearly vanished when Percheron registrations dropped to just 85 animals in 1954.
Sustainable Stewardship — Solar Power 2020
In 2020, Meadowlark Ranch took a significant step toward environmental responsibility by installing a comprehensive solar power system across the property. This commitment to renewable energy reflects our broader philosophy of stewardship — caring for the land, the animals, and the community.
The solar installation was one of many milestones in our ongoing journey to operate as a model of sustainable ranching in Colorado's Front Range.
