We are in the midst of a mental health crisis.  Mental behavior disorders in youth have increased 17% in the past 10 years. 30% of children and adolescents are affected negatively by mental health issues, but 80% never get help.  Youth today lack access to resources to overcome mental health challenges. SOOFA Ranch seek to  a catalyst for the  cure.  Equine assisted activities are a proven method to successfully instill a strong sense of emotional stability, physical fortitude and mental well being, but,  equine therapy isn't reaching the population who could most benefit from its impact – yet. 

 

In 2021, more than two thousand individuals experienced equine-assisted activities at SOOFA Ranch Our programs have demonstrated need and impact among the population it serves.  We offer experiential equine immersions to make measurable impact on mental wellness. Our programs seek not only to repair, but also to maintain mental wellness benefits longitudinally. Therapeutic trail riding is for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals. Therapeutic riding provides benefits in the areas of health, education, sport and recreation & leisure.  Proper horsemanship can help an individual build confidence, self- efficiency, communication, trust, perspective, social skills, impulse control, and learn boundaries.Equine-assisted therapy encompasses a range of treatments that involve activities with horses and other equines to promote human physical and mental health. 

 

On average, we serve 40 people per week with our equine programs. This means that 40 people per week improve in their mental health and become better communicators and build character. Our goal is to increase our capacity to serve 100 people per week, but our current location is stifling our growth. Currently we have our Youth Equestrian Program that serves ages 9-17 as an after school program. We would like to see this program increase in its capacity to serve more students. Our present capacity to serve is 10 students weekly, but we have 20 students that are on a waiting list. This represents the need for our program within the local community. We would like to increase our capacity to serving 30 students on a weekly basis. In addition, our long term goal is to expand this program into a summer camp program. This will give us a greater impact within the local area helping youth develop valuable life skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. 

 

We are looking to expand and develop a state-of-the-art equestrian facility along with agricultural facilities that will give us the opportunity to increase the number of lives we can impact on a weekly basis. We are seeking to create strategic alliances with organizations and individuals that can assist in acquiring land, expand our programs and build facilities. We have 70+ acres of land with a barn and we can cultivate the land for more therapeutic facilities and programs efforts. As a result, more individuals will be equipped to overcome anxieties, build confidence and become better communicators all while engaging with horses and nature.