Winston Churchill
said “There is something about the outside of a horse
that is good for the inside of a man.” The
horse program at the Heartland Girls’ Ranch focuses
not just on learning about horses, but also on what horses
can teach us about ourselves. The girls’ learning and
experience comes in many different ways.
Heartland Ranch is a working ranch that uses horses as a
catalyst to bring about positive change. The horses are
used daily to address problem areas, attitudes and
behaviors from a perspective that is new to our clients,
that of the authority figure. Our clients are put in a role
of on-going responsibility as "parent" and caregiver to the
horse, the "child". This role reversal offers our clients
remarkable insight into problem areas and ultimately
invites and encourages girls to make dramatic changes in
their approach to life. The girls grow in their self-esteem
as they gain skills and experience success with horse
programming.
Horse Care- Every girl that comes to the ranch is assigned
a horse that she is responsible for basic care. The horse
manager is able to pair girls and horse personalities that
will best benefit the girl. Each girl is then taught the
basics of horse care, which includes feeding, grooming,
barn and stall maintenance.
CHA Lessons- Each girl has the opportunity to be instructed
in riding skills. We have two staff that are certified to
teach the " Certified Horseman's Association" riding
lessons levels 1-3. This is an organization that is
recognized nation wide and allows a girl who has tested out
at the various levels a status of skills at stables around
the country. Girls at the ranch are instructed in the
levels and must pass a written and riding test to move to
higher levels. The girls at the ranch have many
opportunities to practice their skills year round in an
indoor arena, trail rides and horse camping.
Horse Shows- The girls at the ranch have many opportunities
to participate in horse competitions through out the year.
The girls will practice various games in preparation for
the horseshows put on in our indoor arena. In these shows
the girls compete against each other and occasionally staff
(Staff vs. Girls shows). These are special times for the
girls to show off the skills they have gained to their
families, county workers and ranch staff. In the summer the
girls are involved in the local saddle club and participate
in horseshows in the community.
Riding Lessons- The girls have opportunities through out
the year to assist and help teach riding to local community
members. They can "give back" to the community by assisting
developmentally challenged students as side walkers and
encouragers. The girls gain in their self-esteem as they
can teach younger children skills they have learned during
community lessons.
EAGALA- Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association is
an organization that is dedicated to improving the mental
health of individuals, groups and families. The ranch has
staff trained in EGALA and uses these skills as a form of
"therapy" to address various issues with the girls as
individuals and in groups. A girl and her family can also
take part in the various exercises used in these sessions.
At the ranch EAGALA sessions are done twice a month with
each "wing" to promote good communication, working
together, and to deal with any issues the wing is having.
Girls will also work individually on their issues using the
EAGALA lessons.
Drill Team- Heartland Ranch has a drill team that
participates in various community parades and event
throughout the summer. Girls practice parade walking and
formations to show as they participate in these events.
Horse Training- Girls that have acquired the necessary
skills have opportunity to assist in the training of
horses. The horse and the girl both benefit through out
this process as the girls gain much insight into their own
behavior as they are working the horse.
