Getting Started
Who can participate in the programs at Valley Trotters Youth Ranch?
Hannah at the round pen
Anyone who feels like they can benefit from what VTYR offers. Our programs are offered absolutely free of charge and we do not limit our services to people from a particular social or economic background. We simply aim to be a family and shelter for those who need one.
These are the only requirements for participating in the programs here at VTYR:
Participants, both children and adults alike, must WANT to be here. Willingness and a desire to participate is a necessary component for healing and change.
All children and youth must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. In addition to liability laws, we believe that a child benefits greatly from having their parents present cheering them on!
All participants must read and understand Texas Equine Activity Liability Act as well as a signed release form on file.
If you are interested in scheduling a session at the ranch for yourself or your child, you can contact us through the website with your email or phone number. Someone from the ranch will be in touch to schedule an initial appointment.
How Does it Work?
Lorena rides Horse LA with help from the VTYR team
In VTYR’s riding program, participants will be paired in one-on-one mentoring relationships. Each individual will work with a mentor 1-2 sessions per month. Individual sessions will last approximately 90 minutes and will consist of doing chores at the ranch as well as working directly with animals.
The goal is to teach participants the basics of ranch life, with a focus on horsemanship and husbandry for other ranch animals.
This includes but is not limited to:
- Learning the proper way to groom a horse
- Parts of a horse
- How to handle, prepare and safely ride a horse
- Pleasure riding
- How to recognize lameness and illness
- How and what to feed
While developing riding skills will be a significant part of most sessions, it is not the main objective of the mentoring time. The primary objective is to meet each person and animal where they are, set appropriate goals for each, and work towards them.
We recognize that every participant is an individual. Mentors and parents will work together to identify specific needs for each participant and to set appropriate goals.
All of this is offered absolutely free of charge for every participant!
Download Forms
VTYR New Rider Information Package