We strive to be a safe place for children, horses, adults, and families, and a place to experience hope, encouragement, and restoration.
Our session program is our true ministry here at the ranch. These sessions are scheduled one-on-one time with your child. The goal of these sessions is to mentor the child for 60 minutes. We do different activities in the session to accomplish this: crafts, gardening, chores, spending time with the horse, and occasionally some riding.
Sessions are currently on hold, so we will not be taking applications.
These activities are chosen by the session leader and are weather-dependent. We strive to be a safe place for children, horses, families, and adults as well as a place to experience hope, encouragement, and restoration. The only thing we require for these sessions is (1) the one having the session wants to come and (2) that the families of minors stay during the session time. The best part is, these sessions are FREE! We have a limited schedule available so if you feel you or someone you know would benefit from a session, complete the online session application to get on the schedule.
The overall aim of our session program is to love and encourage children toward hope.
What happens at a session?
Our sessions take on as many unique forms as there are people. However, there are some choice components that are generally included in each session:
- Chores: Almost every child/adult and mentor pair will complete a small chore at the beginning of the session. This time is designed to teach the importance of serving others by giving through the work of your own hands. Often this opportunity empowers them in knowing that their efforts can make a difference to those around them. It also enables the mentor to better understand each person each time, and gain perspective for the best use of time to follow.
- Working with horses: The majority of those who come to Renaissance Springs are drawn to the ranch because of the horses. Those in the program will learn to correctly handle, groom, round pen, ride, and even vet horses during their sessions. Again, each session depends on the needs of the person and of the horse on any given day.
- Crafts: For those who do not wish to spend time riding horses, the ranch has assembled some wonderful craft options for a child and leader to use. One option is “horse painting.” The ranch horses are large and gentle and make great canvases for those who do not wish to ride.
- Play: Often, the most valuable time in a child’s life is to allow and encourage kids to be kids by playing. Many children choose to spend their entire session wholly engaged in playing games. And let’s face it, it’s good for adults as well.
What do I need to bring?
- Shoes/boots with closed toes and closed heels are required. Shoes/boots with little or no tread and a heel are recommended (often we have extras on hand, so let us know if you don’t have this type of shoe/boot).
- Long pants are recommended for riding.
- Nothing is permitted to be hanging down around the neck or tied around the waist while riding.
- Idaho weather is ever-changing and layered clothing is always a good idea.
- To promote individual responsibility, we recommend that kids bring their own water bottle and sunscreen.
What do I leave at home or in the car?
- Pets. For the safety of our pets and yours, please leave your furbabies at home.
- Phones, tablets, handheld gaming devices
- Weapons (knives, guns, etc.)
- Smoking and alcohol are not allowed on the ranch property.
