Programs

Non Profit & Charitable Organization 501(c)3 Equines & Education

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 low cost or no cost, you need to be ONE or MORE of the following:

be a veteran
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 on our team)

AND you must also be economically disadvantaged (based on Federally recognized levels)

To sign up for one of the classes, please do so on the SaddleHawk Ranch website. As SaddleHawk hosts the classes. YOU MUST RSVP for the class. https://www.saddlehawkranch.com/single-project

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!

Volunteer to Support Equine Safe Haven's Mission

Whitesboro Texas

We are a charitable organization dedicated to serving our community. Our mission is to provide assistance to those in need and promote social welfare through a variety of programs and initiatives. With the help of our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, we are able to make a positive impact in the lives of many. Do you need community hours? Talk to us

Here are some of the ways you can volunteer at the Ranch:

Need regular help with:

*****very much needed: cleaning and maintaining tack and equipment

*****Moring feedings 7:30am to 9am

For Winter: Taking off blankets in the AM

Grooming, and picking hooves, applying medication if needed

Turning out equines or exercising (groundwork, riding, driving)

Cleaning and filing water buckets (2pm to 4pm)

PM feeding (and if watering is needed) 5pm to 6:30pm

Blanketing (PM) (winter)

Feeding supplements/medicine/graining PM

Cleaning barn pens

Fly spraying horses (summer/fall)

Using tractor to move manure or roto harrowing, moving hay

Help with fundraising and events

Special projects:

Installing the Drinking Post Automatic waterers

Tractor work (we have the tractor) for rototilling, weeding, dragging

***Sanding and staining (Refinishing carriage/cart)

Painting carriages

Tack cleaning

Cleaning, and refurbishing room and bathroom in barn

Holding horse/mule/donkey on farrier and vet days

Putting up Christmas decorations and lights

Putting up solar lights around ranch

Carriage and/or Float for parades, building and decorating

Helping and being on the parade team

Putting items up for sale on internet bidding sites

Materials/Supplies needed:

concrete sealer

Sanding materials for refinishing carriages, and chuck wagon

Interested in helping us get our mission accomplished?

We offer different volunteer positions during the year.

We are recruiting board members in the Whitesboro Texas area, that believe in our vision and will promote our mission.

We are looking for some skill sets that are great with the local media, social media, fundraising, and coordinating with our events.

We also like when we have corporations come volunteer for a day or an event!

We are always looking for sponsorships for our parades! Have us display your corporate banner

Please send an email to info@equinesafehaven.com

Welcome to Equine Safe Haven - Old Simmons Ranch - Texas

Summer 2025

At Equine Safe Haven is now in Whitesboro Texas

Welcome to the Old Simmons Ranch

Now known as Texas SaddleHawk Ranch...an equine friendly turnkey facility, it was once home to Mark & Lisa Simmons and their cutting horses. The Ranch is 37 acres of lush pastures, producing round bales of pasture hay, many trees and shelters, a large barn, a riding arena and a couple of round pens, cattle chutes, and many areas to work with the horses. We are looking forward to our stay in North Texas! The Equines believe they are in Heaven; I am sure!

Vacation & "Just Be a Horse"

The horses, mules and donkeys that were saved from slaughter, deserve to have some time off from their hard lives, recent unhealthy air in Deming New Mexico, and to be allowed to freely roam around the property or stand under a shady tree. They are free to be themselves. They can come into the "barn" area, and get some fly spray, some grain and supplements and of course some loving from their humans.

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 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

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 or reduced cost through Equine Safe Haven. Must be over 16 yo

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 or reduced cost through Equine Safe Haven. Must be over 16 years old.

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 usually 2 hours weekly. Check calendar as we will be posting practices for Fall/Winter 2025-2026. SaddleHawk Ranch will arrange a schedule and payment plan with you. These classes are usually $40 each, but are no cost or reducted cost 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 or lease that can drive and some will ride. Please see page for Equines of the Ranch.

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 please reach out.

Non Profit & Charitable Organization 501(c)3 Equines & Education

Our Impact

Our Programs

Our Success Stories

Our Partnerships

Volunteer to Support Equine Safe Haven's Mission

Whitesboro Texas

Interested in helping us get our mission accomplished?

Welcome to Equine Safe Haven - Old Simmons Ranch - Texas

Summer 2025

Welcome to the Old Simmons Ranch

Vacation & "Just Be a Horse"

The following are programs offered by Equine Safe Haven

Beginners Basic Horsemanship 101

Basic Horsemanship 102

Special Challenges

Life After Racing

Driving programs offered by Equine Safe Haven

Introduction to Driving 101

Introduction to Driving 102

Veteran's Program

Continued programs offered by Equine Safe Haven

Continued Driving

Continued Horsemanship

Rides for Veteran's

What do we have for children?

Volunteer with us!

Our Partners

Non Profit & Charitable Organization 501(c)3 Equines & Education

Our Impact

Our Programs

Our Success Stories

Our Partnerships

Volunteer to Support Equine Safe Haven's Mission

Whitesboro Texas

Interested in helping us get our mission accomplished?

Welcome to Equine Safe Haven - Old Simmons Ranch - Texas

Summer 2025

Welcome to the Old Simmons Ranch

Vacation & "Just Be a Horse"

The following are programs offered by Equine Safe Haven

Beginners Basic Horsemanship 101

Basic Horsemanship 102

Special Challenges

Life After Racing

Driving programs offered by Equine Safe Haven

Introduction to Driving 101

Introduction to Driving 102

Veteran's Program

Continued programs offered by Equine Safe Haven

Continued Driving

Continued Horsemanship

Rides for Veteran's

What do we have for children?

Volunteer with us!

Our Partners

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