Monkey Island Winery and Cottages

09/04/2026

Hi All,
Long time no post. We’ve been kinda busy at our Royal Horse Ranch, Monkey Island Winery, Tasting Room and Monkey Island Trail Rides.
I’ve been telling folks that this has been the longest “Memorial Day” weekend since we moved here 33 years ago; and here it Labor Day weekend.
A big thank you to all of you who have supported us in all that we do here on Monkey Island and
Grand Lake.
Yes, as you drive by the ranch just after the construction of our new causeway bridge, you’ll see the jungle that is my
“Grand Lake Vineyard”!
BTW, please do the speed limit. The police will surely want to give you a memento of this weekend!
I’ve been busy trying to bottle as much as possible to get ready for Labor Day, but I’m sure I’ll run out of some wines on my list.
Nancy’s “Ranch Store and More” has been moved back to the ranch from the winery. She’s been working tirelessly to get it ready for this weekend. Drive down and say hi.
I guess I’ve taken enough of your time, so please give me a call at (918) 257-1166 to make a reservation for a tasting. Open all weekend long from noon till 5pm (or later) until we close Tuesday. Give Nancy a call at 918/257-5186 for a trail ride reservation.
Please like and share this post as always.
See you soon.
Cheers. Val
“In Vino Veritas!”

08/10/2026

Hudson in the picture is one of our “Gentile Giants” often used in Leslie and Nancy’s equine therapy. Please give Leslie a call to just talk. Cheers. Val

Growth isn't always loud.
Sometimes it's choosing to speak up when you normally stay quiet.
Sometimes it's feeling a little less anxious than yesterday.
Sometimes it's simply believing tomorrow can be better.
Healing is rarely about giant leaps. It's usually built through small moments that slowly become lasting change.
Working with horses often helps people recognize those moments and celebrate progress they may not have noticed before.
Every step matters.

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08/08/2026

Please come and be part of our family at Royal Horse Ranch!

Families grow together, but they also face challenges together.
Busy schedules, stressful life events, communication struggles, or major transitions can leave family members feeling disconnected from one another. Sometimes it helps to step outside the everyday routine and experience something completely different.
Equine-assisted family therapy offers opportunities to work together with horses in ways that naturally encourage teamwork, communication, patience, and understanding. The horses don't take sides—they simply respond honestly, helping families learn new ways to connect and support one another.
Every family has challenges. Every family also has the ability to grow stronger.
Sometimes healing begins with simply spending meaningful time together.

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08/01/2026

Yes, every journey does begin with one small step!

Sometimes the conversations that change us the most don't happen across a desk—they happen in the quiet presence of a horse.
At Monkey Island Equine Therapy, healing isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating a safe place where you can slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself without pressure or judgment. Horses naturally respond to our emotions, helping many people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and relationships in a calm, supportive environment.
Whether you're working through stress, anxiety, trauma, or simply looking for a healthier way to move forward, every journey begins with one small step.
Healing happens one moment at a time.

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07/29/2026

🌿 Gentle Growth Still Matters 🐎💛

Healing isn't a race, and growth isn't always measured by giant leaps. Sometimes the most meaningful progress happens in the quiet moments—a little more trust, a little more confidence, a little more peace than yesterday.

At Monkey Island Equine Therapy, we believe every step forward matters. Our horses provide a calm, nonjudgmental environment where individuals can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and discover healing through authentic connection. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, stress, or life's everyday challenges, you don't have to walk the journey alone.

Healing happens one moment, one breath, and one connection at a time. 🌿🐴

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07/25/2026

Let the journeys begin😎

Healing Happens One Safe Moment at a Time

Healing isn't about rushing the process—it's about finding moments where you feel safe enough to take the next step.

Horses have an incredible way of meeting people exactly where they are. They don't judge your past or expect perfection. Their calm, steady presence reminds us that trust is built one gentle interaction at a time, making space for healing, confidence, and hope.
At Monkey Island Equine Therapy, we believe every journey begins with one safe moment.

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07/17/2026

Breathe deep and embrace your life. Cheers. Val

🐴 Sometimes the greatest healing happens in the quietest moments.

At Monkey Island Equine Therapy, healing isn't about rushing—it's about building trust, finding peace, and discovering strength through meaningful connections with these incredible animals.

Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, or simply searching for a place to recharge, every visit offers an opportunity to pause, be present, and take the next step on your journey.

✨ Sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply breathe.
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07/09/2026

We all need to slow down and enjoy all that Mother Nature gives us, especially horses and Monkey Island.

I love walking through the pastures in the morning. It’s so nice to spend time with the horses (these guys are Red, Eddie and Tapioca) when it’s quiet and the day is just beginning. I try to “practice what I preach” about the importance of slowing down, tuning into my senses (and getting out of my head), and connecting. With the horses, with nature and with myself.

07/05/2026

While celebrations and gatherings fill the holiday weekend, it is also okay if your heart needs quiet moments too.
Horses have a grounding way of helping people reconnect with calm, safety, and emotional balance in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and meaningful Independence Day. ❤️🤍💙

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