Therapeutic riding program for children with special needs.

Majestic Hills Ranch provides therapeutic horse riding sessions for children and young adults living in all socio-economic levels that suffer from physical, mental and emotional disabilities, are chronically ill, or suffer from abuse and neglect. These children suffer from Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Dystrophy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Rhett’s Syndrome, Cancer, paraplegic, blindness, ADA, ADHD, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or come from homes of domestic violence just to name a few.

The simple chores of everyday living that healthy people take for granted creates anxiety, fear and sometimes a sense of failure for those whose disabilities prevent them from participating. Horseback riding has gained worldwide recognition as one of the most progressive forms of therapy for those with physical, mental or emotional disabilities.

The benefits of therapeutic riding for physically, emotionally, or health-challenged individuals is well documented. Research shows that children who participate in therapeutic riding, experience physical, emotional, and mental rewards including (1) increased self-esteem, (2) improved posture, (3) improved balance, (4) stronger coordination, (5) increased motor skills, (6) increased range of motion, (7) positive outlook, and (8) sense of belonging. The gentle rhythm of a horse’s gait enables a rider who is unable to walk alone, experience a motion similar to the human gait, thereby working muscles and improving a child’s flexibility, balance and muscle strength. The exposure to the animals, helping with their care, learning how to ride and control a powerful animal, and the environment is immeasurable. The self-confidence, self-esteem, and sense of self-worth provides a sense of calm and well being that is needed to help them cope with the day-to-day challenges they face.

Majestic Hills Ranch adopts horses that are abused, neglected, or unwanted and otherwise would be put down. We take care of their nutritional needs, veterinary care, and give them a loving home. Once the horse is healthy they begin an extensive training program that sometimes can take up to two years. Once the horse is trained the temperament of the horse is matched to that of the child they will be working with. These children become very attached to the horse and feel it belongs to them. If they are able they also become involved in their care. If the horse does not develop the right temperament to work with the children they are put into our leased-a-horse program which helps provide funds for general operating expenses. Without these wonderful animals the program would not exist. They are the foundation with which Majestic Hills is able to create miracles with these very special children.