Welcome to the Ranch!
NEWS!
Parnership with Promise Ranch:Hello All, First of all let me say how grateful I am to each and every one of your for the invaluable support and work provide for Praying Hands Ranch. I know I haven't been very visible lately, but that does not mean I do not "see" all that you do! PHR truly would not exist without you.
Last week I let you know that Mental Health Services from Promise Ranch would be joining us at PHR and that we were working on furthering our collaboration. I am very excited to announce that PHR and Promise Ranch have agreed to begin a partnership! Promise Ranch Therapies and Recreation will will be moving all their operations to our physical location over the next few months. This partnership will allow us to work cooperatively and collaboratively to better serve the needs of our community. As the leadership of PHR and Promise explored this partnership we found that we are like 2 pieces of a puzzle that have been waiting to be "clicked" together.
Over the next few months PHR and PRTR will be working together to become unified in our policies and procedures so that the transition will be as seamless as possible. As vital members of this organization we want your input in this process especially for issues relating to volunteer policies. If you have questions or concerns regarding this partnership please let me know via my direct email,
There are many logistical issues to work out and I will endeavor to keep you all as up to date as possible. Many questions do not have specific answers yet, but PHR and PRTR are committed to our mission of serving people with disabilities to the fullest extent we are capable of and improving the lives of everyone who comes through our doors. We will be planning activities with PHTR so we can get to know their staff and volunteers. Thank you in advance for welcoming them into the PHR family!
With Gratitude,
Mary Beth Chismarich, M.D.
Executive Director
Praying Hands Ranch
Volunteer Orientation:We will have volunteer orientation on Saturday April 1 at 11AM and April 3rd at 4PM. This will be an orientation to the volunteer opportunities at PHR only. After orientation if you are interested in volunteering during our adaptive riding lessons we will review our openings and schedule training for you. If you are interested in other volunteer positions you will not need to schedule training and we can discuss your availability. Please email
New Newsletter:PHR has started a new monthly on-line newsletter in 2023 - you can read past additions on the PHR in the News page. Click here to receive our newsletter in your inbox each month!. |
LESSONS Life looks brighter on horseback! PHR offers therapeutic riding lessons. Lessons! |
VOLUNTEER Anyone 14 years and older can be a volunteer. Volunteers are needed for all class times. Volunteer! |
ENGAGE Support PHR, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a contribution or by attending a fundraising event Give! |
Praying Hands Ranches, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT) Center. Mounted EAAT activities are dynamic treatments that focus on the frequent, rhythmic, low-amplitude movement of the horse to help individuals achieve specific physical, cognitive, social, and emotional goals. EAAT can be used to complement other, more traditional, therapies. Mounted EAAT stimulates the entire body of the client in special way. When involved with an equine, clients of all ages increase their self-esteem and therapy is often more enjoyable than standard modalities. Each client is treated according to his or her specific condition. Mounted equine interactions require rhythm, dexterity, and connection with another living being. Lessons undergo continual adjustment depending on progress and medical conditions. The simple act of sitting on a horse provides a passive therapy. The horse’s body provides warmth and stabilization. Exercises are designed to combine active and passive elements. The passive input the horse provides through gait and pace translates into active neuro-muscular repositioning responses by the client. Body placement of the client on the horse and tack selection are also factors that influence the effectiveness of this active therapy. Some EAAT activities may not be mounted and may focus on fine motor skills involved in grooming and the social and emotional connection between an individual and an equine.
