About Us

What We Do

Sanctuary, acceptance, peace. That is what we provide at Pura Vida Ranch. Through the amazing feedback our horses provide, we can help people peel back the layers and discover the truth that lies beneath. Horses are prey animals that live in community. Everything a horse does is for a reason and their lives depend on their ability to read their environment and the people around them. They teach us to be present; in being present, we can discover what is happening inside us.

How a Dream Became a Reality

Pura Vida Ranch was started because of a childhood dream to work with horses and people. Growing up as a young child on a farm, Lynn had a passion for horses and started riding at the age of 5. Her teen years were spent riding around the area on her horse Sunny, a Quarter Horse/Welsh Pony cross. Sunny was Lynn’s confident, best friend and co-participant in many adventures, good and bad! Most importantly, he was where she found peace. Not really understanding why the smell of horse and leather was such a calming experience, Lynn did know that other people could feel this way, too, if only they had a chance to be with a horse. Lynn continued to own and ride horses throughout her life, and these horses have always ministered to her soul. Having a daughter who dealt with mental health issues, as well as herself, Lynn also worked with individuals within a crisis pregnancy center. This further opened Lynn’s eyes to the hurt and suffering that people go through and inspired her belief that horses can help people to move forward in a positive and more transformational manner.

The Meaning of Pura Vida

Pura Vida Ranch is the vision of Lynn and Juan Carlos Taborda Escobar. Pura Vida comes from Juan's childhood growing up in Costa Rica, where Pura Vida is a common expression that translates to simple or pure life, being thankful for what you have, and not dwelling on the negatives. We view Pura Vida as living your best life, and we believe that Horse Facilitated Development can help people do that. In addition, Lynn and Juan Carlos also want the ranch to be a safe place, a sanctuary where people can come and feel at peace in God’s amazing creation. Whether working with the horses or walking around the trails, Pura Vida Ranch is a place of serenity.

Meet the Team!

  • Lynn

    Lynn Taborda is the co-owner and Horse Facilitated Development coach of Pura Vida Ranch, located in the beautiful township of Georgian Bluffs, Ontario. After working in the nonprofit industry for several years, Lynn recognized the need for alternative programs that could help people move forward in a positive and authentic manner. Having found her own peace in the presence of horses, Lynn has completed her certification through Dreamwinds/Cartier Farms and EAL Canada and continues her education through Equine Entrepreneur.

    Lynn shares 7 children, 7 horses, 2 dogs, and 4 cats with her husband Juan Carlos. It’s a long-held dream that has come to life, and Lynn is thrilled to be able to inspire others to live their best lives and pursue their own dreams through the beauty and reflective nature of horses.

  • Juan Carlos

    Co-owner of Pura Vida Ranch, Juan Carlos was born in Colombia but spent most of his life growing up in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Looking for new opportunities, Juan moved to Canada in 2007, and in 2014 he met Lynn. Married in 2016, Juan and Lynn share a love of people and animals. When Lynn shared her vision of a Horse Facilitated Development program that could help people to heal and succeed in life, Juan was completely on board. As a full-time salesperson, Juan has made a career in helping people achieve their needs. Since coming to the farm, Juan has become a keen observer of horse behavior and a quick study of our approach to natural horsemanship and horse facilitated development. With his life experience and moving to a new country, learning new languages and customs. Juan is a true example of overcoming obstacles and achieving your dreams.

  • Molly

    Molly is a Percheron mare who used to work on an Amish farm. She’s a big girl, but don’t let her size fool you; she has a kind heart and a soft eye. Molly’s family loved her enough to ensure she went to a good home. Molly is truly one of the kindest souls you will ever meet.

  • Honey

    Honey is a grey freckled Percheron mare from western Canada. She was a broodmare until she was too old, and then she was sent to auction. Honey has a lot of trust issues and was quite probably abused. She is a very brave soul and wants to please, even though it can be scary for her to do so.

  • Paddy

    Paddy was a carousel pony, the ones tied to a pole and walked in a circle so children can go for a pony ride. He is a Shetland pony gelding, and don’t let his size fool you. He can be very sassy, especially with the larger horses! Paddy’s best friend is Dan, our big Belgium. They like to play and tussle just like little boys! Paddy likes to give kisses because then he gets treats!

  • Rio

    Our golden boy is Rio. Another import from the western provinces, Rio, has lots of training, and he really, I mean really loves people! Rio is a registered Quarter Horse gelding. His registered name is Dry Doc Freckles. And Rio even has a freckle on his nose! How cute is that!

  • Belle

    Beautiful Belle is a retired ranch horse from out west (I’m sensing a theme here :). She was also treated roughly and is learning that it’s okay to be fussed over and cared for. Belle is a very independent soul and tends to stay on the edge of the herd. She has a beautiful quiet energy.

  • Dan

    Our chunky guy is Handsome Dan, a Belgium gelding. Dan came from an Amish farm near Kitchener and is just as sweet as he is wide! Dan was treated well at his previous home and loves to be pampered and brushed. His unique quality is that he has one brown and one blue eye! Dan and Paddy are the best of buddies!

  • Brooke

    Brooke and her daughter Meadow came to us in December of 2023. Brooke is a Canadian/Arabian cross and is fiercely protective of her daughter. They have been together since Meadow was born and were highly dependent on each other for safety and comfort. They are learning that they are safe and can trust us to keep them that way.

  • Meadow

    Meadow is the daughter of Brooke. She is a beautiful Canadian/Arab/Paint mare that is learning to trust her new people and home. Meadow’s absolute favorite thing is to have her bum scratched!