Our Story
The Middle Way started in 2018 in an effort to bring quality riding lessons to our small rural community high in the mountains of Colorado. We continue to grow, offering more therapeutic services as well as riding lessons and clinics for all levels of students. In 2021 we joined forces with Big Mountain Wildlife and Animal Sanctuary, established in 2004 by Mary and Sam Calanni. By making The Middle Way a dba of BMWAS, we were able to have the reputation and longevity of Sam and Mary’s decades of work rescuing animals as well as The Middle Way’s social media presence and branding as an accessible, professional, contributor to our community. We started with school horses and an arena at the home of one of our founding members. You can see our original facility in the video on our home page as well as in various pictures throughout our website. This is part of our legacy, helped to make us who we are today. Since then, our mission has continued to expand to include providing sanctuary for horses and then sanctuary and advocacy for America’s wild horses. We had the opportunity to move to 35 acres just outside of town, by the grace of a Middle Way advocate and founding member who stepped in and bought the property when we most needed help. This allowed us to continue building what was started. One of our main goals is to buy this property and expand our resources. It is a beautiful location, flat land surrounded by majestic mountains with unbelievable sunsets. Our farm is open by appointment to meet the horses, learn about mustangs, positive reinforcement training/least invasive minimally aversive methods, volunteer, sign up for services and take lessons.
We NEVER charge veterans for services and strive to provide the highest quality riding lessons and therapeutic services for low to no cost so that no one is ever turned away for inability to pay. We depend on our volunteers and donors for continued success.
Our Board Members
Lori is our esteemed professional instructor. She has decades of experience training and teaching competitive dressage, eventing, and jumping. She has trained with Olympic medalists and loves to share what she’s learned with her able-bodied students as well as her special needs riders.
Lori is certified through PATH, International and has specialized training as an equine specialist. She is a published author and passionate about creating a safe environment for learning and healing with horses.
I have loved horses since before I was born, I think. They have always been my passion. Every year, on my Christmas and birthday lists, on the top was “horse.” Unfortunately, I never got one, but I got to spend a lot of time with them! I started taking horseback riding lessons as a youngster. As I got older, I worked around the barn for free lessons. I have done some fun things like synchronized riding, I have ridden a sulky driven by a racehorse, I have shown horses, English style, jumping. I have worked at a riding stable for a number of summers, leading trail rides. My Dad took to me to see the famous racehorses in Kentucky. My love of horses has never died. I am happiest when I am riding or helping others ride. The mission, vision and values of The Middle Way got to my heart right away. I started volunteering in 2018 and I love it!!
I was born in Northern NY and moved to Colorado 40 years ago. I retired from Schmitt & Associates in Denver, Colorado as their office Manager and moved to Fairplay, Colorado. It has always been my dream to move to the mountains and be close to the open space and all that went with it – horses, cattle, the free range, and no traffic and strip malls!
I never was around horses most of my life but always wanted to have more of a connection with these beautiful animals. The Middle Way has given me the chance to not only be around extraordinary horses but has introduced me to women that have a great passion and the talent to work with horses in the wonderful community of Fairplay.
Because of my bookkeeping background I was asked to be secretary for this organization that focuses on offering riding to children and veterans and people that just want to form a bond with horses, making sure no one is turned away due to their inability to pay. This has been an incredible opportunity for me in my journey of retirement!
I live in Michigan, a retired Interpretive Teacher that loves nature and spending time outdoors. I had little experience with horses until I became involved with The Middle Way. We have a son that lives in Denver and my husband Greg and I come to Denver frequently. In 2020 I started to research Mustangs in Colorado so we could see them. That was just before the BLM removed approximately 700 horses from Sandwash Basin and I decided to support a rescue. I chose The Middle Way Sanctuary because of The Painted Ladies. I have mucked, fed ridden, groomed, helped with gentling, put up fences and now financially support them through sponsorship, donations and participation on the Board of Directors. I want to help The Middle Way make a difference in Mustang advocacy, to increase their capacity to rescue more Mustangs which would allow people to benefit from their story of resilience and the bonds they have to their family.
Jake LaRue - Veteran Event Coordinator
Jake LaRue is a Marine Corps veteran, equine-facilitated learning practitioner, and founder of Man With A Horse Project, a nonprofit that partners warriors and wild mustangs for healing and personal growth. He holds a BSW from Western Carolina University (summa cum laude) and is HERD Institute certified, EAGALA certified, and Military Designated for equine-assisted work. As a Board Member of The Middle Way Sanctuary in Fairplay, Colorado, Jake helps guide veteran programming, wild mustang initiatives, and trauma-informed, nature-based education. He lives in Western North Carolina and continues to support veterans and mustangs while contributing to the Sanctuary’s mission.
Advisors
Marilyn Jaspering, Advisor to the Board
Born and raised on a farm in Iowa, Marilyn has always felt a connection to horses. After moving to Colorado her background in administration and love for the great outdoors translated into a position with Parks and Recreation where she got to work in a historic fort from the 1880s.
But it was the opportunity to work with large groups of people from different cultures that Marilyn learned the power of coming together for a common goal. Working with The Middle Way allows Marilyn to combine her passions and her talents and thrives in this collaborative community that brings about the best possible health and well-being for all involved. After all, we are all interconnected.
Kris Ahlberg – D.V.M.
Kris had her head in the stars before working with horses. She began her professional career as a Data Technician and worked on the Viking, Voyager, and the Hubble Space Telescope before falling in love with the first Akhal Teke horses imported from Turkmenistan to the United States in the 1970s.
In 1991 Kris graduated from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and soon began working at a large animal practice in California. She then earned her certification in the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. In 1988 Dr. Ahlberg moved back to her home state of Colorado and started Anam Cara Veterinary Acupuncture and Chiropractic. Meaning “soul friend,” Anam Cara seeks the highest standards of alternative veterinary care.
Currently, Dr. Ahlberg’s mobile practice is based in Fairplay, Colorado where she stands a lovely Akhal Teke stallion and maintains a herd of rescue horses. Her dream remains to own camels.
Stephanie Tucker, M.Ed., LPC, LAC
As a military spouse, I have lived many places, but am lucky to now call Hartsel, CO my home. I am an experienced counselor with specialized training in trauma and substance abuse that found my way to The Middle Way by happenstance. I am now combining my knowledge from providing traditional talk therapy with the amazing and unique benefits of horses. It has been wonderful to assist in the process of offering Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to our local community. I greatly value the healing process of humans and horses and I have learned so much from my time spent here as have my own child.
John Probert, Grant Writer
John is working with The Middle Way Sanctuary as a grant writer. He grew up with animals and is proud to come from a family with roots in agriculture. He thinks every animal should have a good home. John has a significant background in grants and funding strategy. He has worked on and administered foundation, corporate and government grants. John has developed systems for funding management and compliance for multiple entities. He is excited to work to enhance the funding for The Middle Way Sanctuary.
Heidi Marie, Grants Coordinator
Our Volunteers
Vanessa Fontes
I was born and raised in Georgia, where I currently live. I am finishing my bachelor’s degree in Animal Bioscience. I have always loved animals, but when I came out to Colorado to visit my sister, she introduced me to The Middle Way. Since then, my love and passion for working with horses has really blossomed. As I am finishing schooling in Georgia, I help out at The Middle Way as often as I can and help virtually year-round. I will always have a deep connection with The Middle Way, no matter what my next chapter holds.
Tina Satch
I was born and raised in New Jersey. I moved to Colorado and have been living in the area for 20 years. I love the outdoors, adventures, activities and the serenity the mountains provide.
Some years ago after unexpected and traumatic struggles, my son and I were introduced to The Middle Way through his homeschool enrichment program when he began riding lessons. He continues to be involved in the Mustang Strong teen program and volunteering, with me by his side every step of the way, navigating life together. Our experience with The Middle Way from day one has been nothing less than life changing and healing for both of us! Because of the impact The Middle Way has made on our lives, I have dedicated myself to help with fundraising, volunteering and being involved as much as possible.
I have no previous experience with horses but I am learning and am dedicated to continuing this journey. I have found comfort, peace, love, connection, and passion for each horse and human involved at The Middle Way and they will always fill a big part of my heart.
Teresa Blaisure-Clark
Since I can remember, I have always wanted a horse. Coming from a family of non-horse people, it took a lot of hard work baking cakes at 9 years old to buy my first horse. Losing her was heartbreaking, and for 12 years I’ve dreamt of having that connection again.
Volunteering at The Middle Way has made my dream possible, without the financial burden of ownership, and taking riding lessons again as an adult feels doable because of their encouragement. Riding horses is lot of fun, but at the Middle Way, it’s special because there is purpose. Knowing I’m helping a horse just by being there is a wonderful feeling, one I hope every horse lover gets to experience!
Stacy McVey
I have loved horses since I can remember and fell in love with Mustangs in 5th grade when I did a research paper on them. I began riding lessons where I met and fell in love with a mustang name Ruby. I finally came to have my own mustang, Sikya, shortly before I stumbled onto a posting from The Middle Way. They were seeking someone to help with Social Media posts for our campaign to take in the Painted Ladies. It seemed like just the place I belonged. To keep the legacy alive in my home state made it even more special and close to my heart. I currently live in Colorado Springs. While my full-time job is in HVAC, I have a small business doing bodywork on Equines and help out the Middle Way whenever I can. I spend as much time with horses as I can.
Havalynn Hartford
I was born and raised in Florida, but my love for horses started in Delaware. My grandparents lived in Dover and would send me to a horse camp, where I eventually took riding lessons. After a while, I stopped going and stopped seeing horses, but my love for them never faded. After moving out here to Colorado, I realized that there are horses all around me! I asked around and found The Middle Way and have been volunteering for around 4 months. I am extremely grateful to be a part of such a special place and to help create a loving, safe, and positive space for these horses.
Kathryn (Kate) Levin
Horses have always impressed me as totally amazing. Even though I lived in horse country in Virginia, raising two kids and managing a medical practice left little time for myself. I became involved with The Middle Way Sanctuary ten years ago when my grandchildren started summer riding lessons. The gifts they have gained from their contact with horses is far more than I could have hoped for. Both grandchildren are active in sports, the 13 year old is on the honor roll, the 7 year old does well in school. Both are well adjusted and happy. The summer riding lessons have been the best thing I could have given them. As for myself, now with more free time, I enjoy so much seeing the horses regularly. They never cease to amaze me.
Elijah Clark
While I didn’t grow up around horses and had limited experience with them, volunteering at The Middle Way has been an incredibly rewarding experience. As an aspiring photographer, I’m grateful to support the mission by capturing photos of the horses, helping at fundraisers when I can, mucking paddocks, and simply spending time with the horses on my days off. Even if the hours I’m able to give are limited, I know that every bit helps, and that’s one of the many reasons I love spending my time at The Middle Way!