General Program Information

How can I get my child involved?

Contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule an appointment during our open season. We will schedule children as we know the availability of our volunteers.

Can I send my child to the ranch?

Part of GGYR's focus is to bring families together. Because of this principle we ask that parents remain on the premises while their child is at the ranch.

What kind of children does GGYR serve?

Galloping Grace Youth Ranch serves all children between the ages of 3 and 18 depending on their physical ability. If you have questions concerning your child's abilities, contact us.

What do you charge for a child to attend the program at GGYR?

Our program is absolutely free of charge. The only requirement for children is that they have an open heart and want to attend.

Can we visit the ranch?

We would love to have you out to the ranch even if it is just for a visit. We are open to the public by appointment only. Please feel free to contact us a This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule a tour, if you are ever going to be in our neck of the woods.

Does the ranch ever close? GGYR works by appointment only throughout the year. However, the daily riding program is not offered during the months of October to May due to safety issues during winter weather.

Is GGYR a residential facility?

At this time GGYR is a day-use facility only. This means those who use the ranch visit it during the day but are not housed here.

Can visiting families or groups be hosted overnight on the GGYR facility grounds?

We are unable to host overnight guests, families, volunteer groups or participants due to the limited size of our facility. Our insurance also does not cover this type of ranch activity.

Is Galloping Grace Youth Ranch a religious organization?

No. The ranch is not associated with any particular religious congregation. Faith on the ranch is lived not preached . It is our greatest desire to serve God by the demonstration of our faith through action by our love for Him and the support of families. It is our highest honor to serve children and families of all backgrounds.

How many horses does the ranch have?

Being that we are small and all of our horses live in dry lots (we don't have any green pastures for them) we try to have just enough horses to be used in our program.

Parent Horsemanship Session and Scheduling FAQ Sheet

How and when do I schedule my children for a GGYR Session?

Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . April 15 th or our next business day, we start scheduling for May and we continue this pattern every month during our open season. Please mak e a note to contact us either that day or within a day or two because our availability may be limited. We do occasionall y have cancellations and do not mind if you call each week to see if our schedule has any openings .

What ages of children do you serve?

Our program is designed to serve all children ages 3 to 18 depending on their physical ability. If you have questions regarding your child's abilities, contact us at info@ggyr.org. For children 5 and younger, we will assess the child's capabilities to det ermine appropriate safety precautions while riding.

Who needs a completed release form to be on ranch grounds?

Everyone! Because of the unpredictable nature of horses and ranch life, you and each person you bring is required to have our current release form on file or completed first thing on arrival. Release forms must be renewed at the start of every year. Our insurance dictates that anyone who does not have a current/complete release form cannot be allowed involvement in our activities and programs.

Do I need to stay on the property during my child's session?

Yes. Though parents are free to rest at the picnic tables, rest in the park area or stay in their car in the parking lot, we require that parents stay on the property during their child's session.

Though we request that you be on the property during your child's sessions, we understand that you may be out of sight from the arena area if you have gone to wait in your car in the parking lot. In this circumstance, we ask that you please let the session facilitators know so we can locate you quickly in case of an emergency. It is also helpful to let your child know where you are as well.

Where do I park when I come to the ranch?

For the safety of the children and horses, we request that parents and visitors follow the signs and park in designated areas.

Will my child always ride during his or her session?

There may be times when your child will not ride during his or her session. According to the staff member's discretion or the child's wishes, they may take part in any number of alternate activities during their session, including ranch chores, crafts, games, etc.

Does Galloping Grace offer formal riding lessons?

Galloping Grace Youth Ranch aims to offer mentorship, ranch-style activities, healthy friendships and horse rehabilitation involvement free of charge to youth in our community. Our riding lessons are a conduit towards these goals. Although we aspire to help your child become a safe rider who understands and cares for horses, our main goal is not to produce "accomplished" riders. If this is your hope, we would recommend scheduling your child for riding lessons at a traditional stable.

What should my child wear to lessons?

Due to the unpredictable weather on the ranch, we recommend paying close attention to the clothes your child wears to his/her session. Layers are a good idea for rapid weather changes.

Required Attire:

Long Pants

Sturdy shoes with closed toes and closed heels or riding boots

Remember:

Water

Sunscreen

Here are a few additional suggestions for HOT weather:

Shorts sleeves

Hat (for sun protection - we supply helmets)

Chapstick

Snack

Here are a few additional suggestions for COLD weather:

Several layers of clothes (as the weather moderates you can help them shed layers)

Warm Coat

Gloves

Knit Cap

Warm socks

Canister of a warm drink

How often can I expect my child to be scheduled at Galloping Grace?

If there is availability in our schedule, it is our goal to start the month with every child scheduled twice. In addition to this, if we have cancellations and/or a low sign up rate, parents can contact us to check the schedule availability for the weeks in between their children's original sessions.

What happens if something comes up and we cannot make it to a session?

We would appreciate a call at least 3 days in advance to allow us enough time to give another child from our waiting list an opportunity to adjust their schedule for that appointment. However, we understand unexpected schedule changes do occur last minute. If this is the case, please call 263-7963, 991-1885 or 792-2587 as soon as possible.

Can I bring my children's friends to the ranch to play and watch while my child rides?

Your children's friends are welcome to the ranch. However, you must bring a completed release form in their name to the ranch before the child will be allowed to be involved in ANY activities at the ranch. Remember that their legal guardian MUST be the one to complete the form. Please contact us at info@ggyr.org if you have any questions about the release forms. We will be happy to assist you.

While the visiting child is here, please be considerate of the children that are currently taking part in a horsemanship session by allowing the staff member's attention and guidance to be focused only on the child they are working with. As the adult bringing additional children, you are responsible for them during their visit!

Do you make the ranch and horses available for special events such as birthday parties?

Currently the ranch and horses will not be available for events outside of the scheduled sessions. As we grow and gain a broader volunteer base, we hope to accommodate more special events.