The Promise Ranch: where magic and hope are created
Amy and her therapy horse, Knickee, who is sensitive to the needs of all riders.
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding
Founded in 2009 by Dr. Anne Moore, the Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding facility strives to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children and adults with disabilities through the use of horses. With six full-time therapy horses and more than 120 lessons given each month, volunteers are a big part of the Promise Ranch’s continued steady growth.
Currently, the Promise Ranch has 50 clients, and for each person who rides, between one and three volunteers are necessary. Volunteers can choose to work directly with one of the kind and well-trained horses or support the program helping with office work. Volunteers 16 or older can lead or side walk the horses, and those younger than 16 can brush the horses and help instructors gather equipment.
Volunteers must participate in a training session and become familiar with the Promise Ranch’s procedures. While volunteering is flexible, an hour and a half commitment must be made on a regular weekly basis for those interested in working directly with clients and horses. (Consistency is beneficial for the horses, instructors and clients.) The Promise Ranch offers lessons six days a week, and the volunteer coordinator can suggest days and times that fit all schedules. High school community service hours can be earned as well.
If you would like to support the Promise Ranch but cannot volunteer time, consider making a tax-deductible donation, which can be directed to the general fund, sponsoring a horse, or to the scholarship fund. Also, the Promise Ranch is always in need of supplies such as horse blankets, endurance saddles, brushes, and buckets.
Volunteering and supporting the Promise Ranch is a rewarding opportunity, especially if you have a passion for horses and helping people. Results are both expected and unexpected, but they are always satisfying. To learn more about the Promise Ranch, giving a donation, seeing a complete wish list of items, or volunteering, visit
www.promiseranchtherapeuticriding.org. It will be worth your time!
If you would like to stop by for a visit, everyone is welcome to come to “Saddles, Pride and Promises,” which is the Promise Ranch’s 2nd annual fundraiser on August 24 at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door, so stop by and enjoy Big Jim’s BBQ, two bands, demonstrations of therapeutic riding and horsemanship, riding exhibitions, silent auction, and face painting.
A happy Promise Ranch client learning how to sit up on his own – he did it!
Daniel, who is autistic, is much calmer on horseback and has learned to communicate with hand signals.
