The New Great Healing Place for Kids & Adults
Chrystal Allen-O'Jon
Recently, my husband Kent and I had the privilege of touring this small "Mecca in the Desert".
The mission of Robinson Ranch remains firm; to provide comprehensive educational programs for under-privileged, disabled & able-bodied children and adults, utilizing horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing. Pursuing this mission enriches the lives of students in a caring, safe, and challenging environment that will enable them to reach their full potential.
Robinson Ranch is conveniently located in South Phoenix, right on the border of the beautiful South Mountain Park. Robinson Ranch is the only minority owned and operated Equine Assisted Learning and Horse Therapy Center of its kind. Everyone, however, is welcome!
Robinson Ranch 501(c)3 non-profit organization first opened its’ doors to students with special needs in 2000. Life-long horseman, John Robinson had a vision to work with Equine and special needs individuals and the journey began. Classes ran almost exclusively through DDD Services (Division of Developmental Disabilities) and consisted of mostly children and adults with mental/emotional challenges for the first several years.
The word of John’s work began to grow exponentially; calls were streaming in from across the State with people asking if there were openings in the program or if they could assist in any way. In September 2008 John, Jerry Riggs and Fred Colbert had an idea to expand the program and service offerings. From this “meeting of the minds” the program grew to what it is today.
They currently serve an average of 75 to 150 students a week. More than 60 volunteers help their dedicated staff keep the programs running on a day-to-day basis.
This staff includes certified instructors, Therapeutic Riding Instructors in Training, a program coordinator, a volunteer coordinator, a marketing/fundraising manager, an equestrian specialist, a financial consultant, 2 part-time barn caretakers and a hard-working maintenance crew. A volunteer Board of Directors continues to help shape the future and financial stability of Robinson Ranch.
As Robinson Ranch has grown and matured it has also become known within the industry for providing quality workshops, safe therapeutic & regular riding classes, instructor training and maintaining the industry’s highest standard level as outlined by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). Robinson Ranch staff continually strives for education, high quality and a commitment to looking toward the future.
Programs at Robinson Ranch
Therapeutic Riding, Equine & Animal Assisted Therapy’s, Activities & Learning
Private & Group Horseback Riding Lessons, Tours, Parades, Events, Etc.
Specialty: Horse Soccer, Roping, Barrel Racing, Showing, Endurance Trail Riding
Horse Camp Adventures 1 to 10 days: Prescott, Camp Verde, Tombstone, Rim, Yellowstone, Etc.
Buffalo Soldiers – Historical Presentations (1866-1902) & Living History Displays
Equine Clinics: Dental, 1st Aid, Farrier, Vetting, Trick Training,
Horse Boarding: Yearly, Monthly & Daily
Saddle Clubs, After School & Work Classes
Senior, Adult, Youth Day Programs, After School Programs, Facility
Robinson Ranch now offers the following programs:
Therapeutic Riding (TR)
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT)
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
Equine Assisted Facilitated Learning Program (EAFL) Utilizing Music
Robinson Ranch Special Olympics Equestrian Team
For more information check their website here: https://robinsonranch.org/.
CONTACT
1231 E. Ardmore Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042 (602) 268-4972 Info@RobinsonRanch.org
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