Equine nonprofit will foster healing through horses

The M.A.R.S.H.E.L.L.E. Project is fundraising to provide equestrian programs for children in the foster care system, and founder Jordon Marshelle Barrett hopes to begin a cohort within a year using the Red Barn Ranch in partnership with Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle.

Jordon Marshelle Barrett is building the M.A.R.S.H.E.L.L.E. Project to bring equestrian experiences to children in the foster care system. The nonprofit is raising funds to create after-school programming that includes time with horses, riding lessons, meals, homework support and counseling. Barrett says her own time in foster care and a recent retreat at Legends Ranch inspired the idea. She plans to partner with Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle and other local organizations and use the Red Barn Ranch near Auburn. Known details: - The M.A.R.S.H.E.L.L.E. Project is currently fundraising to start programming for foster children. - Barrett, 26, said her experiences in the foster system and a retreat at Legends Ranch inspired the project. - Planned services include equine interaction, riding lessons, a free meal, homework time, counselor sessions, and transportation. - Barrett plans to partner with Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle and other nonprofits; programming would use the Red Barn Ranch, a 40-acre site near Auburn owned by the City of Seattle. - The ranch has been dormant but is undergoing demolition and utility re-establishment, and Buffalo Soldiers leadership said they will expand equestrian programming once the site is ready. Summary: The project aims to provide foster youth with structured equestrian activities and supportive services that organizers say provide therapy and discipline. Barrett hopes to begin a cohort within a year, pending fundraising and completion of the ranch's preparations.