What We Do
We look to provide hope and healing as we build relationships through "teachable moments" and the stories of our rescued and retired horses, seeking God's mercies for life's crises.
Each child (Rancher) will be paired with a mentor and a horse whom they will see every time they come to Glory Reins. Our mentors will be trained in walking beside all kinds of brokenness and heartache, with continued education and support as they work with each Rancher. Over the course of the Rancher's visits, we will intentionally build relationships of trust and safety that allow the Rancher to receive hope and healing for their struggles, based upon the hope we have in Christ. Our session plan (see below) will be adapted as needed for each Rancher.
Our Kids
The Ranchers at Glory Reins Stables may be struggling with anxiety or depression, a history of abuse, or the loss of a loved one. They may have practiced self-harm or attempted suicide, or they may simply be shut down, too lost in their pain to communicate it. On the other end of the spectrum, they may be explosive or angry, lashing out even at the love they are offered. Regardless of where they come from or what their struggle is, we want to give every child God's love and let them know the value they have in His eyes. We also want to extend a special invitation to fostered or recently adopted kids.
Our Program
In the first session, the child (Rancher)'s Mentor will share the stories of each of our horses. Our leaders will watch for a connection between the Rancher and a particular horse, and that pairing will be kept for future sessions. The Rancher will return every other week, and we do our best to have the same Mentor for them each time.
An average 90-minute session will include:
- Building Ownership - 20 minutes - age-appropriate chores around the farm with the Rancher's Mentor
- Horse Care - 20 minutes - safety instruction, grooming, and basic care for the Rancher's horse
- Equestrian Skills - 30 minutes - depending on relationship and ability, walking, riding, and ground work
- "Walk with Jesus" - 20 minutes - untacking and returning the horse to the field, talking about God's presence and character through whatever opportunities He provides