Our Impact
Our Programs
Have you ever wanted to be with horses, mules or donkey, and could never afford to take a lesson? Did you once have a horse and no longer have one? Did you used to ride? Are you in a wheelchair now and ever wondered what it would be like to get outside and go for a trail ride again? Ever think about riding in a carriage during a parade, or perhaps driving in the parade? How about a carriage driving competition? The Possibilities are endless! WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!
To qualify for horsemanship or driving programs at no cost, you need to be ONE of the following:
- be a veteran
- be over 55 years of age
- be economically disadvantaged (based on Federally recognized levels)
- be physically disadvantaged (limited ability to walk or in a wheelchair, but still have good use of arms and hands)
- have been in an equine therapy program and working with a certified equine therapist which will accompany you to the ranch during your visits (we do not have a therapist onsite)
Our Success Stories
Over the last few years, we have helped countless individuals and families overcome financial, medical, and social challenges. Our success stories are a testament to the impact of our programs and the dedication of our team and supporters. We have enabled individuals, like you, to experience the wonderful world of Equines! It doesn't matter if you cannot afford a horse, or if you are disabled and can no longer ride, or if you are a veteran that has daily mental or physical challenges. Equines heal us and they positively change you! We want you to join us!
Our Partnerships
We are proud to partner with a variety of organizations and businesses to support our community. Our partnerships enable us to expand our reach and provide even more resources and services to those in need. We welcome people from all over the world to come visit, stay, engage in our programs, and experience all of the wonderful things that Equines are and do for us!
The following are programs offered by Equine Safe Haven
Beginners Basic Horsemanship 101
This class is taught by Katrina Lomax, who has over 30 years of experience with all kinds of horses and disciplines. This class is for beginners and great for those that have never touched a horse. This is a ground class, in person, and no riding is involved. Class is for those over 16 years old. This class covers safety, parts of the horse, equine first aid, common ailments and how to identify them, grooming, and feeding. This class is $40, but no cost to disadvantaged through ESH.
Basic Horsemanship 102
must take horsemanship 101 first. This class will also be a continuation of interest on the participant to learn the proper way to work with horses on a regular basis at the ranch. This is all from the ground, and no riding involved. This class is for those over 16 years old. These can be private or group session, and schedule and payment plan will be arranged. Placement in this class will be dependent on evaluation, and how well basic horsemanship is mastered. This class is $40, but no cos
Special Challenges
From time to time we have special challenges that are available to get individuals interested in horses, or those that don't have a horse that want to participate in something fun (and not necessarily need to ride or drive a horse.) Equine Safe Haven's horses are available for you to use for this challenge, if you qualify (as disadvantaged, over 55, or veteran). The program is through "EquestriON Challenges" and Equine Safe Haven pays your fee to participate. You receive a ribbon award at t
Life After Racing
THE LIFE AFTER RACING program at Equine Safe Haven. This program, matches a horse and handler, driver/and or rider, with one of the four x-harness racers at Equine Safe Haven. Ronin, JoJo, Hyster and Cappy, were all once on the race track around the country. They are registered with the United States Trotting Association and also the Standardbred Incentive Program. We have 4 horses that are available in 2024 season. They are looking for volunteers that would like to train with them in order
Driving programs offered by Equine Safe Haven
Introduction to Driving 101
SaddleHawk Ranch’s, Ken Wendel and Katrina Lomax teach the basics on driving horses, using our trained x – harness and Amish horses as teachers. You will learn the basics of pre harnessing horse care, harnessing, learn about the cart or buggy, and then take a drive for about 30 minutes. These classes are usually an hour and a half long. In small groups there is much time for one-on-one instruction. This class is $50, but no cost to disadvantaged through Equine Safe Haven. Must be over 16 ye
Introduction to Driving 102
You must take Introduction to Driving 101 first. In 102, you will learn how to trot, and maneuver around obstacles, with some street driving. SaddleHawk Ranch’s, Ken Wendel and Katrina Lomax teach these classes, using our trained x – harness and Amish horses as teachers. These classes are usually an hour and a half long. In small groups there is much time for one-on-one instruction. This class is $50, but no cost to disadvantaged through Equine Safe Haven. Must be over 16 years old.
Veteran's Program
Are you a Veteran or currently working in Public Safety?? Did you want to learn more about Equines, or get back into it? We have individual programs for you! Whether you are a beginner, seasoned or just want to learn more, we can help. Working with horses is known to be good for your health and wellbeing, and that is where we start with you!
Continued programs offered by Equine Safe Haven
Continued Driving
SaddleHawk Ranch’s, Ken Wendel and Katrina Lomax host these classes. These classes are weekly and are identified as “practice sessions” where you will continue to develop your skills with driving. These sessions take place on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. SaddleHawk Ranch will arrange a schedule and payment plan with you. These classes are usually $40 each, but are no cost for the disadvantaged through ESH. (Must be over 16 years old)
Continued Horsemanship
You must take must take both horsemanship classes 101 and 102. In continued horsemanship you will learn the proper ground-working techniques and begin to work with all kinds of horses including mules that are at the SaddleHawk Ranch. Evaluation and placement will depend on how well you have done in the basic horsemanship classes and your level of interest. We do have horses and mules for sponsorship that can drive and some will ride. Please see page for Equines of the Ranch. Must be over 16
Rides for Veteran's
We offer rides at no cost for veterans, elderly, or the disabled. We have a wheelchair accessible carriage that we use during parades and other events in conjunction with our partner, SaddleHawk Ranch. This is a wonderful program, which allows those individuals to experience a carriage or buggy ride. Often people will book this for birthdays or town events. Please contact us at info@equinesafehaven.com for more info. Please contact us in advance (at least 2 weeks) prior to your event.
What do we have for children?
We do not offer any riding instruction or summer camps at this time. Equine Safe Haven's focus is on driving carriages for those 16 years and older. However we do have some schools that will participate in reading programs for those children that are having difficulties in reading. We offer "read to a donkey", where they can come with their teacher or parent and read to the donkeys. If you are a teacher or parent and want to learn more about this wonderful program that helps children with re
Our Partners
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