a NARHA Certified Riding Instructor and EAGALA Level I Associate. In addition to his position as the Executive Director, Brian is also an instructor at NHR.
Email: brian@newhorizonranch.org

A NARHA Certified Riding Instructor and EAGALA Level I Associate. Joy is the Program Director and Head Instructor at NHR.
Email: joy@newhorizonranch.org

Monica is an NARHA Certified Riding Instructor and is the Equine Manager at NHR.

The horses are the very heart of our program. Long before we can connect and build trust or see physical improvements with our rider, the horses reach into the heart of the rider and leave an impression that begins the healing process. We have seven horses that are an important part of our staff team at NHR.

"Why Horses?"
Consider the age-old love between mankind and the horse. Ponder the majesty and beauty with which God has graced this animal. Think of the therapeutic value of the horse’s rhythmic gait, its dynamic presence, gentle personality, and communal nature. Together, these qualities create a unique form of therapy and/or recreation that rivals any office setting.

Now, imagine providing this for those individuals who—due to cognitive, physical or emotional impairments—cannot participate in horse riding lessons at the local riding stable, or those who could benefit from the experiential life lessons found in the equine setting. That is the very essence of the Equine Assisted Activities at New Horizon Ranch.

The key element is the horse. The horse provides physical, mental and emotional stimulation that encourages personal enrichment. For the rider with disabilities, the horse becomes a fun, living, breathing friend and partner in therapy, one that most riders eagerly prefer over an office or classroom setting. The horse works well for those with emotional or behavioral difficulties and youth-at-risk because there are numerous personal and social analogies that can be explored while watching horses in a herd. Horses encourage personal growth because they demand honesty with self and with others.

When someone asks, “Why the horse?” We say, “Why not the horse?”