As you all know my girls are super into horses. They have the books, the figurines and they research them on their tablets. So I figured it was only right to let them dive head first into lessons. They have been wanting to learn for quit some time now but I felt they were just a little too little. Now that they are eight and six and have showed me they can take constructive criticism and can listen without being told more than once I have allowed them to go and take lessons.
In the beginning finding a place was an issue. I had to do a bit of research because the prices for lessons were through the roof. I found one place (who's name will remain anonymous) they were charging $250 per kid per week! At first I was like well okay maybe that is the going rate for horse back lessons. I then begin to think like no there has got to be some place cheaper. I then remembered when I was in the Army they had horses out on a ranch. So I begin to research some more and to my surprise I found the perfect ranch with the perfect price! The price for a lesson is $30 per kid. Which is way cheaper than $250 per kid.
Hoofbeat for Heroes is a horse ranch located on Blora Lake. They partner with the military here on Fort Hood. They take in horses people either do not want anymore or sick and abused horses. They nurse the horses back to health the best they can. So far they have successfully rehabilitated around fifteen horses. They also have one donkey which was a rescue as well.
The ranch is very beautiful. When the horses are not on the trail or riding lessons they roam free about the ranch. They stay within the gates of the ranch of course. When driving in you of course have to adhere to the ten miles per hour speed limit because the horses are free range.
The ranch offers trail rides, pony rides, lessons, photo shoots and animal therapy for kids with special needs. Of course you have to make appointments through their online portal.
With the horseback riding lessons they teach you so much in the first five minutes it seems like. To begin they show you how to saddle and mount the horse. Then they begin to teach you various commands. They teach you how to make the horse go, stop, go left, go right and back up. They also have you to clean and groom your horse after your lesson, you have to brush their coat and clean their horseshoes. You can also train to be in horse shows. Part of the lesson they take you through various obstacle courses to get you ready for the show. It was nothing short than amazing guys.
Watching the girls take this on has been awesome. I dont think they plan on stopping anytime soon so I guess it's horse life from here on out. The ranch allows you to volunteer during their opening hours which are Wed-Sun hours are from 7a.m to 6p.m. I have signed up to become a volunteer you guys I am so excited for this little journey because I have never been so close to any animals beside a cat and a dog so this is going to be amazing. Trust I will keep you all updated as the time goes by.
Horses are amazing animals. They help with anxiety, depression, and as stated before they're also used as animal therapy and so much more.
As I said before I will continue to keep you all updated from time to time. Thank you my hip people you are and will forever be amazing!
After all is said and done, more is said than done....
Thank you to all who have read this and please go LIKE.. SUBSCRIBE.. and FOLLOW! I guarantee you a good read if you do so. As always I wish you all love, peace✌, and much much much happiness😀
🖤✌🏽🌻
~Brownhippiechick~ .
From the horses mouth:
OUR PURPOSE:
HOOFBEATS FOR HEROES is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation set up to serve our service members, veterans, first responders and their families. We are currently operating BLORA Ranch on Fort Hood in Belton, Texas to provide relaxation, healing and fun for the entire community.
We were recently awarded the concessionaire contract to operate and oversee BLORA Ranch on Fort Hood. Any and all profits realized will be put back into the program to provide reduced and/or waived fees for those suffering from PTSD and other conditions that can benefit from equine therapy.
CONTACT US:
We have to take care of those who protect and take care of us.
HOOFBEATS FOR HEROES was formed in September 2017 by a soldier’s wife who has had a lifelong passion for horses and heroes. The mission of the organization is to help take care of those who take care of us. We are registered with the Texas Secretary of State as a non profit organization, and have our 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS.
We were recently awarded the concessionaire contract from the Department of the Army to operate BLORA Ranch (www.bloraranch.com) on Fort Hood. We will be providing quality services at very reasonable prices in an effort to serve the Fort Hood area and lift the spirits and morale of all our heroes, and see this as just the first step toward a world class support system for those who serve us.
Through fundraising and efficient operation of the ranch, we hope to be able to reduce (and eventually eliminate) fees for every hero who can benefit from the therapeutic effects of our program.
SERVICES:
The horse has always been a strong symbol of strength and freedom, but what we don’t realize is the power of the language in their hoofbeats. HOOFBEATS FOR HEROES is a non-profit corporation set up to serve our soldiers, veterans, first responders and their families. We will soon be opening our first operation at BLORA Ranch on Fort Hood in Belton, Texas to:
Provide a horse ranch designed to help our Heroes ride home and rebuild their foundation with services such as relaxing horseback rides, riding lessons, horsemanship clinics, playdays, pony rides and equine therapy.Create an outlet for service men and women after deployment as well as first responders and families.Help veterans and first responders in transition.Establish a new foundation and goal setting.Affordable activities for the military community.
We will also be doing special events for Water Fest, Santa’s Depot and the Nature In Lights Program. We would be delighted to put on a special birthday party for the kids, a getaway for adults, or any other event that you would like us to facilitate, and all profits realized will be put back into the program to provide reduced and/or waved fees for those suffering from PTSD and other conditions that can benefit from the therapeutic affects of horses.