Our animals are an invaluable part of our program. The small farm animals help clients build trust and confidence. The horses use their natural instincts to assist with counseling or their big gaits to help riders build strength.
We rely on Ranch Heroes to Sponsor the horses and small animals monthly or yearly. It costs $250/month to feed and care for a horse. Please consider helping to provide hope to our community and support the work of these selfless animals.
Reina is a 10 year old Friesian/Paint Mare who joined our team in 2018. She is a very interactive horse for counseling and has great gaits for our therapeutic riding program. Reina is super smart and is the typical “black lab” personality in the horse world. She has natural horsemanship training and loves to show off her pedestal work.
Howie was born Jan 2017 and was rescued before he was sent to auction. He had been in 2 neglectful places and then was finally being cared for by his new owner. Unfortunately, he new owner was killed in an accident and the little donkey was going to be sent to auction. He had not been handled much and needs a lot of work on trust and leading.
Duke joined our team last year as a therapeutic riding horse. He is a middle aged Haflinger gelding who has a great walk and trot for his riders. This 13.2 hand pony has a heart of gold and loves hugs!
Asia came to us through another rescue group. She and her dam were discovered abandoned. The mare was foundered so terribly that she could not stand up to get water for several days. Asia had no hoof care and her hooves had also foundered and curled. Through proper hoof care and nutrition, she is now serviceably sound. She came without much arena experience but has learned a lot since being at the Ranch. Asia is our little girl- only 13.2 hands, middle aged and Paso Fino-Arab mix.
Rocket was donated by a family who did not have time to work with her. She had experienced running barrels and came with some emotional baggage. She often threatened to buck did not want to move forward. Her back was sore because of an ill fitting saddle and she came with mechanical founder issues. Her great ground manners make her great for our program. Rocket is a 15 hand, middle aged quarter horse mare.
Cookie was donated by a family that recognized that she needed work to remain healthy and happy. She comes with a lot of Parelli and Hunter experience. Cookie is a 15 hand, middle aged black quarter horse mare. Her favorite gait is WHOA. Although she has a ton of training, she doesn't want anyone to know it. This girl waits to be impressed before she is ready to give you her heart.
Luna is a 12 year old Haflinger Paint mare that joined our herd as a therapeutic riding horse. We soon realized that she was blind in her right eye when she kept having trouble in her training. She has adapted and proudly carries large and small riders during therapeutic riding. She hates to be alone and will do counseling sessions if she has a friend.
Naya is Meg's horse and is often used in therapeutic riding because of her size. She is a Friesian/Draft cross mare. Also, she makes a great counseling partner as her size is quite intimidating. Her huge soul and soft heart make her a great all around girl. Also, her half sister was featured in the TV show, LOST.
Big lessons come in small packages. Max, the black mini, was donated to the Ranch after he had been a pasture horse. He had to be trained to be handled and interact confidently. Hope, the paint mini, was born on the property. Shortly after her birth, her dam died leaving her an orphan foal.
Daisy and Moses came to the farm several years ago from a meat grower. Daisy, the mom, had no horns and could not be turned out with the other goats. After giving birth to twins,, she also failed to produce any milk. Moses and his brother,Malachi were bottle fed starting at 2 days old. Malachi only lived 4 weeks, but Moses continues to entertain visitors today.
The Rabbits have a special place here at the farm too. Their quirky personalities thrill kids and often require patience from their audience. We have a Dutch Brown and Rex breeds.
Stetson and Maverick were rescued 5 years ago. They are a German Shepherd/Golden Lab mix. They take their job of guarding the small animal farm seriously, but still like to hand out kisses to visitors.
All of our cats here work for a living. They are great at hunting mice, rats, snakes and birds. Some clients enjoy them climbing in their lap during sessions too.
The hens give us fresh eggs daily--most are brown, blue or green. There is a Bantam rooster that we rescued from the dog's mouth one day after they found him in the woods. He is the proud guardian over all of his hens now. We have Barred Rock, Rhode Island Reds, Brown ISAs, Lavenders, Easter Layers and Australorps.