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 PATH Intl. PATH Intl. was founded in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) to promote safe and effective therapeutic horseback riding throughout the United States and Canada. Today, PATH Intl. has nearly 800 member centers and over 6,300 individual members in countries all over the world, who help and support more than 42,000 men, women and children with special needs each year through a variety of equine-assisted activity and therapy programs. Willow Creek Ranch is a member of PATH Intl., and has been in operation since September, 2007.

TESTIMONIALS

"...Before Addie began horse back riding, she had very poor posture and tended to drag her left foot significantly. Addie was also very shy with the volunteers and some would ask if Addie talked at all. A year later, we have people tell us that Addie is a "natural" because her posture is so great when riding. She no longer drags her foot and her doctor has told us that seeing her now, many doctors might miss her diagnosis because she has improved so much. Addie now talks non-stop to her side walkers ..." [ read more... ]

-- With Much Love, The Tavelas

"...It is truly amazing to us that Ashley is able to manage the height of the horse without any difficulty. Each week, we watch Ashley with amazement as she gets on the horse and rides. She appears confident on the horse and is able to maintain amazing balance. We have invited other family members to observe Ashley riding so they could see for themselves that Ashley is riding a horse and managing the height and balance issues..." [ read more... ]

-- Anna, mother of Ashley

"...After riding for 45 minutes, Rob has better balance when walking, an improved gait with each step and improved ego. Rob contributes to conversation with his accomplishments at the ranch. It is an ice breaker for conversation with friends that do not ride..." [ read more... ]

Read all testimonials >>

LATEST NEWS

August 28, 2011
Our OPEN PLEASURE HORSE SHOW FUNDRAISER was held at West 20 Ranch and Saddle Co in East Troy, WI. Click to view Gallery Photos

August 2011
We've added some photos to our 2011 GALLERY, visit our Gallery Page to view. We always want more, please send us your photos!

March 2011
WCR has moved! Check out our new location on the Contact Us page.

May 14, 2011
Download the latest WCR Newsletter or visit the newsletter archive.

October 31, 2010
Animal Advocate Television aired a segment on Willow Creek Ranch on October 31. Click here to watch this feature.

August 29, 2010
Thanks to everyone who attended our OPEN PLEASURE HORSE SHOW FUNDRAISER at West 20 Ranch and Saddle Co in East Troy, WI. We've posted a few photos, CLICK HERE to view.

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!

HOW YOU CAN HELP

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