The passion for horses in Bree was ignited at the tender age of two, setting the stage for a life intricately entwined with these magnificent creatures. From her early days roaming free, often barefoot, at Horseplay Ranch, one of the largest women-run horse boarding facilities in the Midwest, a profound connection with horses was fostered.
Bree found much more than a mere hobby at the Ranch. It was here that she immersed herself in the diverse world of horse training, competition, and most importantly, the compassionate care and rehabilitation of these noble animals. In parallel to her equine pursuits, Bree challenged herself in the realm of high-level gymnastics. She excelled not just as a competitor and trainer but also gained recognition as a world championship competitive cheerleader and an NPC fitness competitor.
Yet, Bree's bond with horses transcends sport and personal achievement. It manifests as a desire to bridge the gap between horses and humans, fostering a transformative and mutually healing connection. Challenging and spirited horses, often misunderstood, hold a special place in her heart. Their resilience, Bree believes, has the deepest impact, catalyzing emotional healing and growth in individuals who interact with them.
Today, Bree dedicates her efforts to a cause beyond personal passion. Together with her exceptional team at Healing with Horseplay, she contributes to a philanthropic venture, using her love for horses to help them and their human counterparts experience profound healing and growth. Bree's story is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the transformative power of the human-animal bond, proving that compassion, understanding, and shared connection can indeed result in extraordinary journeys of healing and personal growth.
Conner Soligny is a talented digital craftsman and software engineer at Schwab Charitable Technology. With over 6+ of experience in commercial software and scalable software solutions, Conner has honed his skills to become an expert in his field. In his leisure time, he taps into his creative side by exploring production pipelines and creating music and videos. Always eager to spread joy, Conner delights in sharing laughter and helping others achieve success.
More than just a tech aficionado, Conner is also a handyman and problem-solver with a profound passion for continual learning, teaching, and giving back. His desire to contribute extends beyond physical efforts - he shares his wealth of technical knowledge and adept teachings as well.
Raised at HorsePlay Ranch, Conner, alongside his siblings, learned to respect and care for all animals, treating them as equals. These unique bonds with the ranch animals provided him a heartwarming firsthand experience of the healing power of interspecies interactions. This connection fostered a deep passion for charitable work, benefiting both humans and animals.
After a near-death experience at age 16, Conner emerged with a new perspective on life, which motivated him to strive for excellence in all his pursuits. This life-altering event serves as a driving force, leading him to continuously put his best foot forward. Conner is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.
Stephen McCranie
Kristina Soligny, the youngest among five siblings, grew up amidst the serene meadows of HorsePlay Ranch. She is a professional photographer, running her own business, Steenz Studios. Here, she melds creativity and expression, delivering stunning photographs and art pieces for her clients. Her work enlivens the Healing with Horseplay website; from events to individual portraits to rescues, Kristina captures the essence of her subjects with a keen eye and deep affection.
Kristina's creative spirit is unparalleled, fueling her distinctive artistic vision. Her unique perspective allows her to frame and design each shot in a way that radiates authenticity and emotion.
Additionally, Kristina has personally experienced the transformative power of equine-assisted healing, thanks to her relationship with her rescue horse, Zombie. Zombie, a 6-year-old Thoroughbred, had been through the hands of 12 different owners, facing neglect and mistreatment. Kristina's connection with Zombie stands as firsthand testament to the healing power of horses and the bond they share with their human companions.
Edgar Allan Poe
Mary Soligny is a testament to the strength and grace of an extraordinary woman, skillfully managing her roles as a loving mother, successful ranch owner, and compassionate burn unit nurse. Her unwavering dedication has left a profound impact on her family, her patients, and everyone fortunate enough to know her.
At HorsePlay Ranch, Mary ensures the well-being of each horse. Simultaneously, she serves as a role model to her five children, instilling values of hard work, determination and empathy in them. Her ability to manage a bustling ranch while nurturing a family speaks volumes about her commitment and character.
In her role as a burn unit nurse, Mary provides solace and comfort during her patients' most vulnerable moments. Her genuine selflessness and compassion inspire her colleagues and patients alike. Her consistent positivity and willingness to go above and beyond have earned her the trust and respect of her team.
Mary's dedication to her profession has been recognized with prestigious awards. In 2019, she received the Outstanding Nurses Award and in 2022, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, acknowledging her exceptional patient care and the impactful role she plays in the recovery of burn survivors.
Mary Soligny sets an example of resilience and empathy whether she's tending to her ranch, delivering high-quality patient care, or being a pillar of strength for her family. Her spirited compassion and tireless dedication make her a true inspiration.
HorsePlay Ranch stands out as a one-of-a-kind boarding facility in the greater metro area. It attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds, ranging from seasoned equestrians in Western and English disciplines to newcomers exploring the wonderful world of horse ownership. At HorsePlay, people find sanctuary from the demands of everyday life, cherishing the opportunity to connect with their horses, the beautiful surroundings, and a close-knit community of like-minded individuals who share a deep passion for these majestic animals.
Senior VP, Global Controller &
Chief Accounting Officer
Jennifer Kirk is a highly accomplished business leader with 27+ years of experience in financial management and operations. Known for her ability to build strong teams and deliver exceptional results, Jennifer's track record speaks for itself. Outside of work, she finds fulfillment as a devoted wife and mother to three teenage daughters. Passionate about community service and spiritual growth, Jennifer actively participates in church activities and charitable initiatives. Her lifelong commitment to animals is reflected in her family's support for animal welfare causes, including fostering dogs.
Jennifer Kirk is a dynamic business leader, dedicated mother, and passionate advocate for corporate responsibility and community engagement. Her extensive experience and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in every endeavor she undertakes.
Margaret Wheatley
Born and raised in New Orleans, Adam Kirk began his professional journey at Louisiana State University, earning a master's degree in Accounting. His career took shape at Occidental Petroleum, where over the course of 15 years, he climbed the accounting ranks, gaining invaluable, hands-on experience and honing his leadership skills. This wealth of experience led him to his first entrepreneurial venture at Terra Energy Partners, where he started as the second employee of this Private Equity-backed portfolio company.
Playing a pivotal role in the company's $1 billion dollar acquisition, Adam helped Terra become the largest producer of natural gas in Colorado almost overnight. He was instrumental in establishing the finance function and control structure within the newly formed company.
Fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit, Adam moved on from Terra to work for various privately controlled start-ups, where he reveled in the nitty-gritty of detailed work. His passion for non-profits was ignited during his time in Houston, where he served on the board of Project One Day (POD). This revolutionary program is designed to address the challenges faced by single parents in finding quality childcare in Houston.
Adam contributed his expertise in treasury, system evaluation, and administrative setup, playing a significant role in launching POD. He experienced the privilege of contributing to Healing With Horseplay after witnessing the powerful healing effect horses can have on individuals from all walks of life, and the transformative impact of a loving and nurturing environment on horses transitioning from conditions of neglect and abuse. Adam Kirk's professional journey showcases his adaptability, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to making a difference.
Shaquille O'Neal
Healing With Horseplay
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that utilizes equine-assisted learning to promote healing and personal growth for individuals of all ages.
Tax ID 92-0516791
Copyright © 2024 Healing With Horseplay - All Rights Reserved.
Empowered by Equines
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