Session leaders pray thoughtfully and they listen for answers. By asking the One who knows the child best and what they need in the moment, they listen for His answer and then walk out His loving best for the child in their care. By asking thought-provoking questions and listening for honest answers, a safe place is created for the kids to talk about their life, ask questions, release pain and experience the healing love of God.

When time permits, kids will often help with ranch tasks. This time is designed to teach the importance of serving others by giving through the work of your own hands. Often this opportunity empowers children to know how their efforts can make a loving difference to those around them. This time also helps leaders understand the current challenges the child might be facing and gain valuable perspective for how to proceed in their time together.

Our nation is becoming increasingly sedentary. Current statistics reveal that depression, oppression, anxiety and fear are all highly linked to lack of movement. With the awareness that the human body was meant to move at least five miles a day, we offer opportunities for kids to simply be kids and physically play. Also, spontaneous playing is often absent when abuse or neglect are present. Moving naturally releases stress and promotes a clearer mind to move through challenges. We like to have fun here at the ranch through a variety of games and activities!

Most of the children who come to Mercy Reins are drawn to the Ranch because of the horses. To ensure safety for both the kids and horses, everyone starts with the basics by learning how to correctly approach, halter, handle, groom, tack up, round pen and ride. As always, each session will be guided toward what the child and horse need on any given day. Our horse sessions can range from simply touching a horse for the first time to advanced riding skills. All activities with horses are not “performance” based, but rather focus on developing a kind relationship of clear communication between horse and rider.

Since its inception in 2018, the Ranch session program has been completely free of charge. In part, this has been made possible through the hands of those who volunteer. By giving of ourselves, we can each become a unique portion of the solution we seek in the world around us. The Ranch offers daily opportunities for kids to learn the profound value of how one person can make a difference by choosing to serve others.

We focus on safety at the Ranch, requiring all riders to wear helmets and closed toed shoes. All riders are assisted in getting on and off the horses.