MoonRock Ranch Barn Kids is a 501(c)3 nonprofit currently offering a no-cost horse program for kids ages 10-18.  It’s a “sweat equity” program where they work doing animal and ranch related chores for their horse time.  Stephen and Brandi have been doing this program for more than 24 years here at our ranch in Roseville.  Brandi was a poor and horse-crazy kid, but was blessed with a few special people who were willing to share their horses, and now she has spent the last 2 ½ decades paying it forward.  We’ve had over 75 kids in the program.  They earn PonyBucks, and exchange those PonyBucks for time with our horses, first learning to care for them, then do groundwork to build a relationship, practice safety, and earn the trust of the horses.  Once they have established a good skill set with groundwork, if they desire, they are allowed to begin to ride.  No previous experience is required.  We've also been blessed with many amazing horses to help teach these kids (though we dare say EVERY horse has things to teach EVERY person, no matter what).   In addition to teaching the kids basic care, handling, and riding, many have the opportunity to do basic medical care, give injections, treat wounds, etc.  Lastly, we instill in them that horses are not disposable toys, they are a lifetime commitment, and just because you can’t canter across the field, or maybe even ride them, they are still amazing teachers and companions.  

 

The program generally has the capacity for approximately 10 kids and 5 horses, with each participant expected to have a regular schedule - typically 2 days a week.  The program runs Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.  We do have a waiting list for kids wanting to be a part of it, sometimes it can take months to move up that list, and there are no guarantees that a spot will open up before a child ages out or becomes too busy to participate.  Signing up is only done via email request, and a meeting must be scheduled with the child and a parent, so we can show you a little bit about about our “not so traditional” riding program, to be sure it seems like a good fit, and worth the wait.  

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Please fill out the form below with a few details and we will be in touch.  

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