“For me, becoming a part of the Swan Center is exactly what my life needed. They not only save and enrich the lives of abandoned and abuses horses, it also enriches the lives of everyone involved. Swan Center Outreach has so much to offer, on so many levels, to so many different types of people. You can be younger, older, man/woman/child - everyone benefits. The kids in the Leadership Program are amazing. Not only are they learning how to handle and train horses, these young girls are real troopers when it comes to the responsibilities and needs of the ranch to keep it running on a daily basis. It's great to see the girls connect with their horse and see their relationships prosper. There is no question that even though I volunteer my time, the ranch gives back two fold. The SCO is very rewarding, and a great place for everyone to learn and grow. Anyone who is privileged enough to spend time at the ranch has everything to gain, and nothing to lose. It's a great way to give back to the community and spending time at the ranch is one more way to enhance your life.” Carrie Burczy - Dillon, CO

“In this day and age of cell phones, computers, texting and instant messaging, working out at the ranch with the horses and other volunteers has really prompted me to use and refine my interpersonal communication and leadership skills. It is also very peaceful, making me feel closer to God and the beauty and splendor of His awesome creation. If I've been having a stressful day or week, all the pressures of daily life just melt away as we turn onto route 25 and see all the horses still there peacefully grazing out in the pasture. Working at the Ranch has been a huge growth experience for my almost 12-year old daughter, Ruth. The opportunity to train her horse, Jett, as well as learning how to successfully handle each of the 36 horses, four Llamas and sheep has given her new confidence and built strong character. Just seeing all of the young girls, many of them of slight build, communicate and take command of 500-1000 pound creatures is awe inspiring. The girls and volunteers have also been refining their problem-solving skills (how to recapture an escaped horse or secure one who has broken its halter and the fence!) in addition to learning some real life lessons about working and communicating with other people. I and the other horse moms are thankful to John and Rose Longhill for providing this opportunity for growth and service for both our daughters and ourselves.” Ann Hunsinger - Silverthorne, CO

“Being with the horses at Swan Center Outreach have taught me that every day is a new day. A little respect goes a long way, both giving it and expecting it. Staying in the moment is not just a philosophical concept. I have been volunteering with the Swan Center for over a year now. Feeding 37 horses of all ages, sizes, dispositions and histories is a challenge. I have learned to be calm when I want to run the other way. Pretending you're in control generally seems to work, at least it gives you time to come up with a plan. Luckily, the Swan Center has a well-organized system to teach us what all animals have to say. The rules of body language are so obvious to me now that I can't help but apply them to my life. Anyone who has been with animals on a daily basis knows what balance is all about. The Swan Center has provided a setting for the rest of us to return to what we know.” Janet Elich - Frisco, CO

One thing that really had an impact on me is that something as simple as walking could greatly affect the way a horse views you and your leadership ability. It really showed me how much animals pay attention to the body language of others and how they can react accordingly. I also felt that the confidence needed to work with the horses could be used in many other settings as well. I think that all the skills needed to interact with the horses can be used to improve my interactions with others and i plan to use those skills as often as possible. I will use them to improve my interactions with other people to hopefully become a better person and worker. It was a very good experience and was very enjoyable. I rate the instructor and assistants a 10 out of 10! The program and services offered by Swan Center Outreach are beneficial to all people involved. It helps the horses survive, and the horses teach the people many essential skills. A great program overall! Stephen Hughes 16, Frisco CO

“Many of the stories of your animals is heartbreaking, but under the love, care, and respect of Swan Center Outreach and its volunteers, they now lead happy and healthy lives. Interacting as a volunteer has been wonderful, and establishing relationships with the animals has enriched my life. When I cross the bridge over the Blue River, and continue up to the barn, I can feel the stress of everyday life fade away. I cherish every minute in the peaceful environment with the horses and all the other animals.”Kendra Hall - Breckenridge, CO

“The Swan Center Outreach gives volunteers the opportunity to work side by side with horses and in return receive a sense of balance, harmony and enrichment. Learning to become a leader in the eyes of a horse, through the programs at the center, is a true accomplishment. It makes you aware of who you are and the respect between you and the horse. I enjoy the process that the horse has become your teacher and in turn you can teach others all through mutual understanding and respect. The programs that are taught at the ranch teach leadership skills which we can all use in our daily lives when working with others. I love the sense of peace at the ranch and the acknowledgment that all the volunteers are working towards a common goal of helping and receiving. I love helping at the ranch because the horses need us but after a full days work, the lessons that the horse has taught us becomes apparent. You leave the ranch with a sense of contentment and fulfillment. Thanks.” Sheila Hollenbeck - Breckenridge, CO

“Swan Center Outreach has been a great blessing to our whole family. My daughter has gone through the leadership program and is now in the saddle club. I am also a volunteer and have gone to many of the classes myself. My daughter has gained great knowledge of horses including skills in riding and training and has grown so much in her love and compassion for these animals. My daughter has truly learned how to communicate with them and has learned much about responsibility. Being responsible for the horses has brought about maturity and increased confidence in her. Swan Center Outreach also teaches their students how to translate these skills into everyday life in how to treat other people. Swan Center has fulfilled my daughter's dream of being involved with horses and I know this is true of the other students as well. We will always be grateful for this opportunity to be involved with such a great program. There are so many negative things in the world these days trying to capture our children's attention that it is great to have something so positive.” Lou Ann Keith - Silverthorne, CO

“I have to tell you and your wife on a personal note that what ya'll have done is remarkable. I thank God for people like you who so selfless in their time and resources. You have done something so proactive in protecting helpless animals that cannot fend for themself. I know the rewards are greater when you give, but to have put that together simply amazes and inspires me. I was totally unaware of the Swan Center and what it did. I am a firm believer that God works in mysterious ways. I am so glad to make the connection with you.” Kay Border - Roswell, GA

“When I was in the leadership program I was interested to learn about the way horses communicate through their energy and the way they coordinate in a herd. In the herd there is a lead mare that is more powerful then any other horse in the herd. She takes care of the herd but also gets them to respect her. Life works in the same way. Having a positive attitude and respecting those over you and caring for those under you is a fabulous way to reach success. This program was lot’s of fun and I learned so much about horses and really created a wonderful relationship with them and the other animals. This is definitely something I would recommend to anybody who loves animals.” Rebecca Keith – 14, Silverthorne, CO

"This is an EXCELLENT program! Much of it was completely unexpected (in very good ways). The instructor was absolutely terrific. His extensive knowledge of horses over a lifetime came through loud and clear and his ability to teach us how to interact with them, both philosophically and physically, was most impressive. The assistants were also excellent. Given that most of them were either young adults or even young children, it was fun and impressive to see how confident they were in dealing with us adults as peers. I suspect their work at the Swan Center over time had a lot to do with this. Truly a great job! Thanks again for a wonderful experience!" Chip Babbitt – Silverthorne, CO

"Thank you so much for the fun and exciting day at your ranch this past Saturday. My two girls and I had such a great day and we can't wait to come back. Driving home with our moods so excited we were talking about the day and recapping on all of it. My kids were totally happy. Your class was very impressive and I was especially noticing the calm demeanor you had with your new students. Even though some of us had never handled a horse before, you showed your confidence in all of us, and it helped. You made us all feel welcome and it was a treat to handle the horses. It was awesome!" Heather Bussy – Montezuma, CO

"As a mother I am so proud that my son found such passion by participating in the leadership program. I knew something special was happening from talking with him, and I am so grateful. I think the information that was most helpful to me and my son is that the horses remind us what we typically forget; much of our human interaction is unspoken. It’s what we exude and intend that is felt first, and foremost, in how people perceive us. It sets the stage for people to be receptive and therefore it is critical to successful relationships in every aspect of our lives. The leadership training is a magnificent reminder that it is all about the energy you exude. Thank you for the rare experience you gave Marco at your wonderful ranch. It clearly touched his heart and engendered complete commitment to your program, the center and the horses. I have such gratitude for the serendipity of finding this amazing program and the people that created it."
Pam Brodt – Frisco, Colorado

"The thing that impacted me the most was how horses respond to leadership, it helped me better understand a horse’s thought process. I plan to incorporate what I learned about my posture and leadership in meeting new people. The instruction was excellent! I am very impressed with the mission and dedication to these animals. A+++ for the instructor and assistants!"
Rick Hoffman, Silverthorne, CO

"Initially, I was nervous to come out, but I am very happy that I came. It was a great day! Seeing John working with Pistol (a horse) really reaffirmed how much psychic energy there is between animals and man. It was very inspiring! I have always known “animal people”, but this was on a much deeper and significant level. A spiritual connection, I would say. After a day of working with the horses, I learned how to remain calm and confident and I plan to incorporate the things I learned about personal attitude, responsibility and attention to detail into my life. When it comes to leadership, I learned that people and animals respond better to you if you project confidence and strength. The instructor was fantastic and thank you so much for having me. I felt like I was in a very warm and caring environment with all the people there. I look forward to coming back!" Rachelle Hahn, Breckenridge, CO

"Being at the Swan Center is an AWESOME EXPERIENCE! It is amazing how the horses react to what you are thinking. I learned the importance of being calm and that how you carry yourself tells people a lot about who you are. It was amazing to see how everything you do affects if you are a leader or not and how I can get more respect from others if I act more like a leader. I rate the instructor 1000%!"
Masha Sherrard 17, Dillon, CO

"I learned how to really communicate with horses and a lot about how our brains work. I did not know horses think differently than us. I learned that I need to be more patient with others and the importance of personal confidence when walking into a room of people. I learned that leadership is about communication and I want to communicate better with the people I train at work and be more patient with them. The instructor was excellent and I had a great experience! It made me smile more!" Tracy Bowers, Dillon, CO

"In the Leadership program I learned that through energy you can do a lot of different things with a horse. You can not only communicate, but also physically move the horse with your energy. I plan to incorporate everything I learned into my life! You really have changed my life. There is something about this place that is really special. It just has good energy, good people, and good experiences. I have really enjoyed meeting such powerful people. Everything I have learned has really changed myself for the better. I would describe the training program as an experience that brings you closer with horses and yourself and as a result I became more aware, and understanding. It has changed my life because I now appreciate life more, I am more aware and conscious, and the connections I have made and realized have really been outstanding". Marco Vienna 16, Frisco, Colorado

"Iwas astounded when the instructor moved the horse around in the round pen and slowed him down with just the energy he had in his body, and the reminder that we have the self-same energy that we use every moment of our lives, to benefit us, or to derail us from reaching our dreams and goals. This is something I knew but had let slip out of my awareness and I wonder how many other things I have let slip. I think the most helpful thing I realized is that I need to behave like the lead mare, inspiring confidence in others as I am inspired myself. I will also remember how my appearance affects myself and how others perceive me ; by walking with my eyes focused on where I want to go, not looking downward and with a pleasant smile on my face. This was absolutely amazing experience filled with fun and learning. When they go hand in hand they become unforgettable! This training program opens so many new doors to an awareness of who we are with how we use the energy we all have. A wonderful beginning to a deeper look at life’s journey and the tools we have to travel it." Fran Ferguson – Boston MA

"I never realized that in the wild that a wild horse herd is led by a mare, not the stallion. It made me realize how easy it is to overlook the underlying dynamic of a situation. I think the thing I learned that will be most helpful in my interactions with people is the statement that you should always trust your intuition and try to be aware of the energy that I am projecting at all times. I was amazed that after the class my head was filled with thoughts of horses for several days afterwards. It was great to be informed of the reasons for doing things a certain way rather than simply being provided with a list of rules to follow. John is an excellent instructor with the ability to illustrate the principles he is teaching. I can't wait to contribute to the actual working of the ranch". Joanne Casey – Breckenridge, CO

"Handling the horses had a big impact on me because I realized that very small, seemingly insignificant movements on both my part and the horse's part had a specific meaning and usually more significance from the horse's perspective than I would have otherwise understood or realized. I think that the leadership walking and demonstration of confidence exercise will be very helpful for me because it reinforced the fact that believing in myself and my abilities is directly interpreted, reflected and translated by animals and other people. It showed that animals and humans alike based their impressions of me on how I see myself. I loved the training and felt that the instructor was wonderful - patient, passionate, and communicating a true desire to teach. I'm very grateful for all the work you do to teach people and to take care of the horses." Wendy Towber – Silverthorne, Colorado

“It was great to finally meet you both and see your ranch and see these amazing creatures that you have rehabilitated..............you guys do such an amazing thing! I thoroughly enjoyed the training and I am looking forward to doing the advanced training. I believe what you are teaching at Swan Center is not only amazing for the horses and other animals you may rehabilitate but you are rehabilitating humans as well. You are doing amazing things.”
Stacey Brooks, Dillon, CO

“I cannot begin to express how wonderful it is to have the Swan Center involved in Matty’s life. It not only allows her to work with the horses but to do so in an environment that promotes well-being. All of you have been such a positive impact on her. She is coming of the age where support and guidance become ever more important and her father and I cannot give all of it to her. We believe there also needs to be an outside influence that encourages better lifestyle patterns, etc. Anyway, I am just trying to say thank you. She loves being at the Center, she loves spending time with all of you and I am so glad to see her blossom. Please pass this along to everyone at the Center.” Susan Ringel - Alpharetta, GA

“Just a note to say thank you to you Rose, John and your entire staff, for the lovely time you gave Heather and her friends this past weekend at your Center. We cannot express how much we appreciate the personal time and attention you gave to Heather. She so enjoyed her experience; and because of your caring and intelligent approach, she may become a very good rider. We look forward to many more visits and we will certainly be recommending your facility. Again, Thank you and God bless you all.” Val and Heather Lewis - Atlanta, GA

“Please accept our thanks for a truly wonderful day. Your program was all that you promised and more! The girls had an absolutely wonderful time and they learned so much. I was particularly impressed with your safety standards and trainer to pupil ratio. I was a bit apprehensive about bringing twenty girls, of minimal skill level, to a horseback riding event, but within a half hour all of my fears subsided. The results of your gentleness with the animals also became very apparent. The horses were great! Our girl scout troop is very much looking forward to our return trip. Thanks for keeping the price affordable. You truly perform a great service to the community.” Debbie Hunsberger - 8277 Troop Leader - Roswell, GA

“I believe that when you learn how to really communicate with animals in an environment of care and love, one’s own powers of intuitive awareness are heightened. This is what the Swan Center teaches and this was my experience when attending the adult horse program.” Dervin Bradford - Columbia, SC “To everyone at the Swan Center – thank you for a really wonderful week. The riding program taught us a great deal and not just about horses. Everyone’s kindness and generosity meant a lot to us. We look forward to participating in the work/study program and seeing all of our new found friends often.” Amanda Peterson - Atlanta, GA

“I wanted to let you know that my group thoroughly enjoyed the Self-Awareness and Horsemanship course at your Ranch. In our work environment we value open and honest communication with our peers and our customers. In my group we are constantly addressing, the changing customer needs and coordinating massive work efforts to meet those needs, thus the need for strong, clear communication practices. Your horse seminar helped each of us realize how our unspoken actions and body language could affect the channel of communication we so heavily rely on in our business and in our personal communications. Thank you for an enjoyable an enlightening day.” Denise Cahill - Atlanta, GA

“When I attended the Horse class at Swan Center Outreach I learned that you should respect your horse as your partner because they are living things also. Learning this will improve my life by being kinder to others.” Anna Hansen 10, Alpharetta, GA

“You will never know how much you meant to me and how much of a difference you have made in my life. Never in my life have I been part of anything so wonderful. I Love being at the Swan Center more than anything and I have been unsuccessful in finding anything that makes me as happy as working at the Center.” Rose Kulbok 16, Alpharetta, GA

“Thank you so much for the wonderful fun time we had at your Center. Our girls as well as their parents not only enjoyed the experience, but the clear instructions you gave to keep everyone safe while interacting with the horses. It enabled everyone to feel safe, in control and comfortable. Everyone we met, went out of their way to make us feel welcome. It was a real adventure. Your place is lovely, with such a peaceful feeling. We look forward to bringing troop #4450 back again.” Mary Jude Allen - Roswell, GA

“Thanks for being a place of peace and harmony for all beings and also for letting me be a part of it. You are all like a second family and will always be in my heart. Thanks for the training and all that you have done for me. You all have a special place in my heart.”
Erya Smith 14, Cumming, GA