CJ's Legacy Ranch, a division of the ELTS Foundation, provides equine training for children ages 4-21. The Ranch aims to create an environment where children get hands-on, real-world experience. The program focuses on developing core strength, improving coordination, encouraging trust, exercising the mind, developing problem-solving skills, increasing socialization, creating time to relax, and providing opportunities to compete. The ranch recognizes the need to provide a program that supports healthy physical and emotional growth, and teaches kids to work together, support their friends, and take on more responsibility. CJ’s Legacy Ranch also accommodates all four elements of therapeutic riding as defined by PATH, International: Recreation, Therapy, Sport, and Medicine. They do this through their applied interdisciplinary team approach that includes consulting physical, occupational, speech and language, and expressive therapists, educators, and mental health practitioners. Lesson activities are structured to teach riding skills through exercises, games, trails, and more. There is a 180lb weight limit for riding and several diagnostic contraindications. Additionally, CJ’s Legacy Ranch programs for Veterans focus on interactions between the horse and the individual allowing for risk-taking activities that build upon improving personal decision-making. The welcoming, indoor air conditioned or heated arena is perfect for healing and stress-relieving venue. For many individuals who have served in our military, the ability to remain relaxed in the present moment and make important connections with other people is more difficult than most of the general public. Often, this is a by-product of PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, when serving in the military, there is a demand for all individuals to be acutely aware of their surroundings at all times due to the perilous conditions faced each day. For many who have served, this hyper-vigilant state does not subside when returning to reintegrate into society. Making connections with civilians is challenging often resulting in a sense of isolation even when returning to home, friends and family.
