"Ride out victoriously for the cause of truth, meekness, and righteousness." Ps 45:4
Phone 218-851-1937
Hey Ya'll!
Welcome
We offer unique 90 minute sessions for all in need of hope and healing encompassed in a western environment.
Click below for more details.
H.E.R.D. Program 2026
Go to our Program link for more info!
CLICK below for more information and to register your child for 3 different camp opportunities. We are SO excited to launch this new program. Register soon it will fill quickly!
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About Us
Lee & Bokoda
Co-Founder and Chief Communications Officer of True North Ranch, Lee and her horse Bokoda have a passion to reach out to hurting kids and their families. Since 2006, they have loved on kids together, by demonstrating how to build a relationship with one another through many different activities. Lee has seen over and over again how a horse can give a child so much and the child receives healing by just playing with an animal twice their size. A safe and peaceful place was created as the foundation where broken children and families could find hope and healing. Lee is also the sole trainer and maintainer of all the animals on the ranch. Her training comes with great passion to implement natural training techniques which makes the sessions extra special for each one who participates.
Dan
Dan, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and better half, husband of Lee, and the hard workin' man around the ranch. He recently has become more and more involved in being a horseman and learning how to apply his knowledge to help out with kids as well. Dan's gifts of technology and fixing pretty much anything during the day is just part of his ministry. Since Dan retired he now serves full time and has started a new ministry with boys working and building with wood. It's been a wonderful blessing to many young boys!
MACKINZEY & Bokoda
Mackinzey is Dan and Lee's daughter. She graduated from Liberty University and recently moved back to MN from serving as a police officer in. VA. By being a Police Officer she hopes by serving as an officer she will do more than just keep the peace, but be a witness to the True Prince of Peace. Mackinzey has been the sole trainer for both horses and continues to use her gifts of horsemanship when she can be at the ranch. She has a great sense of humor and kids love her!
Mitch & The "Boys"
Mitch is the son of Dan and Lee and as much as he loves horses, he enjoys the activities much more! He enjoys being creative with the programs and giving many ideas to make it more interesting. He loves to serve wherever he can especially in his gift of photography and video. Much of what you see on the website is Mitch's great work of art. His love of Jesus shines with all who encounter him and are so thankful when he can give his time.
Bokoda and Nugget join him in this picture.
Our Board Membeers
DENISE MCCALL-PRESIDENT
Julie Petersen BOARD MEMBER
Julie Petersen BOARD MEMBER
I've been married to Scott since 1985 and we have three grown sons and nine grandchildren. We live south of the Twin Cities. I've loved horses my whole life, but grew up in the city so never had one of my own until I was 40 years old. I have known Lee and Dan since the early 2000's when our church youth groups went on a cross country y
I've been married to Scott since 1985 and we have three grown sons and nine grandchildren. We live south of the Twin Cities. I've loved horses my whole life, but grew up in the city so never had one of my own until I was 40 years old. I have known Lee and Dan since the early 2000's when our church youth groups went on a cross country youth trip together.
I love seeing the bond that happens when kids (of any age!) spend time with my horse. Horses have much to teach us about ourselves and the world around us. I'm excited to be a part of the ministry of True North Ranch where Jesus and horses make a big difference in the lives of young people.
Julie Petersen BOARD MEMBER
Julie Petersen BOARD MEMBER
Julie Petersen BOARD MEMBER
I moved to Nisswa in 2018 from Texas, but I am a Minnesota native. My husband and I were married in 2019, and together we have 2 stepchildren and my daughter. I’ve loved horses my whole life, but I grew up in the Twin Cities so I could only dream of one. When I lived in Texas, I grew to love country living, rodeos and my boots! How God
I moved to Nisswa in 2018 from Texas, but I am a Minnesota native. My husband and I were married in 2019, and together we have 2 stepchildren and my daughter. I’ve loved horses my whole life, but I grew up in the Twin Cities so I could only dream of one. When I lived in Texas, I grew to love country living, rodeos and my boots! How God works is truly amazing; little did I know God would bless me with a dream come true to volunteer at True North Ranch with Lee & Dan! To be on the ranch for me, is to be at peace and with the Lord’s community. During my first visit, I felt an instant connection to Lee and the horses. And to see the hard work they put in day in and day out, God provides and blesses their work with seeds planted for changed lives. Their faith in the Lord challenges me every time, their hospitality and loving hearts inspire me. I feel blessed to be a part of True North Ranch Ministries.
Skye Smith-Board Member
Julie Petersen BOARD MEMBER
Skye Smith-Board Member
I love Jesus.
I gave my life to Him in 1988.
I have been married to my husband Brian since 1991. We have three adult children and two grandchildren. We lived in Cloquet, MN for 29 years and were involved in several different ministries. We were founding members of Kingdom Builders Ministries .
We moved to Crosslake in 2021. We met Dan
I love Jesus.
I gave my life to Him in 1988.
I have been married to my husband Brian since 1991. We have three adult children and two grandchildren. We lived in Cloquet, MN for 29 years and were involved in several different ministries. We were founding members of Kingdom Builders Ministries .
We moved to Crosslake in 2021. We met Dan and Lee while attending church. Over the past couple years have had the opportunity to hear their hearts, enjoy their company and have had first hand experience in volunteering and ministering at the ranch. We both love horses and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching and learning how the Lord uses them to minister to others and myself. Dan and Lee’s love for Jesus and desire to see captives set free is inspiring. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this ministry.
