How it all began...
Majestic Hills Ranch (MHR) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that provides reputable, safe, and enjoyable low-cost therapeutic riding to children (and now adults and military veterans) with special needs.
Jackie, the granddaughter of the Foundation’s Chair, Kim Howard, was born with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomas – a horrible disease of the airway. Her life expectancy was, at best, three to four years. She was a fighter even when, at 6 years old, they diagnosed lung cancer and operated to remove the lower right lobe of her lung. She then went on various chemo treatments, which disabled her greatly. Our bright little girl could no longer walk or lift her legs; she ached all over. It was then that Kim Howard thought of therapeutic horse riding to loosen her muscles; none of the other exercises had worked. Once placed on the horse, Jackie was again smiling and even seemed to forget the pain and her disability while riding. It only took a short time, and Jackie was not only walking, giggling, dancing, and roller skating down the street, but she was riding every day and gaining more confidence and strength than ever! Yes, Jackie’s life was short – she passed at 19 years of age from lung cancer. Having experienced the benefits of riding therapy firsthand with Jackie and seeing the amazing results physically, emotionally, and socially, Kim Howard decided to create the same advantage for other children who face difficult challenges. Majestic Hills Ranch, 105 acres of beautiful rolling hills, was purchased in 1997.
In 1998, a Board was formed, and Majestic Hills Ranch for Children was now a reality. In 1999, we were granted a 501(c)3 status.
Throughout the years, the generous support of various foundations, companies, and individuals has allowed the ranch to expand from the original, single 12-stall stable to what it is now. The property has a heated and insulated indoor arena for year-round riding, 2 outdoor riding arenas, pastures for our program horses, and stalls for boarded horses. We have a groomed trail that goes around the edge of the property, wide enough for our program riders to sometimes go out on an adventure.
Jackie, the granddaughter of the Foundation’s Chair, Kim Howard, was born with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomas – a horrible disease of the airway. Her life expectancy was, at best, three to four years. She was a fighter even when, at 6 years old, they diagnosed lung cancer and operated to remove the lower right lobe of her lung. She then went on various chemo treatments, which disabled her greatly. Our bright little girl could no longer walk or lift her legs; she ached all over. It was then that Kim Howard thought of therapeutic horse riding to loosen her muscles; none of the other exercises had worked. Once placed on the horse, Jackie was again smiling and even seemed to forget the pain and her disability while riding. It only took a short time, and Jackie was not only walking, giggling, dancing, and roller skating down the street, but she was riding every day and gaining more confidence and strength than ever! Yes, Jackie’s life was short – she passed at 19 years of age from lung cancer. Having experienced the benefits of riding therapy firsthand with Jackie and seeing the amazing results physically, emotionally, and socially, Kim Howard decided to create the same advantage for other children who face difficult challenges. Majestic Hills Ranch, 105 acres of beautiful rolling hills, was purchased in 1997.
In 1998, a Board was formed, and Majestic Hills Ranch for Children was now a reality. In 1999, we were granted a 501(c)3 status.
Throughout the years, the generous support of various foundations, companies, and individuals has allowed the ranch to expand from the original, single 12-stall stable to what it is now. The property has a heated and insulated indoor arena for year-round riding, 2 outdoor riding arenas, pastures for our program horses, and stalls for boarded horses. We have a groomed trail that goes around the edge of the property, wide enough for our program riders to sometimes go out on an adventure.