Majestic Hills Ranch (MHR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that provides reputable, safe, and enjoyable therapeutic riding to children, adults, and veterans with special needs. Many individuals are either born with a disability, or through disease, an injury, neglect, trauma, or abuse, they suffer from many different challenges. Whether physical, mental, or emotional, the disability or chronic illness becomes the first of many challenges these individuals will face. The simple chores of everyday living that healthy people take for granted create anxiety, fear, and sometimes a sense of failure for people facing mental or physical challenges, and this prevents them from participating fully in life.
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. Jackie 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 therapies had worked. Once Jackie was placed on the horse, she was again smiling, and even seemed to forget the pain and her disability while riding. It only took about four weeks and Jackie was not only walking, giggling, dancing, and roller skating down the street, 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 first hand 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 1997, a Board was formed, and Majestic Hills Ranch was now a reality. In 1999, MHR was granted its 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 fenced-in, outdoor riding arena has a wheelchair ramp and seating for parents and siblings, all adjacent to the parking lot. There is also a picnic area, bonfire pit, hay wagon that accommodates wheelchairs, and a small petting zoo. In 2010, a second outdoor arena was added for an advanced riding program for children and young adults to learn independent riding skills. Majestic Hills Ranch works to involve the entire family in the rider's time at the ranch and to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. For the participant's and their family members, it is a place to talk with others in similar situations, to relax, and build camaraderie. For the siblings, the petting zoo offers the chance to interact with cats, goats, and chickens.
In 2010, with the addition of the second arena, we established our "Heroes on Horseback" program. Majestic Hills Ranch has made the commitment to bring these same benefits to our Veterans who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe. It is a small way of helping repay them for all they have given and all they have lost.
In 2018, our indoor arena was built - so we can now have classes throughout the year and inclement weather.
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. Jackie 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 therapies had worked. Once Jackie was placed on the horse, she was again smiling, and even seemed to forget the pain and her disability while riding. It only took about four weeks and Jackie was not only walking, giggling, dancing, and roller skating down the street, 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 first hand 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 1997, a Board was formed, and Majestic Hills Ranch was now a reality. In 1999, MHR was granted its 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 fenced-in, outdoor riding arena has a wheelchair ramp and seating for parents and siblings, all adjacent to the parking lot. There is also a picnic area, bonfire pit, hay wagon that accommodates wheelchairs, and a small petting zoo. In 2010, a second outdoor arena was added for an advanced riding program for children and young adults to learn independent riding skills. Majestic Hills Ranch works to involve the entire family in the rider's time at the ranch and to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. For the participant's and their family members, it is a place to talk with others in similar situations, to relax, and build camaraderie. For the siblings, the petting zoo offers the chance to interact with cats, goats, and chickens.
In 2010, with the addition of the second arena, we established our "Heroes on Horseback" program. Majestic Hills Ranch has made the commitment to bring these same benefits to our Veterans who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe. It is a small way of helping repay them for all they have given and all they have lost.
In 2018, our indoor arena was built - so we can now have classes throughout the year and inclement weather.