An important adjunct to therapy and a regular part of the school day at The Ranch, residents learn about all aspects of life with horses--from grooming, feeding, and tack to animal psychology, biology and riding. Classes are held on breeding and care of a horse. Residents experience “hands on” training in foaling, imprinting, and halter breaking, as well as preparing young foals for sale.
A stable of 16-20 horses is maintained for resident use. Full-time, experienced instructors guide residents through a planned curriculum using an indoor arena that was built with funds donated from a local foundation. The Ranch also receives horses from generous donors. These horses will be placed in the riding program for residents or used for breeding.
Contact Rod King, Horse Program Manager (208) 532-4117 or rking@youthranch.org
The Ranch offers a unique component to the overall program that includes the use of horses. There are two aspects to the use of horses: 1) Activities involving youth caring for and riding horses, and 2) the therapeutic use of horses as a means to assist in the emotional and psychological growth of young people.
Young people at the Ranch are involved in all aspects of the horse program. They attend classes about caring for and riding horses. They get 'hands on' experience in foaling, imprinting, halter breaking and preparing the young foals for sales. They attend the sales and show the horses to prospective buyers both in and out of the sale ring. This part of the program allows young people a chance to learn responsibility through the care of another living creature.
In addition, horses are used as a therapeutic tool. A certified instructor in Equine-Assisted Therapy oversees this portion of the program. Young people, as they learn how to ride a horse, also learn about themselves. As the young person experiences a range of emotions (i.e., anxiety, fear, anger) during the riding of the horse, the horse responds to those emotions. Since horses are typically non-judgmental and have no expectations or motives, a young person can learn about how they handle their emotions without fear of rejection. Horses also help youth feel in control of their situation because there is a direct correlation between action and reaction. To effectively ride a horse, a student must also be able to communicate well with the horse and the instructor. In this way, riding is a very social activity, but is less daunting to people who are uncomfortable in social situations. Riding helps to empower young people and enables them to connect on a personal level. The sometimes unpredictable nature of animals and situations also creates a real-life environment in which students will be able to confront fears and make adjustments to situations beyond their control. The horse helps the young person become more aware of their feelings, behaviors, patterns, boundaries, and stumbling blocks to their treatment.
The Ranch keeps 20 to 30 horses at all times. Horses are carefully selected based on their age, disposition, and health so that youth can get the best experience from the exposure to horses.
The Ranch accepts donations of horses that fit into the riding program. If you have a horse that you would like to donate to the Ranch, you can e-mail or call Rod King, the Horse Program Director at (208) 532-4117.