I have a daughter with severe ADHD and ODD and each day is a struggle for her. My husband and I had been talking about the benefits of horse therapy when the very next day we saw a local article about Rhapsody Ranch. We took this as a clear sign from God and fired off an email. What we received was a most thoughtful, welcoming email from Pam to come visit the ranch.
We have been so fortunate to come to know this dedicated, giving couple. Despite incredible hurdles, they persist in their mission, led by their faith and desire to give to others. I see no end to their ability to change lives in our community and beyond.
Our daughter experienced an immediate connection to the horses. She had no fear and with Pam and the volunteers' encouragement she was able to ride during the first visit. The calming impact of those first experinces were lasting. And because Pam and Bill are such loving people, she found a place in our community where she feels welcomed, accepted, and safe. I'm not sure which of these benefits has meant the most! We look forward to a long term relationship with everyone at Rhapsody Ranch!
Rhaposody Ranch is a wonderful place to be, the love and compassion from the ranch fills the air. The horses seem to understand how you are feeling and offer a strong neck to hug and they are very good listeners lets not forget how nonjudgemental they are. The volunteers are kind careing people from the second I arrived I felt welcome and now feel like part of the Rhapsody family. The owners are loving, kind, careing and have a passion to help hurting childern as well as adults with what ever their needs might require. I recommend everyone come for a visit they will never forget. Kind Regaurds, Tina
I have had the opportunity to be apart of the Rhapsody Ranch Ministry and it has been such a blessing. I have always loved horses and Rhapsody Ranch has given me a place to come and learn how to ride, care for the horses, and to build friendships that will last a lifetime. Rhapsody Ranch provides a safe and peaceful environment that you will love as soon as you drive through the gate. I can't say enough about how much Rhapsody Ranch means to me and I am sure once you visit Rhapsody Ranch you will feel the same!
Rhapsody Ranch has been a huge blessing to my family as it has provided an opportunity for my daughters to learn the basics of horse care and entry level riding techniques. Pamela and Bill provide a loving, positive encouraging environment for people to come and learn about horses while learning life lessons at the same time. I would highly encourage people to find ways to participate or volunteer at any level at Rhapsody Ranch as it will be very rewarding experience. Nicole Pineda June 22, 2011
This is a fantastic organization. We take our sspecial needs daughter Sierra there to get horse therapy. It makes such a great difference in Sierra's quality of life. We really enjoy the kind people and the great message of community and selfless service that RR promotes. Rhapsody is a great place to spend a day or vOlunteer all summer. My wife and I are so grateful for this fantastic, fantastic local resource and applaud their dedication to youth, stewardshiP and youth.
Bravo RR!
The primary purpose of our ranch is to provide a positive, safe and structured equestrian environment for children and young adults in crisis, bringing them together with specially chosen horses to facilitate restoration of wounded hearts, to help build trust, self esteem, and a sense of accomplishment within, to nurture a relationship with Jesus Christ and experience the love of family. Always free of charge! Supported by generous donors who share our vision.
Wow where do I start... I first found Rhapsody Ranch after visiting Crystal Peaks in Sisters OR,(another youth Ministry) I found a passion for working with the youth and wanted to help locally. I came across Rhapsody Ranch and could not have found a better fit. Rhapsody Ranch uses an equine enviroment to witness, support and encourage our youth of today for our adults of tomorrow.
Together with horses and a country ranch feel they work with helping troubled, disabled and in need youth, build values for life and build trust and faith in others. Rhaspdoy Ranch not only supports and uplifts its youth but touches the lives of all who volunteer, support and sponsor the organization. Rhapsody Ranch provides love, kindness and support to all who get involved in this GREAT cause and are touched with grace and mercy. I started out just wanting to help in anyway, but now after seeing these young adults believing in themselves and giving back I now have volunteered to help with Public Relations, solicitation and hands on counseling. I believe Rhapsody Ranch will continue to grow and touch lives as the youth of today give back to the youth to come.
At Rhapsody Ranch, Pamela and Bill Doheney have created a warm, relaxed and caring refuge for the young people they serve. When I arrived, I was greeted with warm smiles and hugs from the staff, wagging tails and moist doggie noses from 'the boys,' and a slice of farm life that few of us get to experience in this day and age.
Walking out to the stables, I heard a soft whinny as Angel urged us closer. As I stroked her neck, I saw love and trust in those big brown eyes, and felt instantly calm. What child, I thought, wouldn't draw strength from this gentle beast?
Since Rhapsody Ranch opened in 2010 I have been amazed by the effect it has had on the lives of youth of all ages and stages of life. From autism to down syndrome to rebellious teens and home school children this program has touched, encouraged and strengthened the lives of these and their families. I would like to see the advancement of this program so it's effectiveness can be increased. What a great program!
I am a foster mom of teenage girls and had the opportunity to bring one of the girls to RR for therapy/classes. From the beginning, she had a positive, supportive, and very fun experience with the volunteers, staff and horses. She had the opportunity to groom, feed and ride each time she came to the ranch. She was very appreciative and thankful to have the wonderful experience at RR and always looked forward to the next appointment. Great experience for teens!!!
My son has Down syndrome which causes him to have very low muscle tone and delayed speech among other things. I had read about how horseback riding can help increase muscle tone, strength and posture in children with Down syndrome. Unfortunately, we cannot afford horseback riding lessons. So, I was thrilled to learn about Rhapsody Ranch and their ministry which has provided this opportunity for our son at no cost to us. After his first session at Rhapsody Ranch I was amazed when we were driving home and he said "pony, neigh" and when we got home he told my husband "horse's nose and big train" (referring to getting to pet the horse's nose and seeing the train go by). This may not seem like a lot, but to us it was huge because it was the first time Liam had talked about an experience he had had and recalled an event that had taken place! Visiting the Ranch and riding the horse turned out to be an amazing stimulus for his speech development. We really hope Rhapsody Ranch recieves the funding they need to continue their work for years to come.