Pizza & Ponies MeetUp for Teens

Pizza and Ponies MeetUp takes place on Fridays:

October 9th and November 13th, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

Pizza and Ponies MeetUp is a low-pressure social opportunity designed for teens to connect with peers and decompress in nature while interacting with our rescued horses.

Join us to:

Enjoy time outdoors
Experience the calming presence of horses
Chill after the school week

What You’ll Find:

Casual conversation
A welcoming, judgment-free atmosphere
Time with our horses in a peaceful setting
Pizza, camaraderie, and connection

No Expectations

No pressure
No horse experience required
Come as you are

There is SOMETHING about the outside of a horse that is GOOD for the inside of a man.

-Winston Churchill

Caregiver Wellness Circle – Because You Matter Too!

Never Been Around Horses?

No problem. There is no riding, and no horse experience is necessary. Simply enjoy being outdoors, meeting other teens, and experiencing the quiet presence of the herd.

Downloadable Files

Barn Rules

Property Rules

Mending Hearts,
One Stride at a Time

Mending Strides Ranch is the premier equine-assisted psychotherapy establishment in the Charlotte Metro area, committed to creating a sanctuary for individuals facing the impacts of trauma, abuse, and emotional obstacles. Our approach involves guided experiences with equine-assisted therapies that are specifically tailored to enhance mental well-being, build confidence, and find more joy in life.

Our Programs

6 Benefits of Equine-Assistance Therapy

Improved Confidence

Successfully navigating the tasks involved with Equine-Assisted Therapy helps instill a sense of resilience and achievement among participants, which boosts their confidence.

Better Communication Skills

Working with horses encourages non-verbal communication, such as body language and subtle emotional cues, that improves communication skills with others.

Trust

Participants learn to build a bond with the horses based on trust and mutual respect, which carries over to other areas of their life.

Connection

Building a relationship with a horse requires trust, patience, and mutual respect. Through these interactions, individuals can develop skills for building and maintaining healthy connections with others in their life.

Growth

Through regular interactions with horses and the therapeutic process, individuals may gain insights into their strengths, values, and personal identity to help them grow as a person.

Self-Acceptance

Interacting with horses in a therapeutic setting creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals can feel accepted and valued for who they are.