​​​Using horses to transform lives, imparting hope, and healing

We want to hear from you. Please send your personal story or memory about Hope Ranch experience(s) to terri@HopeRanchMinistries.org

​​Cindy's Story

Hi! I’m Cindy!

In 2016, my (13-year-old) daughter was struggling greatly with depression, anxiety, suicidality and more. I shared this with my small group at Bible Study Fellowship and one of the women asked if my daughter liked horses. My daughter did like horses and I began bringing her to Hope Ranch Ministries. She certainly received hope and healing. Sometimes just touching a horse can relieve anxiety and lift a hurting heart. One of the horses became available for purchase and we felt God’s leading to become a vested part of the ranch.

What we didn’t know at the time was that although I was terrified of horses, I would be the one who truly fell in love with horsemanship and would make Hope Ranch Ministries an important part of my life and ministry. Horses have taught me how to be a strong leader in my home and how to set boundaries while following through with clear consequences. Horses have taught me how to face my fears and to be strong and courageous despite my natural inclination to want to run away or not show up at all. Don’t get me wrong, I really, really love horses. I’m just naturally timid, and strong personalities make me uncomfortable – enter a great big horse. I’m learning to face fear while leaning on God’s strength, a profound and useful life lesson.

I love being a big part of what God is doing at Hope Ranch Ministries. He continues to provide so many different people with so many different needs and challenges. We all have one thing in common, we all need more hope, healing and personal growth. I am passionate about “paying it forward” in our community as a Hope Ranch volunteer.

​​Denise's Story

​I have always loved horses and I started riding lessons at Hope Ranch Ministries when I was 8 years old.

A few important things I have learned at Hope Ranch is that it's not just about riding the horses;

  • It's also about having a connection with them and bond with the horse.
  • I also learned that there is a lot of responsibility in taking care of horses. 
  • Another thing I have learned is having a good work ethic. This is important when taking care of horses because of all the different things you have to do for example, cleaning the corrals, help feeding the horses, training and caring for the horses.
  • The last thing I have learned from being at Hope Ranch is helping others and not make everything about yourself. After 3 years of being at Hope Ranch Terri rescued a brown and white paint Fox Trotter, I really liked her and Terri told me that we could buy her... and so we did. I named her Sonadora which means dreamer in Spanish but we call her Sona for short. I have owned her for 3 years now and I really enjoy my time at Hope Ranch and I have made some friends there and I would like to stay for as long as possible.