Program Information

The foundation program of the White Horse Youth Ranch (WHY Ranch) is unique in that it pairs one child, one horse, and one leader for each session. Our "one on one" learning environment is dedicated to restoring the heart, soul, mind, and strength of our kids. Our specialized environment is tailored for each child's specific needs. WHY Ranch gives disadvantaged youth the opportunity to experience the Wild West heritage of Las Vegas through our free Diamonds in the Rough after school program.

WHY Ranch will serve all children between the ages of 8 and 18. Roughly 80% of the kids we will serve are considered disadvantaged. To WHY Ranch, the word "disadvantaged" child takes on many shapes and forms: socio-economic; deprived of some basic necessity in life; experienced grief or loss; has suffered from a traumatic event or has no access to safe structured recreation. The remaining 20% of kids we will work with are simply kids who don't have access to horses through any other means. It has been our experience that as "healthy" kids play and grow beside "broken" kids, they are both encouraged to have a greater appreciation and understanding of others. It also brings joy to the spirit of wounded kids to believe they too can have hope for the future.

Our goal is to allow each child the opportunity to come to the Ranch twice a month. Each 90 minute session will consist of a chore being done and an optional riding lesson; the main goal of WHY Ranch is to offer mentorship, ranch-style activities, healthy friendships and horse rehabilitation involvement. Therefore, according to the staff member's discretion or the child’s wishes, they may take part in any number of alternate activities during their session, including ranch chores, crafts, games, etc.

Part of the focus of our program is to teach about our Nevada Wild West heritage. WHY Ranch is committed to supporting the history and culture of our community as well as keeping it alive by passing it down to future generations.

A Story of Healing

So these last few weeks have been such a blessing for me. It just amazes me how God opens up opportunities in my life for exactly what I need. He is such a faithful God! Even in this time it amazes me how God reveals His love in such unique and simple ways some times. This last week Kiel, Jonathan and I were driving on the Grand Mesa in Colorado and we randomly stopped to help some people on the side of the rode. To make a long story short we went to go try to find a radiator hose so we could replace their broken one, but the thing is about Grand Mesa is it is a mountain and there are no stores you can really buy that stuff from. So, we went to this local mechanic who runs his business out of his house. While we were there I was able to go and spend some time with their horses in the field. These horses were beautiful and well taken care of, but old. One specifically had a really tough story. The owner had told me prior to entering the field that the horse would run from most everyone, including her; he was just a scarred horse. Yet, when we entered this horse run up to me and embraced me in a way that is truly indescribable. As I looked more at the horse I noticed that the horse was not only scarred emotionally but physically as well. The more time I was with the horse the owner began to tell me his story. This horse had epilepsy. This horse was scarred because of the physical thrashing that had happened during his seizures. I cannot explain what this experience did for me. Here was this horse who was broken because of its own physical struggles, this owner had no idea what I had been through or why Cole died, and this horse just embraced me. I cannot say how much of a God moment it really was for me.

Faithfulness...a story from Delani

My name is Delani. I am 15 years old and have been riding horses for several years. About two years ago, I was blessed with my own horse, Dillon. I love everything about riding and working with horses because they are such magnificent animals to be around. Many times I'll come down to the barn from a frustrating day and have my mood totally lifted by just being with the horses. WHY ranch provides the same thing for underprivileged children, showing them Gods love through the wonderful nature of horses. I am very excited that Jesus has led me to help with volunteering and becoming part of the amazing experience WHY Ranch is giving to others!