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Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Horse Program |
Therapeutic Riding at the Ranch
One of the key programs we desire to enhance and expand is our Therapeutic Riding Program.
See the plans for our new riding arena and horse barn here.
Our programs and instructor are nationally accredited under NARHA, EAGALA, and EFMHA. The Therapeutic Riding Program currently provides the following services at our campus in Minot:
Therapeutic Riding: Therapeutic Riding utilizes the recreational aspect of riding and basic care for the horse to encourage physical, psychological, social, and educational benefits for people with and without disabilities. Participants are instructed in riding skills and take part in numerous therapeutic activities with their horse. Therapeutic benefits are both mental and physical with improved feelings of self-worth and competence, mastery of skills, and processing thinking patterns. Many clients bond with a specific horse, which usually has had a similar background as the client -- such as neglect, physical and/or emotional abuse. The clients take on the role of a caregiver for their horse and as they work together, a relationship builds on trust, honesty, and respect. Sometimes this is the first true relationship of give and take that a client develops. Once that bond has formed, there is no other horse in the world for the client.
For more information about the Therapeutic Riding Program, please contact Kristi Schaefer, director, at 701-852-3628 or 1-800-593-3098.
Emma's Story
Over the years we have seen much success with the Therapeutic Riding Program. Kids who have not been able to be reached by other therapeutic means have made dramatic breakthroughs in our Therapeutic Riding Program. Take Emma for example, a young girl who was physically and emotionally abused throughout her childhood.
When Emma entered Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, she initially refused therapy, choosing instead to close herself off. She did not smile, laugh, or share stories with others. She protected herself by isolating herself from everyone and lashing out at anyone trying to help her.
Emma volunteered at the Hippotherapy program as a side walker (walking next to and supporting the rider) and an immediate change was seen by everyone working with her. She began to smile, warmed up to the riding instructor and other volunteers, and began to attend her therapy sessions.
Emma’s therapist integrated the Hippotherapy program into her treatment plan and Emma began to reflect the hope that others had for her in her own life. She was voted the “Volunteer of the Year” by the other individuals working with the program. This young girl was able to come out of her protective shell and learn to trust those who cared for her, because of the warmth, safety, and trust of the horses.
Enjoy photos of our horses as you read further and consider becoming an Equine Angel!
The Equine Angels augment the care of our horses, many of whom also are rescued from an uncertain future. Working with the horses is sometimes the first step our children experience toward re-establishing trust, just like for Emma or Jimmy, who was friends with Falage, our inspiration for this heartwarming program. Equine Angels are integral to funding of the therapeutic riding program. Won't you consider becoming an "Equine Angel" too?
As you consider participating as an Equine Angel, please read this story about Gus...a very special horse. Then choose your very own Angel horse--photos and bios are listed as you scroll down.
For more information about the Therapeutic Riding Program at the Ranch, or to learn how to become an Equine Angel, contact Kristi Schaefer, director, at 701-852-3628 or 1-800-593-3098. |
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| |  Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is the use of the horse as a tool in a mental health treatment plan. The horse is used to mirror the client’s actions and reactions in an attempt to provide another avenue of working through difficulties in their everyday lives. We have seen the most success with this approach in children and families processing their interpersonal relationships with each other and identifying themselves with the horses. Our EAP program is used at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch with licensed therapists actively taking part in each session with their clients, who would normally have difficulty in the traditional office setting. Read More... |
| |  Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational and speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy comes from the Greek word “hippos,” meaning horse. It is part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.
Read More... |
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Equine Angels
The Equine Angels program is named in memory of Falage, a white Arabian who made a big difference in the life of one young boy and many staff.
Read More... |
| Andy | 
Andy came from a cattle ranch near Parshall, N.D., in Dec of ‘07. He was born in 1991 and was used to work cattle, trail rides, and parades. Andy is a red roan (or strawberry roan) Quarter Horse gelding. Right now he is used for staff riding as he becomes accustomed to DBGR and the rest of the herd.
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| Buster | 
Quarter Horse, born in 1985
Buster is our horse of two coats! He’s brown in the summer and black in the winter, which can confuse some clients if they are not paying attention to his white markings. Buster’s new job this year was becoming one of our Hippotherapy horses. He did a great job and didn’t flinch when balls were bounced off his back and under his feet. Buster was donated in September of ’06 from Minot, N.D.
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| Charlie | 
Gelding
Charlie was born in 1999 and came to the Ranch in November 2004. He used to be owned by Ron Hett, the Ranch’s formerchief operations officer. Ron relocated to another home in North Dakota, but wanted Charlie to have the best of homes—and he has that at the Ranch!
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| Cody |  Arabian gelding
Cody came to the Ranch in October 1995, which means he’s been at the Ranch longer than any of the other horses. If you ask Cody a question, he’ll open his mouth and talk back! Cody was named “Horse of the Year” in 2005—by all the volunteers. Obviously, he’s a favorite with the kids. Cody was born in 1980. |
| Coy |  Quarter Horse X, born in 1990
Coy is true to his name. He is the hardest horse to catch of the entire herd. He enjoys playing games with those who are trying to catch him. Coy will trot about 10 feet from you and then will circle back around you and stop. When you go to reach for him, he trots another 10 feet circle around you. We are pretty sure we see a smile on his face while he’s doing this. This activity is great for those who are impatient and it works well for teambuilding with a group of clients! Coy was donated in December of ’06 from Hot Springs, S.D. |
| Fancy |  Quarter Horse, born in 1991
Fancy’s name says it all. She is a beautiful sorrel with four stockings and an interesting blaze. She came to DBGR in April of ’07 from Fargo, N.D. When her lack of speed kept her from doing barrels and pole bending, we purchased her from her 4-H owner. She loves her treats and to be brushed. |
| Flugseal |  Floogie, Icelandic
Floogie’s name means “fly like a bird.” Floogie came to the Ranch with Vindur, another Icelandic. She is gentle as a lamb and is especially good for those residents who might be timid about grooming horses, as she stands very still while they pick up her feet to clean her hooves. Floogie previously was in a therapeutic riding program in Colorado. She was born in 1984. |
| Hank |  Hank, Paint, born in 1992
Hank is big, thick, bay paint gelding. The star on his forehead is almost in the shape of a heart. He was born in a herd of wild horses and was bought as a yearling. He used to work on a cattle ranch in Hot Springs,. S.D.(with Coy). Hank is enjoying the relaxing life of a trail riding horse at DBGR. He was donated in Dec of ’06. |
| Heidi |  Norwegian Fjord, born in 1989
Heidi’s two-toned mane and her curiosity of all things new draws attention to her. She can no longer have foals and the breeding farm near Crosby, N.D., donated her to us in March of ‘07. Heidi is a sweetheart and loves attention from kids. She is used for Hippotherapy and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy groups. |
| Itch | 
Itch
Itch is so-named because he likes to have his head and neck scratched! Itch was born in 1990 and came from Bottineau, N.D., where he participated with youth in a church camp. Itch is quickly becoming one of the favorites with the Ranch youth.
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| Lottie | 
Quarter horse, mare
Lottie was previously busy with cattle—
doing round-ups, cutting and roping. Now she’s having a wonderful life at the Ranch! Lottie was born in 1982. |
| Quincy | 
Quincy is actually a black tobiano Paint! But with age, her black turned to gray and then to white. She only has a few darker marks on her hip left. Quincy was born in 1989. Her baby pictures show her with more black than white! She was donated in November of ‘07 by Laurie and Dale Dannewitz. Laurie works at the DBGR Minot campus as is executive assistant to the president. Quincyloves to be groomed and when tied in the barn, will lift her right leg and hold it there until you start brushing her!
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| Snippet |
Snippet was born in 2001. She is a dark bay, half Arabian/half Quarter Horse, and hails from a farm near Washburn, N.D. Snippet currently is involved with the children in grooming activities and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy groups. |
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| Sweetie |  Quarter Horse, born in 1981
Sweetie couldn’t have been named any better. She loves to be with people, especially kids! She is a wonderful horse for beginners. Sweetie loves to be groomed, and while that’s going on, she enjoys taking the grooming box in her mouth and dumping everything on the floor--making sure that all the tools will be used on her! She was donated in September of ’06 from Burlington, N.D. Sweetie was born in 1981. |
| Teddy |  Quarter Horse
Teddy was donated to us in August of ’07 from Bismarck, N.D. He was born in 1999 and raised in Florida, so this is his first real winter. Teddy has gained 100 lbs since his arrival at DBGR. He sure loves his food, so we all have to watch our fingers and toes! When food is not around, Teddy is a very laid back and a quiet horse to ride. He has the longest neck and body I have ever seen on a horse! |
| Toady | 
Toady came from the same cattle ranch as Andy, so they spend most of their time together in the pasture. He is being requested more and more by our clients and enjoys the extra attention he is receiving since his arrival. Toady is a dark bay Quarter Horse gelding with a star on his forehead. He was born in 1986.
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| Vindur |  Vindur, Icelandic
Vindur previously was a therapy horse in Colorado. He is a gelding and his name means “wind.” Vindur was born in 1988 and is also very gentle. He will let clients bounce nerf balls off his head (part of Hippotherapy), standing still all the time. |
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