This year we are moving further along the path of developing evidence-based programs for our community, to facilitate healing and growth, through the grace and power of Jesus Christ. Members of our leadership team, who will soon be Certified Horsework Facilitators, are mapping out our Harmony Program for this summer. While these sessions will look […]
Harmony Program Moving Forward
We are delighted to announce that Achaius Ranch has been awarded a $25,000 grant* from the Montgomery County Community Foundation (MCCF)! This grant provides operating support to compensate for the effects of COVID-19 so that our Harmony Program may continue in 2022. The Harmony Program is designed to address mental health and general wellness needs in our […]
2020 Newsletter
As I sit here on a frosty December morning, pondering what to include in this newsletter, I hear the horses calling for their breakfast while today’s volunteer makes her way to each one, steadfastly bringing them nourishment, each according to their unique needs. At 29, Merlyn is now our most senior horse and most of […]
2019 Newsletter
It came through a voicemail message from a stranger all the way across the country, who had never heard of Achaius Ranch before that day. It couldn’t have come at a better time, which points toward the One who is outside of time and space, who sees our needs and meets them in ways that […]
2018 Newsletter
When she came to the ranch at the beginning of the season, Georgie’s* downcast eyes and hunched shoulders spoke of self-doubt, hinted that she might not feel acceptable to the group of Session Leaders and Junior Volunteers gathered in front of the Welcome Center. But I knew this young lady, who had participated in sessions […]
Quinn
We are excited to introduce our newest session horse! Quinn is a red Appendix Quarter horse, meaning he’s part quarter horse and part thoroughbred. He will turn four on March 18, 2018. After being rescued and raised by a similar ministry (Stormhaven Youth Ranch in Kentucky), he was trained by Tiffany Rowe, 3-Star Parelli Professional, […]
2017 Newsletter
Caci (not her real name) arrived at Achaius Ranch feeling so nervous that she struggled just to emerge from the protection of the family car. Nervous about meeting new people in a new place. What would they think of her? What would she be asked to do and could she do it? Would she look […]
Slow Feeder Hay Nets
We’ve been getting a lot of questions about our hay feeders, so we decided to put all the information together in one place for you to read. These are what we have been using for the last 3.5 years. They are homemade slow feeder hay nets and we love them! We first read about them […]
Newsletter 2016
All I knew about Grace (not her real name) when she first came to the ranch was that she had been labeled an “at risk” youth. It wasn’t until later that I learned what she was truly struggling with beneath her sparkling exterior. I liked her right away. It’s sort of impossible not to. Her […]
Finding the Right Kind of Teachers
by Elisha McCulloh You want me to do what?! This was often my initial reaction when Tiffany Rowe, Parelli Professional, gave instructions during horsemanship workshops. Jump? Over that? On a horse I hardly know? Or, Canter? Now? Bareback?! But each time, I did as instructed. And I survived. It was never pretty, and that never […]