Image of Hope Ranch

Image of Hope Ranch Equine One-on-one Sessions








Currently, Image of Hope Ranch serves the Northeast Indiana area. We have horses and ponies available that are paired with one leader and one child, teen or adult for a 60 minute session at no cost to them.  Some of these horses have been rescued themselves and have a story of their own that proves what unconditional love and care can do.

These sessions are designed to be adaptable to meet the distinctive needs of each person.  Instead of being lost in a group, every guest is nurtured by a leader who shares in his or her individual challenges and victories. Through hands-on experience, they are taught the values of hope, family, trust, faith and unconditional love. It is our goal to provide a safe place for children, teens and adults to let go of their troubles, even if it's just for an hour. We want to be a place where they can experience hope and healing, a sanctuary where the bullying, the peer pressure, the failed marriage, the hurt from the loss of a loved one, or the abuse can be forgotten, at least for a little while.

This is done by inviting guests to come and experience the relaxation and peace of spending time with horses.  We work hard to pair our guests with a horse that will help them move forward in their life and learn to heal, to trust again, and to grow stronger.

Our session activities are determined by the discretion of that leader.  They may groom, work with a horse, ride a horse, or maybe just spend time petting and talking to the horse. It is to be a time where they won't be judged, bullied, or hurt.  The activity is decided on the basis of the comfort level of the child or adult. 

​WHAT WILL MY SESSIONS LOOK LIKE?
The goal of our session is to encourage the child or adult toward hope.  This process can be very different for each person as no one has the same personality or experiences.  There are however some parts that are generally included in each session.


  1. CHORES: Something that is standard amongst all sessions is chores. Every child/adult and Session Leader pair will complete a small chore during the session. This time is to help teach the importance of serving and caring for others whether it be a peer or a horse. It also teaches good work ethics which is a valuable life tool to learn. It gives the Session Leader a chance to evaluate and understand the child/adult so that they can gain a good perspective on how to best use the rest of the session time.
  2. WORKING WITH THE HORSES: Most people come to Image of Hope Ranch because of the horses. Whether they have had experience with horses or not there is just something that draws people to them. During this time they may learn to correctly handle, groom, ride, round pen and develop a relationship with a horse.  Some of our horses have needs that may require special care to be provided. The clients have an opportunity to learn about these needs and help provide the care. Each session depends on the needs of the child/adult and the horse for that particular day.
  • MENTORING: Sometimes the need is to just be heard. Just to sit and have someone listen without judgment. Our Session Leaders are trained to do just that, an ear to listen and an open heart that cares.


WHAT IS THE COST?
By the grace of God, Image of Hope Ranch is able to offer each session at NO CHARGE. However if you feel led to help out there is a donation box available or you can find other ways to donate; click on the 'give' tab above to learn how.  Image of Hope Ranch has been blessed with caring people who see our vision, believe in the healing of horses and therefore donate funds to help cover costs needed to provide these sessions.


​WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR?

  • Shoes/boots with closed toes are required.  Shoes/boots with little or no tread and a heal are recommended.
  • Long pants are recommended for riding.  No short shorts or tops with mid-section exposed. 
  • Nothing is permitted to be hanging down around the neck or tied around the waist while riding. 
  • Indiana weather is ever changing and layered clothing is always a good idea.  
  • We recommend that you bring your own water bottle and sunscreen. 
  • Helmets are required for riding and are provided by Image of Hope Ranch for you or you may bring your own certified equine riding helmet.


HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Please fill out all three of  the forms below:

Guest Packet

Equine Scholarship Application

COVID-19 Release Form  

Complete and return by mail or email to:

Image of Hope Ranch. 

5499 County Road 31, Auburn IN  46706
info@imageofhoperanch.org
If you have any questions, please reach out via email or call us at 260-409-9860.