Turn-About Ranch - Residential Treatment for Teens on a Working Ranch

Real Ranch. Real Values. Real Change.

The horsemanship program goes beyond equine-assisted therapy and teaches real life skills taught by real horsemanship experts using practical application. There is nothing fake, it is real responsibility. Each student is assigned a horse to take care of and work with. They start by learning the basics of the anatomy of the horse, safety, and care for their new 1200-pound partner, then move on to learning about the tack and riding skills not only in the arena, but out on the trail as well. Finally, they are skilled enough to actually go out and work with the cattle. There is no greater feeling than the feeling you get at the end of a long hard day of being on the back of one of these magnificent creatures and knowing that you worked well together and contributed something back to the ranch.

Students learn the value of patience and the need to be focused, connected, and committed. They learn about relationships and how their thoughts, feelings, and actions affect others close to them. They learn that they need to set aside the frustrations of life for a time and start the day fresh so their negative attitude doesn't rub off on the horse or the person they need to work with. Working with a horse strengthens communication skills, decision making skills, and judgment skills. It helps the students develop and increase self-awareness, develop leadership skills that are necessary for them to step away from the peer pressure they experience at home, and teaches them responsibility for themselves and others around them. All of these skills can be applied to better the relationships in their lives and be contributing members in their family, church, school, and community.