A Letter from our Founders
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Since 2000 we have been privileged to live here at Kittyhawk on a ranch that has impacted many wonderful young people and a number of wonderful wild and rescued horses. "Rescued" seems to be the theme overall as the youth we have shared these horses with have often been hindered by physical, mental and especially emotionally debilitating conditions . . . this would also characterize the state of a number of the equines who have found a home with us. Connecting kids and horses for their mutual health and rehabilitation has been the goal and joyful outcome.
We have worked with Mike’s Hosea Youth Services’ homeless youth, with physically handicapped and autistic children, and with a number of young teenage gals who have “shown up” needing greatly a means to either heal from serious emotional issues, or to get away from acknowledged detrimental pressures and lifestyles. Jeanie’s intuitions and love for these girls have lead to relationships of life changing mentoring and discipleship.
There are so many stories of these “connectings”, but we will withhold them at this time for brevity's sake. If you would like to hear more, just contact us. We'd love to share. You’ll likely laugh and cry.
At Wild Ones Youth Ranch, our desire is to connect ANY child who has a hunger to ride, groom, feed, or just pet a horse, with the chance to do just that, regardless of his or her circumstances.
It is our deepest pleasure to extend this wonderful opportunity to kids who come from less-than-perfect situations (foster care, abuse and/or neglect, physical, emotional, or mental disability, autism, homelessness, single-parent or low-income families, or anyone who is disadvantaged or at-risk in any way.) Whether it is a formal riding lesson, or just some time hanging out and brushing a new friend, we have seen the good that our horses have done in the lives of children of all ages.
In addition to this, we have a mentorship program where older youth (typically homeless or otherwise "high-risk") are paired with a horse (often an adopted or rescued mustang) which they learn how to care for, handle, and ride. Responsibility for something other than oneself plus pride in accomplishments achieved is a double boost to confidence for these young people and the outcome is often truly amazing.
If you know a youth or child who would benefit from our programs, please contact Jeanie or Mike. We will do all that we can to make sure these young people have an experience they won't forget.
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Little ones learn to be comfortable on top of a "horsie".
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Other boys and girls learn what it means to consider and care for a horse's comfort as well.
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Older youth, like this local homeless young man, learn sensitivity and confidence as they leave behind their daily struggles to connect with our horses.
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