Achieving the Vision through a Mighty Mission

 

WHY Ranch has a specialized program that provides a rare opportunity for Socially Challenged youth from an urban setting to experience nature and emotional healing through interaction with a horse. We provide school-aged children ages 5-18, opportunities to be introduced to a more nature-based setting and to experience horse riding and training in true western American tradition.

 

We believe that interaction with horses builds self-esteem, self-awareness and gives hope for the future to each of our young participants. They do not simply learn to ride a horse but are taught to care for the horse from beginning to end – from equine maintenance, basic health care, grooming, dressing, etc. Through participation in the full program, the youth develop pride in their hard work, responsibility, accountability, respect for their trainers as well as their horses, accomplishment, compassion and mutual trust. The advantage to our program is that all children are on an equal playing field in the program. Horses are great therapy because they are not aware of  schedules, gossip, bullying, expectations, pretty, ugly, poor, etc. Horses only perceive how a person approaches, pets, grooms, hugs or talks to them. They are inherently instinctive animals that help heal broken hearts and minds because of their beautiful spirits and tranquility. This experience provides each youth with life-changing tools that transfer to all aspects of his/her life.

We require a parent or guardian to stay with the child during a portion of the session to encourage rebuilding and/or strengthening family bonds, as well as allowing parents to celebrate their child’s accomplishments.
We will also have areas where the parent/guardian can relax and refresh as well.