WINDY RIDGE Ranch WISH LIST
* Saddle Pads (New or gently used in good condition)
* Fly spray
* Day Camp craft supplies (construction paper, markers, shoe boxes, pop sickle sticks, foam shapes (horse themed)
* 2 horse trailer (in good condition, safe flooring, all electrical in working order/used to trailer mini horses to health care facilities for visits)
Windy ridge ranch
Directions to the riding arena for therapy programs
From the North: Follow HWY 16/14 to Hokah and connect to HWY 44. Follow HWY 44 through Hokah towards Caledonia and turn right onto Union Ridge Drive. Follow Union Ridge to top of ridge approximately 3 miles.
From the South: Follow HWY 44 towards Hokah and turn left onto Sanden Road. Follow Sanden Road and connect to Union Ridge. Follow Union Ridge approximately 5 miles.Equine Therapy program
Therapeutic riding offers its recipients the opportunity to enhance their emotional, physical and psychological development through the use of the horse. WRRTRC is a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International) center member serving individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Click here for a Rider Application Form
Click here for the Volunteer Application Form
lesson horses
Throughout the world, horseback riding is considered a uniquely beneficial form of therapy. Equine-oriented activities can help to achieve a variety of goals, including cognitive, physical, emotional, social, educational, and behavioral goals. In addition, therapeutic riding inspires self-confidence, responsibility and teamwork. Best of all, it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, which creates a special relationship between rider and horse.
Windy ridge Ranch
Therapeutic riding program
An organization based in Houston County, MN
Contact Information:
Shelley Ellingson
Phone: 507.894.2210
Email: info@touchmoments.org
Volunteer opportunities
We are accepting volunteer applications for the 2018 program session. Young adults are encouraged to volunteer! Click on the volunteer link for a general application. Please mail applications to:
Windy Ridge Ranch
8526 Union Ridge Drive
Hokah, MN 55941Thank you for your interest!EQUINE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Click here for an Equine Volunteer Application.
Weekly Riding Session Schedule: All riding sessions are scheduled in one hour increments and generally last for 45 minutes with one lesson per week (total 4 lessons per session) The program is scheduled for Monday evenings from 4:45-5:45 PM and 6:00-7:00 PM. Additional days of the week and lesson times may be added as needed. 2018 Volunteer orientation dates are May 3, June 21, July 26, August 30 at 6:00pm and lesson dates are listed below:
2018 Session Dates
Session One Session Two Session Three Session Four
May 14th June 25th July 30th September 10th
May 21st July 2nd August 6th September 17th
June 4th July 9th August 13th September 24th
June 11th July 16th August 20th October 1st
Equine Assisted Volunteer Opportunities Leader: The primary responsibility of the leader is to monitor and manage the horse in mounted and un-mounted lesson activities. The leader should be aware of any changes in the horse’s behavior and anticipate any problems and act to avoid them. While the priority is the horse, the leader must also be aware of the rider, the instructor, concerns from the side-walkers and the environment.(Typically volunteers with horse handling experience are candidates for this position.)
Side-Walker: Volunteers in this position directly assist the rider before, during and after the lesson and ensure the safety and well-being of the rider at all times. A rider should never be left unsupervised. Responsibilities include review of the Horse Profile and Rider Profile Sheets, selection of helmet size for the rider and assisting in proper fit of helmet. During the lesson, a side-walker is required to monitor the rider’s balance, notifying the leader of any safety concerns requiring the horse to halt, reinforce the instructor’s directions and/or give the rider moral support.
Groomer: Duties of the groomer position include the care of the lesson horse in preparation of a lesson (Brushing the horse’s body, picking out hooves, selecting the correct tack for rider’s needs based on instructor input and what tack is identified on the Tack Sheet). In addition, the groomer is required to provide general assistance in the areas of lesson set up (Watering of arena to reduce dust) and as gate keeper (Opening and closing gate upon riders entering and exiting the arena) and other light duties assigned during the lesson.