A Visit At The Ranch
We are honored and excited to have you join us at the ranch. We understand that interacting with horses can be a potentially unknown and perhaps frightening thought for many. As expert horse handlers and riders ourselves, our staff will ensure that you have the opportunity to interact and spend time with one another as much as both guest and horse feel comfortable.
Telling The Horse’s Story
Down The Stretch makes sure to tell each horse’s story. When a guest comes to Down The Stretch Ranch, race replays from the past are part of getting to know the selected runner.
Getting Comfortable
For each new guest at the ranch, before any riding starts, the process begins in a round pen. A horse runs around for a while until it is comfortable with the guest.
Riding and Quality Time
If our guest and horse feel comfortable enough with one another, we give our guest the opportunity to ride the horse around the ranch and genuinely spend time with each other.
Who Can Visit The Ranch?
Although Down The Stretch Ranch was originally founded with a mission to connect retired thoroughbred horses with veterans of war, we are happy to expand our services to a wider range of those in need within the community. We happily welcome families and children of trauma, school groups, or anyone seeking comfort and support through person and animal connection. If you’re unsure if a visit with us is a good fit for you or our needs, please reach out to us!
Veterans of War
Down The Stretch was founded on connecting veterans of war with retired thoroughbred race horses.
Families & Children
We love working with children or families in need for emotional, trauma, or physical support and connection with animals.
Anyone Seeking Comfort
The animal - person connection is a strong and special bond. Anyone can benefit from the healing that comes with connecting with horses.
The Benefits of a Visit
Build Confidence
Rediscover Purpose
Find Emotional Regulation
Address Fears
Foster Trust
Rediscover Inner Peace
Improve Self-Esteem
Develop Communication
Find a Non-Judgmental Sense of Belonging
Words From Visiting Guests
I have been thinking of nothing but the ranch and can’t wait to go back! I have felt just kinda dead inside and like I was just here till I die. The ranch has helped me feel free inside, free like I don’t have to be stuck in the past – I can live in the moment and there is more to enjoy in life than reliving combat in my mind everyday. I felt at peace and was full of joy for the first time in a long time!
Jerald Reichel | Iraq Combat Soldier
“If you could bottle the way I feel right now, I wouldn’t have to take the drugs from the VA. It takes your mind away from your pain and your problems. It cleanses your mind. Meds cover up everybody’s pain, but you can hug a horse. I’m not a therapist, but the horses are.”
Richard Monaco | Vietnam War Veteran