“We serve both troubled teens and families, people who are missing social cues,” said Darlene Hensley. “Our programs require guests to attend the ranch at least once a week for three months and interact with the horses throughout the day.”
Guests are counseled to leave their anger, fear, distrust and disgust with life at the gate because these animals won’t tolerate discord. Horses are, after all, herd animals and they know from the day they are born the importance of getting along with each other. At Stepping Stones Ranch they pass those lessons on to their human visitors.
“Our biggest need right now is an indoor arena,” commented Combs, “When school starts in the fall, we move our program to afterschool and evening. We don’t need anything fancy, just a place out of the elements with good lighting.”
The co-founders and supporters are all working toward that goal trying to raise $20,000 for the building.
This morning the ranch is hosting six girls from the Xenia Girl’s Treatment Center, a facility for troubled teenaged girls. Most of the girls have been visiting the ranch once a week for several months. They are comfortable with the horses and easily interact with them. One girl, however, is new to the ranch. She learns quickly that her assertive attitude will not be tolerated. Her miniature horse, Malachi, refuses to have anything to do with her at first, running around the paddock in obvious protest. With a little coaching from Combs and Hensley, the girl finally exhibits behavior the horse finds acceptable. Within a few minutes the girl has a halter on Malachi and is leading him to the next paddock.
“Horses mirror our behavior,” Combs said. “We try to create activities with the horses that are life metaphors. We are a teaching facility. We don’t heal people; we help them understand how their behavior affects themselves and others. The horses are teaching them good life lessons.”
Stepping Stone Ranch is a private, faith based, 501C3 non-profit organization. They are supported by agencies in Warren, Greene and Clinton counties. Funding comes from various sources including corporate sponsorships and individual donations. For more information contact them at 513-335-7423 or www.steppingstonesranch.org.
About the Author