What Parents have to say about our program...

We sent a small survey out to the parents of our riders asking the questions: What does MHR do well and how has the program impacted your child's life?    Below is a  sampling of their responses... 

Majestic Hills Ranch's instructors work extremely well with my son, who also has behavioral issues.  He has learned to be more gentle and follow instructions and I hope that Majestic Hills will continue for as long as it can.
Mother of son that has been coming to the ranch for over 3 years.

MHR's instructors meet the kids where their at, as each one has different abilities.  Also, all of their volunteers are truly invested in the program.  It has helped both of our children develop language and core body strength.
Mother of siblings (brother & sister) that have been coming to the ranch for over 3 years...

The volunteers get to know the kids, are friendly, and encourage the kids to try their best!
​Mother of a rider who has been with MHR over 5 years.

Majestic Hills Ranch is very person centered. They do a good job meeting each child's individual needs.  The program has helped my child handle his emotions / behaviors, and increased his relaxation skills.  He loves socializing with the volunteers and staff.
​Mother of a young man who has been coming to MHR for 7 years.

Physically my son has become much stronger. Having this activity he has learned to follow directions better. He loves to be around animals so this activity doesn't seam like exercise but fun.
​Mother of a young man who has been coming to MHR since 2009,

It has improved his balance and core strength, and given him a fun activity that he is able to do. (He is excluded from many sports and hobbies by his physical limitations.)
​Mother of a rider who has grown up with MHR and ridden for over 10 years (since he was 2!),

Increased confidence, decreased anxiety across many areas, decreased sensory sensitivity...My child allows toenail cutting, haircuts and so much more without tantrums...it has greatly impacted our quality of life for the better.
​Mother of a rider who has worked with MHR for 5 years.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you and Majestic Hills Ranch for your awesome program!  It took me over a year to talk Logan into trying it and I was quite nervous not only how he would react to the horses, but what would happen if he had one of his autistic anger outbursts.  I am absolutely amazed that not once has he had an outburst.  In fact, after just the summer session Logan is absolutely calm when on the horse, has improved self-esteem and is even talking socially!   To think I had him go to social skills training for so many years ... and all he needed was to be on your horse!  We have also noted that he has better balance now in his kung fu lessons.  Logan loves going to Majestic Hill Ranch, is always ready ahead of time and is actually telling me when it is time to go there.  This is a nice, welcome relief as the transition process of getting him somewhere can be trying on one's nerves.
 I would also like to mention how wonderful Brenda is with Logan!  She gives guidance and support in the most beautiful, caring way.  You have a gem in her!
Logan's mom after his first season riding with us.

It was a fun yet challenging activity for my son. With every class he was able to stay on a little longer and became less emotional when it was time to be done. His emotion comes from being done with an activity that is a challenging but he wants to complete it. It is hard to find these types of activities so we are happy to have found one he enjoys!
​Parent of a rider that started in 2016.

It gives something for her to do and for her siblings to see her strive. You see the pure joy on all of the rider's faces and we love it!
​Parents of a young lady who has been riding for 4 years.

(MHR) Provides an environment where kids and young adults with all levels of ability can enjoy horses and the freedom of riding. My daughter has such limited ability to reach the outside world and this place and these people, through these animals make that happen...it's kind of magic sometimes.
​Mother of a young lady that has ridden with MHR for over 3 years.

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What our Heroes on Horseback riders
​have to say about MHR...

Over the years we have heard success stories from parents of our riders and sometimes from our riders themselves. 

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When asked "How Equine-Assisted Activities & Therapies have helped me and what I like most about participating in the Heroes on Horseback Program" some of our Veterans responded:

Tom...
“I have known a peace which I have not known for 30 years!  My PTSD, nightmares and cancer – I have had a few nightmares.  I used to have them every night – now they are all but gone!  Working with Shanelle (instructor) – she has been so patient with me.  Always taking time to explain why we are doing what we are doing.  She has turned me into a horseman!!  I can’t wait to start up again.”

Andre...
“Lowered stress and better balance.”  “Has helped me build my self-confidence, it’s relaxing and fun!  I like getting to know the horses."  "Relaxing.” “I like working with horses.”

Charles...
“To relax ​and the weight I lose is great!”  “Fresh Air”

Dan...
“I liked the horses.”

Edwin…
“I always am looking forward to spending time with the positive folks at the ranch.  It always gives me a chance to pass my own expectations."  "Without a doubt, for the past 4 years, my time at the ranch is the highlight of my summers.  The time I spend with the horses has honestly made me a much happier person.  I don’t remember caring about an animal as much as I do these horses.  Each time I go to the ranch our wonderful instructor always has lots of new things to teach us about working with the horses.  Thinking safety for ourselves, the horses and the other riders is always first.  The rest is just a fun learning experience that we keep building on each visit.  It’s become a home for me with a super cool family.  I thank all the staff at Majestic Hills for their kindness and friendship and Kim that has a heart of the size of the moon for making this possible”

John...
“I liked all the volunteers and staff and look forward to continuing to come out to the ranch!”

Karl...
“Relaxing out at Majestic Hills Ranch.”

Ralph...
“Pleased to ride horses again after 80 years.  Love the staff & volunteers.  I will bring my family & grandchildren.  I got to meet one of my former students who is a volunteer.  Love the outdoors.”

Steven...
“It’s a great program and I am glad to be a part of it and to ride a horse is great fun!"  "Stronger Legs”

Tom...
“It has helped me tremendously.  It is a learning experience for me about horses.  What I like the most is the horses and the nature and scenery around Majestic Hills Ranch.”

James...
“Equine-Assisted Therapies and Activities at Majestic Hills Ranch has helped me with my PTSD.  Helped keep me grounded.  The people are amazing.  Also, becoming familiar with horses faced my fears.”

Joe...
“I love horses and to work with them alone was a positive as a double leg amputee.  This helps me know that I can still participate.  The facilities are excellent for disabled to use and the animals are calm and they are calming when we participated.  The staff and helpers were very helpful and friendly.”  

Bruce...
“I love being around horses and those who also love them.  I feel a greater sense of belonging.  My disabilities are positively affected physically.  Like learning about all parts of riding and bonding with the horses.  Edwin, Jen, Larry, Erik, Jackie and everyone are better than the written/spoken word can say.”

Dale...
“To feel like there is more to life”  “The people are nice and patient”

Jerry...
“Liked that the staff and volunteers were open to looking out for everyone!  Made sure every one of us had fun.”

Jodi (Therapist)...
“Very peaceful.  Staff & volunteers are wonderful.  Thank you for the time frame provided the veterans so we were able to come out and participate.  Thank you for being so confident for our veterans.  Thanks for being calm and the positive attitude towards the veterans.”

Joe...
“Calms down my raging spirit”  “Zeus & Apollo (horses) are fine gentlemen with good manners and funny humor.  A person can learn a lot from their outstanding traits.”  “I like the delegation of authority.  We are trusted and expected to contact the horses, saddle them up, lead them and ride them with PRIDE!  Thank You and God Bless You!”

Meridith...
“I like the outdoors, Majestic Hills Ranch is a peaceful place to be.”

Rickey...
“Every year I learned something new; I never stop learning.  After 3 years of riding Apollo, the past year and one half I learned about Zeus.  Mainly I learned the character of each horse.”

Suzanne...
“I have multiple health issues, not the least of which is walking/mobility.  I’ve gotten comments from friends on how much I look like my walking has improved.  It still hurts like crazy but I notice some improvement too and I love horses.  I have made some nice friends. I’m learning to ride better.  I’m getting better at tack.”

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What professionals have to say about
​Therapeutic Riding

Dr. Temple Grandin, Professor
Department of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University
Dr. Grandin's findings in the field of animal-human relationships are not only remarkable, they're transformative. Some of her most compelling research is found in the similarities between horses and people with autism. It is based on Dr. Grandin's firsthand knowledge, as she herself has autism.
Dr. Grandin reports that there is often a special connection or identification that occurs when an autistic person begins to interact with a horse. She points to a possible basis for this, stating that both horses and autistic people think in pictures, not words or verbal language, and both are hyperspecific. Whether it's a horse or a human, we are both powerfully attracted  to that which is most familiar.
As with so many other men, women, and children, horses have enabled some of those with autism to become more confident, more trusting, and to feel, even if only for a moment, love for themselves and others. When an autistic child feels the unconditional acceptance from a horse, I believe a small part of their soul is healed.

Dr. Peter Moskovitz, Orthopedic Surgeon
George Washington University Hospital,
Washington, D.C.
"Horseback riding is an effective means of therapeutic treatment, especially among patients with neuromuscular-related problems or disabilities."
"Psychological functions such as improved self-image, perceptions of mastery and improved confidence appear to equestrian therapy."
"Young people with cerebral spastic neuromuscular disorders who participate in therapeutic riding show better range of hip and knee motion, improved sitting balance and ambulatory capacities.  They have a more positive and cooperative attitude toward their regular physical therapy."

Dr. Louis Wagner (Deceased)
Chest and  Vascular Surgeon, Franklin, PA
"A  horse's walking action  mimics your  body action.  So, when you put somebody on a horse, in order to keep their balance, they have to move their  trunk, arms, shoulders, head and  the rest of their  body. Only a live creature can make happen what  is so beneficial. Nautilus  AE and other exercise  machines work  only one group of muscles at a time.  They don't require you to respond to them with natural body movements. A horse  makes your whole body respond in a smoothly rhythmic, progressive way."

Dr. Walter Bobechko (Deceased)
Former Director of Humana Advanced  Surgical Institute Orthopedic Center of Dallas, TX
"Therapeutic riding is extremely effective with adult  stroke patients; adults or children with  brain injuries & children with cerebral palsy. In addition to the physical  benefits, therapeutic riding offers psychological benefits  because riders feel a sense of achievement and control. Therapeutic riding requires balance and muscular control that  often enhances or expedites recovery. The slow, continuous rhythmic motion of the gait of the horse  is therapeutic and  helps develop  the muscles around the spine."

Robert T. Kramer, Chief, Department of Pediatrics
Baylor University Medical Center, Children's Medical Center,  Presbyterian Medical Center, Dallas, TX
"Therapeutic riding transcends traditional therapeutic methods and provides people with the job of participating in a program that offers social, athletic and personal rewards, while providing benefits as well."