Not exactly.

Horses are like rabbits because both are herbivores, and herbivores are prey animals. Like rabbits, guinea pigs, squirrels and deer, horses are wired for safety and survival. They have “side eyes,” powerful instincts, and a natural awareness of everything around them.

Exploring this predator-prey relationship is fundamental to everything we do at Horses4Heroes’ The Ranch Las Vegas.

Humans are omnivores, which makes us predators in the eyes of a horse. Yet many people feel more like prey than predator. Children may be nervous in new social settings. Women, especially those who have experienced trauma, may be wary of strangers. Veterans and First Responders have often been in situations where they must be alert, aware and ready to respond.

Horses understand that energy.

First impressions matter, especially to horses. How you approach and introduce yourself can determine whether a horse feels safe with you. A horse needs to see you, hear you and feel your calm presence before trust can begin.

So how do you make a good first impression on a horse?

Start by understanding how they see. Horses have peripheral vision and two blind spots: directly in front and directly behind. Walking straight up to a horse and sticking out your hand to “let him sniff you” is not the best introduction. Instead, approach within his line of sight, from his eye toward the base of his tail.

Next, speak up. Predators stalk silently. Your voice tells the horse where you are and helps him feel safe.

Finally, get close in a calm and confident way. Brush him. Stand beside him. Let him feel your presence.

See me. Hear me. Trust me.

These simple steps teach much more than horsemanship. They teach children, teens and adults how to make a good first impression on a teacher, a friend, a coach, a prospective employer or a new group of people. Make eye contact. Speak up. Be present.

At The Ranch Las Vegas, horses help humans build confidence, communication, accountability and trust. They teach us how to be calm, responsible and dependable.

Visit The Ranch Las Vegas in Northwest Las Vegas, meet our horses, and see for yourself how horses help humans learn powerful life and social skills.

Anyone who owns horses has probably heard that joke before, because the truth is simple: horses are expensive.

At Horses4Heroes, we were founded in 2006 with one mission in mind: to provide affordable opportunities for local heroes and their families to experience horses and ranch life.

The challenge?

There is absolutely nothing affordable about horses.

While we have worked hard to keep our fees low for camps, school field trips, Family Farm Days, lessons and educational programs, the cost of caring for horses continues to rise dramatically every year.

In the past decade alone, the price of hay has nearly doubled. Bags of grain cost twice what they once did. One unexpected veterinary emergency can wipe out months of savings. Many people are surprised to learn that even helping a horse pass peacefully at the end of its life can cost more than $1,000.

And that is only part of the equation.

There are trucks capable of pulling horse trailers, insurance, workman’s compensation, power and water bills, repairs and maintenance, farrier visits, fly control, fencing, arena upkeep and countless daily expenses that come with operating a ranch.

Yet despite all of this, we continue to believe horses should not be reserved only for the wealthy.

That belief is what drives everything we do at Horses4Heroes’ The Ranch Las Vegas.

Our programs are designed to give children, teens and families the experience of horse ownership without the overwhelming financial burden. Kids learn responsibility, communication, teamwork and confidence while spending meaningful time outdoors with horses and farm animals.

Our Barn Rats afterschool program gives youth ages 8 to 15 the opportunity to “hang out” with horses while learning how to help with chores, grooming, exercising and bathing.

Our weeklong Farm Camps immerse children ages 4 to 13 in ranch life. Every morning starts with real ranch chores — mucking stalls, filling water buckets and helping care for the animals. Campers learn quickly that horses are not just fun; they require responsibility, hard work and commitment.

At The Ranch Las Vegas, program fees help support the care of our donated horses and farm animals. Today, we provide daily care for 16 full-sized horses and seven miniature horses, along with our barnyard animals.

It costs approximately $3,000 per year to feed and care for a single horse.

That is why our Sponsor a Horse Program is so important. Supporters can sponsor their favorite horse for $250 per month, helping provide hay, grain, veterinary care and daily necessities that keep our herd healthy and thriving.

Every horse at The Ranch has a story. Most were donated, retired or in need of a second chance. In return, they now help provide transformative experiences for thousands of children and families every year.

Horses may be expensive, but the lessons they teach — responsibility, confidence, compassion and connection — are priceless.

At Horses4Heroes, we like to say we are a YMCA with horses.

Founded in 2006, Horses4Heroes was created to provide affordable opportunities for children, teens, adults and seniors to experience horses and life on the ranch. While the YMCA may be known for swimming pools and gyms, our programs focus on horses, farm animals, agriculture, outdoor recreation and hands-on learning.

At The Ranch Las Vegas, our headquarters and flagship facility in Northwest Las Vegas, there is truly something for everyone throughout the year.

Our weekly Family Farm Days are designed especially for children ages 2 to 13 and their families. Kids can meet horses and farm animals, enjoy horse and pony rides, participate in activities, and experience the magic of ranch life in a safe, welcoming environment.

School Field Trips bring learning to life for elementary school students in grades K–5. Students discover agriculture, animal care, communication skills and STEM concepts through hands-on experiences they simply cannot get in a traditional classroom.

And then there is Summer Farm Camp — what many families proudly call “the best camp in Las Vegas.”

We are especially proud that some of our former campers have grown up to become camp counselors and leaders themselves, with some even earning their first summer paycheck at The Ranch. Watching children grow into confident young adults is one of the greatest rewards of what we do.

Our camps focus on creating priceless “I DID IT!” moments. Campers build confidence, friendships and memories that last a lifetime. While the children go home every evening, the bonds and experiences created during the week often feel just like a traditional sleep-away camp.

Like the YMCA, Horses4Heroes believes recreation should be affordable, accessible and family-friendly. We believe experiences with horses and animals improve confidence, communication, teamwork and emotional wellness. We believe everyone deserves a place where they feel connected, capable and welcome.

Over the past two decades, The Ranch Las Vegas has become more than a ranch. It has become a community gathering place where people of all ages can unplug, reconnect and grow stronger together.

We invite you to discover The Ranch Las Vegas during Family Farm Days every Friday and Saturday or enroll your children in Summer Farm Camp.

Come see for yourself why Horses4Heroes is truly a YMCA with horses.

Local non-profit, Horses4Heroes, will be hosting three-day seminar
LAS VEGAS (January 27, 2022): The O.K. Corral is coming to Las Vegas to presents its equineassisted certification seminar January 28, 29 and 30. The seminar will be hosted by Las Vegasbased non-profit, Horses4Heroes, and will be held at its flagship facility, the Horses4Heroes

Family Equestrian Center, 4975 North Miller Lane, in northwest Las Vegas.
The focus of this weekend’s session is for providers, therapists, case managers and others who
work with returning Veterans, service members and their families. “Coming Home, Again” will
introduce specific applications for reintegration, depression, addictions, and issues families
experience when the loved are deployed.

O.K. Corral Series president, Greg Kersten, is a United States Army Veteran and has certified
military and civilian staff and volunteers at the USAF Academy in the practice of Equine Assisted
Psychotherapy (EAP).

For more than 20 years, Kersten, president of the O.K. Corral Series and founder of the field of
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), has been certifying therapists and regular, everyday
people to use horses in the field of mental health and wellness. The seminars encourage
attendees to look beyond horsemanship, irrational fears, and their own biases by promoting
the use of astute observation, nonverbal communication, and “good old common sense,”
according to Kersten. The O.K. Corral typically travels to 24 different locations worldwide each
year.

The seminar also provides fun and insightful equine-assisted activities than can help to “make
every day OK” in the lives of participants or even start them on a new career path.

About Horses4Heroes Las Vegas

Owned and operated by Las Vegas-based national non-profit Horses4Heroes, the
Horses4Heroes Family Equestrian Center, operating at 4975 North Miller Lane, off Lone
Mountain near Buffalo, offers low-cost horseback riding programs and activities for local service
members, veterans, First Responders and their families, including camps, lessons, birthday
parties, field trips, and corporate outings. Free workshops are held for veterans with
PTSD/MST/TBI, First Responders, victims of domestic abuse and violence, recovering addicts,
Foster children and teens and at-risk youth. For more information, email vegasprgroup@gmail.com or visit www.horses4heroes.org.

About O.K. Corral Series

Based in Reno, NV, The O.K. Corral Series educates, promotes, and supports professionals in the
practice of authentic equine-assisted work. Authentic equine-assisted work honors and
integrates natural horse and herd behavior as a model for human mental and emotional health
using the equine assisted philosophies developed by Greg Kersten, the founder of Equine
Assisted Psychotherapy. For more information, contact the O.K. Corral at 1-866.391-OKOK or
visit their web site at www.okcorralseries.com.

LAS VEGAS (April 19, 2021) — Horses4Heroes riding instructor, Libuse “Libby” Bugl, has been named the director of Health & Wellness programs at the Horses4Heroes Family Equestrian Center.  Ms. Bugl recently received certification from the O.K. Corral Series in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Living (EAP/EAL).

Ms. Bugl is an accomplished horsewoman and has been actively involved in Horses4Heroes as a volunteer and instructor, and has been assisting team members during EAL/EAP sessions and workshops.  Prior to joining Horses4Heroes, she spent 20 years working in retail as a sales associate and brand manager of high-end fragrances.

Ms. Bugl has family members who serve and have served as First Responders and understands first-hand the challenges faced by wives, mothers, daughters and children, as well as the First Responders themselves.

“I am honored for this opportunity to combine my love of horses with my deep respect for our local heroes and their families,” said Ms Bugl.  “I have witnessed in my own life the power of horses to heal broken hearts, reduce stress and anxiety and build self esteem and self confidence.  I am looking forward to this opportunity to serve Horses4Heroes’ clients and introduce others to the healing power of horses.”

About Horses4Heroes Las Vegas

Owned and operated by Las Vegas-based national non-profit Horses4Heroes, the Horses4Heroes Family Equestrian Center, now open at 4975 North Miller Lane, off Lone Mountain near Buffalo, offers low-cost horseback riding programs and activities for local service members, veterans, First Responders and their families, including camps, lessons, birthday parties, field trips, and corporate outings.  Free workshops are held for veterans with PTSD/MST/TBI, First Responders, victims of domestic abuse and violence, recovering addicts, Foster children and teens and at-risk youth.  Individual sessions are offered at reduced rates.  For more information, email healing.horses4heroes@gmail.com or visit www.horses4heroes.org.

About O.K. Corral Series

Based in Reno, NV, The O.K. Corral Series educates, promotes, and supports professionals in the practice of authentic equine-assisted work.  Authentic equine-assisted work honors and integrates natural horse and herd behavior as a model for human mental and emotional health using the equine assisted philosophies developed by Greg Kersten, the founder of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Contact: The PR Group
Sydney Knott
702.339.0615

LAS VEGAS (March 10, 2020):  There is nothing quite like the experience of attending camp and Las Vegas-based non-profit Horses4Heroes offers one of the best summer day camps in Las Vegas for children ages 5 to 13.  Registration is now open for 10 weeks of summer camp fun.  Now in its 12th year, this year’s camp has an Olympics theme, “Let the Games Begin!”  Parents can register online via Active Network portal:  https://www.active.com/orgs/horses4heroes-inc.

Summer Adventure Camp 2020, 10, one-week camps, starts on Tuesday, May 26 and will run through August 7.  There will be no camp the week of June 29.  Camp is Monday -Friday, 8 am to 5 pm and weekly activities includes an outing to Texas Station.  Also included is Horse 101, horseback rides, interactions with farm animals, activities with miniature horses, a Ninja-style obstacle course, ranch chores, games, archery and arts and crafts.  A “cooking” class will teach campers how to prepare snacks for horses and farm animals.

Children ages 5 to 13 will enjoy fun activities with horses during camps at the Horses4Heroes Family Equestrian Center.

 For more information, email camps@successcitydemo.com.

Horses4Heroes camps are open only to Horses4Heroes members.  Membership is free for Active Duty Service Members, First Responders, $25 for School Teachers and Nurses and $50 for Friends.  Membership information can be found on the web site, www.horses4heroes.org.  Camp is $150 for five days, plus a one-time, non-refundable $50 registration fee per family.  New this year is sibling and multi-session discounts.  Daily rates are available as well.

Teen volunteers, ages 14 to 17, are invited to serve as volunteer student counselors.  For information on volunteering and earning community service hours, email camps@successcitydemo.com.

Sponsorships are available to under write the costs of camp, including transportation, Olympic medals, and supplies.

“Our camps are technology free and offer good old fashioned fun, all summer long,” said Sydney Knott, president and founder of Hoses4Heroes.  “Campers get to use their imaginations, learn all about horses and farm animals, make new friends, create treasured memories, become more confident and leave camp with a powerful sense of accomplishment.  ‘I did it’, is something we often hear!” said Ms. Knott.

Horses4Heroes operates the Horse4Heroes Family Equestrian Center in a rural northwest neighborhood.  Here, at the non-profit’s headquarters and flagship facility, Horses4Heroes offers affordable horseback riding lessons for all ages and riding levels, camps, birthday parties, field trips and free workshops for veterans with PTSD, victims of domestic abuse and violence, recovering addicts, at-risk youth and teens and others in the community who need a hand up, not a hand out.  Proceeds from all paid activities support the care and feeding of the horses and farm animals.

In 2014 and 2016, Horses4Heroes won the American Horse Council’s Time to Ride Challenge, a national initiative to introduce newcomers to horses.  Horses4Heroes is the only repeat winner of this challenge and the only national equine non-profit that owns its own horses and uses those horses, including retired, donated and Feed Lot rescues, every day in programs that serve local heroes and the community.  The organization’s large and growing national network of equestrian centers in 45 states and Canada offer affordable, sometimes free, recreational, instructional and health and wellness programs for all ages, all riding levels and in all disciplines.  For more information on all programs and activities, email events@successcitydemo.com, visit www.horses4heroes.org or call 702.645.8446.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Sydney Knott
The PR Group
702.339.0615

LAS VEGAS (October 14, 2019) — Horses4Heroes riding instructor, Maria Tanya Dari, has received certification from the O.K. Corral Series in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Living, it was recently announced.

Ms. Dari has been riding horses and competing for more than 30 years, back home in her native Germany and here in Las Vegas. She has been working with Horses4Heroes as a volunteer and riding instructor for four years with a focus on English and Dressage-style of riding.

The wife of a veteran, Ms. Dari is looking forward to working with and helping veterans, spouses and family members who are coping with PTSD. Ms. Dari is all too familiar with the reality of living with PTSD.

“We are excited that Maria has taken the next step to add EAP/EAL certification to her vast experience with horses,” said Sydney Knott, president and founder of Las Vegas-based Horses4Heroes. “We have been offering free workshops to Veterans, First Responders, domestic violence victims, recovering addicts and family members since 2009 and we are proud of our track record and partnerships with local community partners. Adding a team member with this O.K. Corral Series certification will allow us to expand our services to these important audiences.”

Local veterans, spouses, family members and Active Duty service members are invited to meet Maria and the entire Horses4Heroes Las Vegas team at the monthly Veterans Open House, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Interested guests should RSVP via email to vegasprgroup@gmail.com. The center is located at 4975 North Miller Lane in the northwest.

During the open house, guests will be able to interact with horses, farm animals, enjoy light snacks, and socialize around the campfire, all at a private ranch. Horse rides for ages 2 to adult are available for $5, 200-pound weight limit per rider. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to learn about free and low-cost programs that help with PTSD, improve confidence, self-esteem, reduce anxiety and contribute to overall feelings of health and well being.

“Horses are the best therapists,” said Ms. Williams. “Time spent with horses will definitely make you feel better, stronger and more confident. They have a powerful effect on human emotions. We hope Las Vegas veterans and their families will stop by to meet our staff and our horses.”

About Horses4Heroes Las Vegas

Owned and operated by Las Vegas-based national non-profit Horses4Heroes, the Horses4Heroes Family Equestrian Center, now open at 4975 North Miller Lane, off Lone Mountain near Buffalo, offers low-cost horseback riding programs and activities for local service members, veterans, First Responders and their families, including camps, lessons, birthday parties, field trips, and corporate outings. Free workshops are held for veterans with PTSD/MST/TBI, First Responders, victims of domestic abuse and violence, recovering addicts, Foster children and teens and at-risk youth. For more information, email vegasprgroup@gmail.com or visit www.horses4heroes.org.

About O.K. Corral Series

Based in Reno, NV, The O.K. Corral Series educates, promotes, and supports professionals in the practice of authentic equine-assisted work. Authentic equine-assisted work honors and integrates natural horse and herd behavior as a model for human mental and emotional health using the equine assisted philosophies developed by Greg Kersten, the founder of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

###

Contact: The PR Group

Sydney Knott

C: 702.339.0615

Riding lessons (beginning and intermediate, western or English), Tuesday-Sunday.  We require a four-lesson commitment for new students.  Lessons are $35 for beginners, $45 for advanced beginners. Must be a member of Horses4Heroes. For more information, email events@successcitydemo.com. Ages 6 to adult (200-pound weight limit to ride our horses)

HorsePlay is a weekly class for toddlers ages 2 to 5. Must be attended by a parent or guardian. Email events@successcitydemo.com for information on class times. Must be a Horses4Heroes member.

Ladies Unbridled, adults only riding session, 18 and older. Offered Wednesday morning (updates posted on web site calendar). $20 per person per week, includes supervised riding session with our instructors. Great for me time with horses, some experience preferred! (Membership NOT required to participate.)

Little Barn, a weekly play group for ages 2 to 5 (Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30). Free admission, $10 horse rides, $5 re-rides, snacks for sale for $1.  Must be accompanied by parent or guardian, 18 or older. Membership NOT required to attend.

Family Farm Friday, join us on the First Friday of the month (Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6). Free admission, $5 horse rides, email events@successcitydemo.com for more information. Membership NOT required to attend.

Open Barn, Members are invited to visit our center every Friday-Sunday (hours vary throughout the year). Admission is free, horse rides are $10, re-rides $5.

Ride4Five, Partner with us to raise some hay for your cause and ours! Sell our $10 wristbands and you’ll make $5 and we’ll make $5. Fund-raiser for eligible schools, clubs, teams, and non-profits.  Email events@successcitydemo.com.

Spare Change Round Up, you can be the change in someone’s life by organizing a spare change drive.  Did you know that $100 pays for grain and feed for all of our barnyard animals?

Smith Shopper? Get Inspired! Register your Rewards Card online and support Horses4Heroes every time you shop!  Here’s our number, BC618.

Birthday Parties, Field Trips, Girl Scouts, Fund-Raisers:  Email events@successcitydemo.com for information about how your family, class, group or organization can use our center.

May is the Month of the Military Family and we are grateful to all of our military families who have participated, volunteered and visited our center and for those who are getting ready to move to a new home, we wish you Happy Trails and hope we can find you a place to ride near your new base.

Thank you to one and all who helped with our move and helped get the ranch up and running!

A dozen local residents, supporters, parents and students took turns speaking in favor of the Horses4Heroes application. In total, 38 letters were received, 61 signatures on a door-to-door petition and 2,805 signed an online petition.

The new facility off Lone Mountain will be open to Horses4Heroes members only. Those interested in joining can visit www.horses4heroes.org, click Join. Membership is free to active duty service members, veterans and First Responders, $25 for school teachers and nurses and $50 for friends. The membership includes all immediate family members. Members will be notified about upcoming programs and activities, classes and fees and Members Only events.

Horses4Heroes provides low-cost and affordable equestrian services to Service Members, veterans, law enforcement officers, fire fighters, school teachers, nurses, EMTs and their immediate families. The organization also provides free workshops for veterans with PTSD/MST/TBI, victims of domestic abuse and violence, recovering addicts, at-risk youth and teens and others in the community.

“Over the years, Horses4Heroes has introduced more than 10,000 men, women and children to horses, horseback riding, and our western heritage and lifestyle,” said Knott. “School children have learned how to make butter, how to brush miniature horses, how to make friends with farm animals and, in so doing, they learn important social skills not being taught in school. Children learn how to make eye contact, shake hands and become more patient, kind, understanding and empathetic.”

Knott said that the organization has partnered with several non-profits, agencies and organizations over the years including Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada, Boy Scouts, Clark County School District, Blind Center of Nevada, Las Vegas Rescue Mission, Solutions for Recovery, US Vets, Rape Crisis Center, Shade Tree. Thousands of elementary school children have met a horse for the first time, because of Horses4Heroes.

“All of us at Horses4Heroes, students, parents, volunteers and staff are grateful for the outpouring of support from our neighbors in the Lone Mountain Corridor and throughout the community.  We are proud of the services we provide and look forward to opening a Family Equestrian Center and getting back to riding horses,” Knott added.

In 2014 and 2016, Horses4Heroes won the American Horse Council’s Time to Ride Challenge, a national initiative to introduce newcomers to horses.  Horses4Heroes is the only national equestrian non-profit that owns its own horses and uses those horses, including retired, donated and Feed Lot rescues, every day in programs that serve local heroes and the community.  The organization’s large and growing national network of equestrian centers in 45 states and Canada offer affordable, sometimes free, recreational, instructional and health and wellness programs for all ages, all riding levels and in all disciplines.  For more information on all programs and activities, email events@successcitydemo.com, call 702.645.8446 or visit www.horses4heroes.org.