Our Rules
Mending Strides Barn rules are designed to create and maintain a clean, safe and fun
environment for people and horses.
Working with horses is a high-risk activity. The following rules must be adhered to at all times by participants, volunteers, staff and anyone who visits Mending Strides Ranch.
Barn Rules
- All paperwork must be completed and submitted in order to enter the farm. This includes clients, volunteers, staff, board members and visitors. No Exceptions!
- Unless you are a horse, no horseplay in or around the barn. This includes running, shouting, throwing projectiles, waving objects, wrestling, fighting and chasing.
- All clients, volunteers, staff, board members, visitors etc. will wear closed toe shoes (Boots, tennis shoes) in any area inhabited by horses (fields, corrals, barn, stalls, pastures, etc.).
- No one is permitted in the barn, pastures or corrals unless accompanied by a trained volunteer or staff member.
- Absolutely no smoking or open flames are permitted in the barn or corral area.
- No one is allowed to handle the horses, feed or pet horses, unless supervised by a staff member or trained volunteer.
- No hand feeding anything to the horses. Treats may be given in a bucket under the supervision of a staff member or trained volunteer.
- If you go through a gate, close it securely behind you.
- If you get it out, put it away.
- In case of fire, get to safety first. Then call 911. Then notify a supervisor.
Property Rules
- No abusive, threatening, or violent behavior towards people or animals will be tolerated on Mending Strides premises.
- Alcohol and illegal drug use is prohibited on Mending Strides Ranch.
- Children and siblings on MSR premises must be supervised at all times by their parent/legal guardian.
- No one may enter a pasture containing horses unless accompanied by a trained volunteer or staff member.
- No pets allowed.
- No bare feet or sandals are allowed around the horses at any time, by anyone.
- No horseplay in the barn or around the corrals. This includes running, shouting throwing projectiles, waving objects wrestling, fighting and chasing.
- Keep all barn and arena gates closed at all times.
- Turn out the lights if you are the last to leave.
- In case of fire, get to safety, call 911, and tell a supervisor.
Visits by appointment only please
“Those Who Teach The Most About Humanity, Aren’t Always Humans.”
– Donald Hicks
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.
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.
