Roughout Ranch Foundation Inc

March 13 Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board (MHADAB) speech to the board...

Hello, my name is Suzanne Hunting and I have a son who has mental health issues and Autism. I have tried many programs and therapies, but nothing helped, like Roughout Ranch and Horse Encounters. There is no other place here in Northern California like Roughout Ranch.

Through the Horse Encounters program at the Ranch, my son has learned the tools to redefine his purpose, rediscover his strengths and weaknesses, and maximize his potential by learning the skills to take control of his life.

Through these equine activities, the horses bring peace and calm to the environment allowing the true healing process to begin. The connection of horse and human exposes the participant to equine activities that encourage life skills to inspire, motivate, and enrich the physical, mental, and social health of the client.

Horse Encounters also provides support to so many in our community. This includes people with special needs, our Veterans, and others suffering from PTSD, mental health challenges, and so much more.

I can’t say enough about the Horse Encounter program and Roughout Ranch and how it is changing people’s lives.

Also, Roughout Ranch provides a day each year called Rough Rider Roundup, where the special needs community comes out and has a day to experience old-west-themed events that have been adapted and are accessible for children and adults of all ages and abilities. This event provides an active outlet for those with physical differences and developmental delays, encouraging interactive play between children and adults and bringing participants, families, and volunteers together for a community celebration.

This event is completely FREE and is hosted by Roughout Ranch Foundation Inc., (a 501c 3), a nonprofit public service organization.

Lastly, and in conclusion, my son now works at the ranch and has been promoted to barn and property manager and absolutely loves his job! Through Far Northern and Impact Solutions, Mark was able to attain an internship and, in his words, “This is the best job I have ever had. He now calls himself a “jack-of-all-trades and states I have found my life’s passion and purpose here!”

Roughout Ranch is such an amazing place, and there truly is nothing like it here in Northern California. I hope we can get funding and support for this beautiful ranch that truly brings hope and healing to our most vulnerable populations.

Thank you for your time.
Suzanne Hunting

Register for the 5th annual Special Rough Rider Roundup at Roughout Ranch in Bella Vista is now open. This is a family-friendly, free event open to both kids and adults with special needs, but requires pre-registration as space is limited to 40 participating families.

Additional information and registration can be found at:

http://roughriderroundup.com/

Roughout Ranch serves all ages and abilities with Equine-assisted Learning to promote personal development and growth.

This is what happens when you deliberately ignore a narcissistic donkey or at least try too...Waldo wouldn't leave us alone.

Mark's Horse Encounters session was to observe the interaction of the horses; no talking, no touching just surrender to the moment and just let the horse see you.

Rough Rider Roundup: A Special Needs Western Day and Rodeo

Date: October 12, 2024
Time: 11 AM to 3 PM

Howdy, folks! 🤠

Get ready to saddle up and join us for an unforgettable day of Western fun and excitement at Rough Rider Roundup Special Needs Western Day and modified Rodeo! This heartwarming event is dedicated to celebrating the spirit and abilities of individuals with special needs, and it’s happening on October 12, 2024, from 11 AM to 3 PM.

🌟 A Day of Inclusive Fun and Adventure
The Rough Rider Roundup is more than just a rodeo; it's a celebration of inclusivity, courage, and the enduring spirit of the West. We've tailored every aspect of the day to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and engaging experience for individuals with special needs and their families.

🐴 Activities to Look Forward To
Activities: Experience the joy of barrel bull riding and wooden bronc riding with our gentle, well-trained barrels and handlers, roping, goat tying, slime making, ice cream making, and much more. Be sure to visit the haunted old west town.

Critter Zoo: Get up close and personal with Mr. Big and a variety of other farm animals.

Carnival Games: Participate in a range of fun, accessible old-time carnival games and activities.

🤝 A Community Effort
This event is made possible through the collaboration of local businesses, volunteers, and organizations passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with special needs. We believe in the power of community and the joy that comes from shared experiences.

🎟️ This event is free

🌈 Making Memories
The Rough Rider Roundup is more than just an event; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories, forge new friendships, and experience the thrill of the rodeo in a supportive, inclusive environment. Whether you're a rodeo enthusiast, a lover of the Western and Ranch lifestyle, or simply looking for a fun, family-friendly day out, this event is for you.

📣 Spread the Word
Help us make this event a success by spreading the word to friends, family, and anyone who would.

We can't wait to see you there, partners! Let's make the Rough Rider Roundup a day to remember! 🌵🐎💫

For participant and volunteer registration, go to www.roughriderroundup.com

Want to teach a girl to be confident? GIVE HER A HORSE!

The role of a horse?

• To provide an opportunity for connection
• To encourage motivation
• To become a metaphor
• To offer immediate feedback on behavior
• To generate an experiential way to overcome barriers
• To help explore the process of change in a supportive way
• To explore personal values related to growth & desire to change or enhance life skills
• To help practice relationship skills in a meaningful way

New educational challenges: Fallout of the pandemic and student behavior, mental health status (stress, anxiety, self-harm)...

Education challenges that Equine-Assisted Activities and Learning can play a part in providing motivation, and ease of stress/anxiety-- engaging kids, and helping them feel connected.

HOW CAN WE HELP! 1:1 or group sessions available.

3-stages of experiential learning...

🌟 Exciting News! 🐎 Our Horse Encounters Program is Growing and Just Got Better! 🌟

We’re thrilled to share something truly special with everyone involved in regional center services. Thanks to the Self Determination Program, which provides funding for Horse Encounters, Community Integration, and Social Recreation for individuals who share our passion for horses.

🐴 Why Horse Encounters and Roughout Ranch? 🌿

Connect with nature and these amazing animals!
Experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of horse interaction!
Learn, grow, and develop new skills in a supportive environment!

✨ We believe in the power of Horse Encounters to inspire, motivate, and enrich the lives of others. And now, with this program, we can bring this experience to even more individuals.

🌟✨ Embrace the Season! ✨🎄

As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the blessings of the past and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead. 🌠❤️

May the days be filled with laughter and cherished moments with family and friends. 🥂🎁 Let's take a moment to appreciate the world around us and the joy that comes from giving and sharing. 🌍💖

Wishing you a wonderful season filled with warmth, gratitude, and the spirit of togetherness. 🤗🌟

🎅🤶🌟🎉

To our families who don't celebrate holidays, thank you for all your support :)

We are thrilled that Roughout Ranch Foundation has been nominated and named a finalist for “A Toast to Equity” Awards. The organization is one of three finalists in the Non-Profit Organization Category. The nomination means that the Roughout Ranch Foundation has demonstrated a commitment to creating more inclusive and equitable spaces in our community.

Meet Dalen, he is 29 and has Down Syndrome. He comes out to Roughout Ranch every Tuesday to attend our Self Determination Program and Horse Encounters.

Rough Rider Roundup was a lot of fun with new activities and the haunted Old West ghost town and haunted tunnel this year. We usually have a bigger turnout of families and volunteers.

We usually have a lot more people attending who signed up but I do not know what happened this year. We plan on sending a follow-up poll to those who did sign up but didn't come to determine how to better serve them.

Mr. Burgess (my Dad) turned 90 this year and still came out and put on his conductor outfit, and drove the cow train around the track for the kids.

Heard one story, that a little girl who attended took him around and showed him all the haunts in the haunted old west town.

We will be posting the 2024 registration forms soon. We have about 5 families signed up.

We are in need of someone who has a dog that can do dog tricks this Saturday 10-2pm.

An exceptional friend who was going to perform at Rough Rider Roundup lost her performing dog suddenly.

Text me at 209-256-9640

Unfortunately, registration for Rough Rider Roundup Oct 21, 2023 was closed back in August!

We have 2 baby ducks that we need to rehome. One is a miracle baby that wasn't supposed to be born. A group of unhatched eggs were going out to pasture to be buried until we heard beep beep beep...🙂

Jacob, 25 y/o autistic, has been enrolled in the Horse Encounters program for 2 years. It took a year but he finally transferred from Far Northern to Self Determination Program which started in July. He comes to the ranch for 4 hours every Tuesday to hang out with the critters and various individuals to do what he likes. He is part of our Stable Hands and Community Integration Programs. He has made 2 new friends that spend time with him in Jacob Place which we made for him filled with everything he loves. You can tell when Jacob is happy by his drawings.

We are excited to be supporting caregivers who care with the Authenticity Workshops: Conscious Connection and Encouraging Engagement that starts on August 2, 2023. We have 2 residential home caregivers and their professional staff that will be taking the workshops. Three workshops one for each home and one for the professionals with 12 sessions per workshop over the next few months.

Looking forward to getting back to it :)