OUR SUCCESS During therapeutic riding, a special needs individual’s body moves in a way very similar to human walking. The horse moves up and down; side to side; and back and forth in synchronized, repetitive patterns, much the same as the human gait. This movement improves the rider’s balance, body symmetry, muscle tone, and head and neck control. The success of the riders has been unbelievable. Two of our autistics non-verbal children spoke their first words after a month of therapeutic riding. The children were able to ask the horse to "walk" and praise the horse by saying "good boy Slapshot". We are a member of NARHA. NARHA started in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Headquartered in Denver, CO with membership all over the globe, NARHA is a professional membership association for individuals in the field of equine assisted activities and therapies—who inspire and enrich the human spirit for individuals with special needs. Willow Creek Ranch is a member of NARHA and has been in operation since September, 2007.

TESTIMONIALS

I would absolutely love to come out and observe your lessons at the ranch!! I have been telling so many people about your ranch and what a great therapeutic program it sounds like. Telling them the story of the autistic boy you had that started talking after a few weeks on the horse, passing along the goose-bumps that you gave me when telling that story!"

-- Hilary

"First let me say that Denise and Jen are incredible!!!  I left Saturday wanting to be a better person because of admiring and respecting all the hard work and dedication you have put toward your passion.  It is people like you that really do make a difference in this world.  So you go girls!!" 

-- Colleen

"I just wanted to thank you and your volunteers for your hospitality at Willow Creek Ranch.  I appreciated the opportunity to come and observe your therapeutic riding program. I learned a lot. You ladies have done a wonderful job of starting and growing a great program.  I was very impressed by the number of activity stations you have set up and the great rapport you have developed with your riders. You are doing a great job. Keep up the good work."

-- Ernie

Read all testimonials >>

LATEST NEWS

October 17, 2009
Fall Fest Rummage Fundraiser at the Ranch 8am - 4pm, rain or shine.

October 1, 2009
Featured in Life Style newspaper, "An equine elixir"

June 27, 2009
A special Thank You to the businesses and families for their donations to make our first annual “Breakfast at the Ranch” a success!

May 2, 2009
Thank you to everyone who visited us at Burlington Chocolate Fest. Your support is greatly appreciated!

February 23, 2009
A Huge THANK YOU to everyone that supported Willow Creek Ranch in making our first fundraiser on February 23rd a great success! View photos from the event.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Our program would not be possible without the help from volunteers. Make a donation!