Majestic Hills Ranch is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that provides
reputable, safe, and enjoyable therapeutic riding.
Majestic Hills for Children provides therapeutic riding to
children with special needs. Many children are either born with a disability or obtain it
through an accident. Whether physical, mental, or emotional, the
disability or chronic illness becomes the first of many challenges these
children will face. The simple chores of every day living that healthy
people take for granted create anxiety, fear, and sometimes a sense of
failure for those whose challenges prevents them from
participating.
Therapeutic riding has gained worldwide recognition as one of the most
progressive forms of therapy for children with special needs. Research shows
that therapeutic riding improves balance, stronger coordination,
increased motor skills, increased range of motion, a positive outlook,
and sense of belonging. The gentle rhythm of the horse’s movements,
much like a human gait, helps strengthen spine and pelvic muscles,
improves posture and coordination, increases joint mobility and helps
keep muscles from atrophying. Additionally, the unique relationship
that often forms between horse and rider can lead to an increase in self
confidence, patience, and self-esteem, leading to a greater ability to
cope with the day-to-day challenges they face.
Majestic Hills operates under a very unique methodology. Jodi
takes unwanted mistreated horses from the Hooved Animal Rescue. She
sees to their veterinary needs, gives them plenty of nourishment and
love. Once the horse is healthy she works with the horse to determine
if it has the right temperament to work with the children. If not, she
tries to find a good home for the horse. Special needs horses placed
into the program provide so much to the children they
serve. Through this methodology miracles happen seeing a child walk
for the first time without the aid of crutches, walker, or wheelchair,
to hear a child with Autism talk for the first time, seeing the joy on
the children’s faces as they enjoy the other petting zoo animals that
are used in the program brings a sense of awe at what Jodi accomplishes
with these children. The service she provides is FREE feeling that the
families are already financially burdened.
Classes are conducted by a trained instructor's
and
assisted by volunteers. Riders are matched to horses based on their
ability and riding experience.