Discover Our Mission
At Deer Run Ranch Equine Connection, our mission is to harness the transformative power of the calmness of horses in our equine therapy programs to enhance the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of individuals in Tennessee. Our commitment to providing meaningful equine experiences is evident in every aspect of our services.
Our Purpose
Deer Run Ranch Equine Connection sits on approximately 50 rolling and wooded acres on top of the Cumberland Plateau in Crossville, Tennessee. Views from the barn, covered arena and paddocks allows participants to see for over 100 miles of both valley views and mountain view's including the Great Smoky Mountains. This picturesque setting is a calming respite from our hectic lives. From the moment you step onto the property you feel a sense of calm and tranquility.
Participants in our programs are able to breath in the fresh country air , walk any one of our six hiking/walking trails and spend time with our horses and donkeys. The majority of our equine come from a local horse rescue or were donated and have found a new purpose in helping others. They teach us to be in the present and not the past. We also help our participants learn the importance of breathing and grounding to reduce anxiety and calm our souls.
The mental health professionals and equine specialists that work at Deer Run Ranch are all dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve. Many of us have family members with special needs or cognitive disorders or who are veterans, first responders, etc., so we understand first hand what our clients and their families are experiencing.
Our Team...
Our team at Deer Run consists of staff and volunteers who are dedicated to improving the lives of members of our community and safeguarding the welfare of our animals.
Derek and Teri Hamann
Derek and Teri founded Deer Run Ranch Equine Connection on their property in order to share the healing power of their land and equines. Derek is a retired law enforcement officer and Teri is a former senior executive from the Technology Industry and an Equine Specialist in Mental Heath and Learning. Both have family members with special needs and military service and they are humbled to be able to serve their community.
Viviana Molina Houser
Viviana is a licensed therapist LISW-CP and Program Director for our Veterans Program - Stables of Strength. She is retired from the U.S. Army and was a battalion therapist. She has experience with both adults, children, couples and trauma survivors.
Laurie Willmott
Laurie ran her own equine therapy PATH Premier Center called Spirit Therapies for 21 years in Las Vegas. Laurie retired and relocated to Crossville with her husband Jeff. Retirement didn’t last long for Laurie. She missed working with horses and donkeys and helping people. She now brings her years of experience as an equine specialist at Deer Run.
Arianna Brown
Arianna is our Ranch Assistant at Deer Run. She helps with the many chores that have to be done, caring for the animals, prepping for sessions and helping with groups that come to the ranch.
Meet the Herd...
Deer Run Ranch is home to rescued and donated horses and donkeys who enjoy the good life now, with plenty of food and large pastures, and are loved unconditionally.
Gracie aka Miss Grace
Gracie is the OG of Deer Run Ranch. She is a Standardbred horse breed and was an Amish work horse who was abandoned at a sale barn. She has a very sweet personality and intuitively knows when someone needs her, and she will seek them out.
Valentine aka Val
Valentine is a Tennesse Walking horse with a big peppy personality. She absolutely adores peppermint cookie treats and will be your instant friend when you give her some. Valentine cannot be ridden due to an injury to her spine when being trained for the Big Lick competition. Val is a friend to all the horses and has never let her physical limitations stop her.
Polly
One word to describe Polly is “Chill”. She is a quarter horse who was a former lesson horse. She is very easy going and calm with people and loves a good brushing. Polly loves to snuggle close to her people and her confident nature has enabled her to have a leadership role with the rest of the herd.
Pearl
Pearl joined Deer Run in 2025 through a generous donation from one of our supporters. She is a Missouri Fox Trotter breed and ideal for anyone with back issues or limited mobility. Pearl is a total lovebug and settled in immediately. She loves people and always seems to know when someone needs her. Whether you just need to stand quietly with her or enjoy playing some ground games Pearl is a dream therapy horse.
Sandra Faye aka Ginger
Sandra Faye joined Deer Run in 2025 through a generous donation from one of our supporters. She is a Tennessee Walking Horse breed and ideal for anyone with back issues or limited mobility. We renamed her as Sandra Faye in honor of the memory of the mother of one of our board members. Sandra is beautiful, sweet and a little sassy when the mood strikes her. She is extremely good and patient with children.
Moon Pie
Moon Pie was donated in memory of Dusty Pike, who left us too soon. Dusty was a caring, kind, selfless young man. Moon Pie was his horse who will now be helping others through Equine-Assisted Services to honor Dusty’s memory. We want to thank Dusty’s husband Bryan Harris and his mom Lisa Rose for entrusting Moon Pie to Deer Run.
Tommy aka Mr. Peepers
Tommy is a standard donkey and the biggest sweetheart. He came to Deer Run Ranch with his friend Gracie. Like his nick name implies Tom is very curious and you often find him peering around watching what you are doing around the barn. Tommy is still very shy but when you win his trust he will be your best buddy.
Albert
Albert in a beautiful brown and white donkey. He is very clever and often looks like he is deep in thought. Albert loves to cozy up to you so you will give him some gentle rubs on his side. He and his buddy Tommy can often be seen chasing each other through the pastures.
Join Us
Discover the healing power of equine therapy at Deer Run Ranch Equine Connection. Contact us to learn more about how you can benefit from our programs.