therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with special needs.
There are so many people who live each day of their lives with a debilitating illness or injury. Their families struggle with not only the illness but also the financial burden it carries. Majestic Hills Ranch is committed to making a difference in the lives of these individuals and their families by providing therapeutic riding. Participants who come to the ranch may have Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Down Syndrome, Cancer, Autism, ADHD/ADD, Paraplegic disabilities, amputees, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, brain injury/head trauma are just to name a few of the challenges they face.
Therapeutic horseback riding receives worldwide recognition as one of
the most progressive forms of therapy today. The positive results of
riding
therapy have been well documented. The therapy strengthens leg and trunk
muscles; increases balance and coordination; helps riders to focus;
develops social skills; builds a sense of self-esteem, trust, and
belonging; and can even overcome sensory issues. The overall
result is improved educational, behavioral, social and emotional growth.
When we see children who come to the ranch for the first time and struggle to find the courage to enjoy the simple act of touching or holding a cat, petting the goats, feeding the pigs, or stroking and petting the horses, it is such a joy. Once the children grow more comfortable with the ranch surroundings, they are matched with a horse whose temperament matches that of the child. Learning how to ride and control such a large animal builds such self-confidence. When you see a child’s body twisted with Cerebral Palsy become so straight and strong that they are able to learn to walk, it is nothing short of a miracle.
The veterans who participate in the program find that riding and working with the horses helps to build physical conditioning and coordination as well as develop social skills after their trauma. The bond they develop with their horse is an emotional healing that gives them the freedom to return to a normal life. It has been said that two hours in the barn is the equivalent of five hours on a couch.
Classes are conducted by trained instructors and assisted by volunteers. Riders are matched to horses based on their ability and riding experience. If you'd like more information:
CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
Brochures are available
here in .pdf
format
Children's Rider registration forms
are also available here for downloads in .pdf format.
Or contact Kris Zieska at 952-426-5688.
VETERAN'S PROGRAM
Brochures are available here in .pdf format
Veteran's Rider inpatient registration forms are also available here for downloads in .pdf format.
Veteran's Rider outpatient registration forms are also available here for downloads in .pdf format.
Or contact Craig Swanson at 612-759-1840.
Ranch History
Majestic Hills Ranch (MHR) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that provides reputable, safe, and enjoyable therapeutic riding to children, young adults, and veterans with special needs. Many individuals are either born with a disability, or through disease, an injury, neglect, trauma, or abuse, they suffer from many different challenges. Whether physical, mental, or emotional, the disability or chronic illness becomes the first of many challenges these individuals will face. The simple chores of everyday living that healthy people take for granted create anxiety, fear, and sometimes a sense of failure for people facing mental or physical challenges, and this prevents them from participating fully in life.
Jackie,
the granddaughter of the Foundation’s Chair Kim Howard, was born with
Recurrent Respiratory Papillomas – a horrible disease of the airway.
Her life expectancy was, at best, three to four years. She was a fighter
even when, at 6 years old, they diagnosed lung cancer and operated to
remove the lower right lobe of her lung.
She then went on various chemo treatments which disabled her greatly. Jackie could no longer walk or lift her legs; she ached all over. It was then that Kim Howard thought of therapeutic horse riding to loosen her muscles; none of the other therapies had worked. Once Jackie was placed on the horse, she was again smiling, and even seemed to forget the pain and her disability while riding. It only took about four weeks and Jackie was not only walking, giggling, dancing, and roller skating down the street, she was riding every day and gaining more confidence and strength than ever! Yes, Jackie’s life was short – she passed at 19 years of age from lung cancer. Having experienced the benefits of riding therapy first hand with Jackie, and seeing the amazing results physically, emotionally, and socially, Kim Howard decided to create the same advantage for other children who face difficult challenges. Majestic Hills Ranch, 105 acres of beautiful rolling hills, was purchased in 1997.
In 1998, a Board was formed, and Majestic Hills Ranch was now a reality. In 1999, MHR gained was granted a 501(c)3 status.
Throughout the years, the generous support of various foundations, companies, and individuals has allowed the ranch to expand from the original, single 12-stall stable to what it is now. The fenced-in, outdoor riding arena has a wheelchair ramp and seating for parents and siblings, all adjacent to the parking lot. There is also a picnic area, bonfire pit, hay wagon that accommodates wheelchairs, and a small petting zoo. In 2010, a second outdoor arena was added for an advanced riding program for children and young adults to learn independent riding skills. Majestic Hills Ranch works to involve the entire family in the rider's time at the ranch and to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. In the words of one parent, “It doesn’t seem like therapy; it’s just plain fun.” For the participant's and their family members, it is a place to talk with others in similar situations, to relax, and build camaraderie. For the siblings, the petting zoo offers the chance to interact with cats, goats, chickens, and pot bellied pigs.