Our Mission

Praying Hands Ranches, Inc.

Mission

Praying Hands Ranches Inc. (PHR) is a Christian, non denominational, charitable, nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization; a member of NARHA (North American Riding Handicapped Assoc.), committed to meeting the needs of mentally, emotionally and physically challenged children and adults in a ranch environment therapeutic center. Using physical and occupational therapists, trained riding instructors, and loving volunteers, we strive to achieve rehabilitation using equine, horticultural, and small animal therapies, as well as peer tutor programs. Our primary task is giving all students an opportunity to grow mentally, physically and emotionally strong, gain self-esteem, become independent, learn to care for others, be courageous enough to overcome fears, and achieve a better quality of life overall. PHR serves over 100 handicapped clients each week at the ranch. PHR INC. owns 40 acres on which the indoor and outdoor facilities are located.

Programs:

1. Equine Programs: Utilizes the horse as a therapeutic tool whereby the student learns to influence the horse. Goals are set by riding instructors, therapists, students’ teachers/parents for each individual and evaluations are made based on achievement and progress. Students achieve relaxation, physical and mental growth, auditory, visual and psychological strengthening. Trained volunteers are used for side walking and head walking the horse when needed. Harness Driving a cart is for those who cannot ride astride a horse but want to be involved, or those who want to learn this skill.
2. Hippotherapy: Utilizes a horse as a therapeutic tool which the student may not influence. This requires a therapist to monitor progress and specifically design a program. The therapist works as a team with the riding instructor and trained volunteers.
3. Horticultural Experience: Using plants and other natural materials in a therapeutic environment such as a warm greenhouse to achieve positive emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and social benefits. Students plant, cultivate, water and care for many different gardens located on the ranch which consist of flower, vegetable, and sensory gardens. Crafts are made from materials grown on the ranch.
4. Small Animal Petting Farm: A positive step forward in learning to care for others, to touch (tactile, sensory integration), to be courageous in overcoming feelings of rejection, to be unconditionally loved by animals.
5. Troubled Youth Programs: Specially designed programs for youth include: working on maintenance of the ranch, animal husbandry, bonding with animals, learning basic horsemanship, and learning to volunteer with handicapped children and adults. Hard physical work relieves stress and teaches them to use their strength appropriately. Feeding and caring for animals becomes a responsibility, and they are unconditionally accepted. Choosing a horse to care for, to tack, and to learn to ride builds their self esteem and their acceptance of another’s authority. Some will graduate to a Peer-Tutor Program where they will step into shoes of authority and learn to serve others.

PHR has the privilege of being supported and recommended by Children’s Hospital,  local churches, businesses, civic groups, Scouts and 4 – H groups plus numerous Eagle Scouts projects.  PHR is a community involved operation. Volunteers are the backbone of all PHR programs, and 50 to 60 volunteers offer their time, talents, and love to all the PHR special needs folks each week.