The Triangle Cross Ranch Natural Horsemanship Program
Cowboy Horsemanship Philosophy and Equine Therapy at Triangle Cross Ranch
Our Triangle Cross Ranch for troubled teens develops the minds, bodies and souls of troubled young men through active involvement in a ranching environment. As a boarding school for trouble teens, boys develop a sense of accomplishment at mastering new skills and learning how to work and communicate as part of a team.
The greater self-esteem produced by living the ranch life is evident in increased respect for people, authority, the environment, and God.
Horsemanship is an essential component of our programs for troubled youth. Like the young men at Triangle Cross Ranch, our horses come from many backgrounds and include Quarter Horses, Arabian, Paint Horse, and Mustangs. For most boys, bonding with a particular horse is immediate and the effect is profound, proving the old saying, “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.”
But it’s also true that “Many horses make a horseman,” so we expose boys to multiple horses shortly after they arrive. Some at-risk troubled teens have never been close to a horse—or even seen one in person—and the experience can contribute greatly to a young man’s healing process.
Horses And Boys Help Each Other Through Equine Therapy
Students ride horses as part of our troubled teen program. Combined with our outdoor work adventure, this helps young men overcome substance abuse. During the lifestyle changes that boys go through upon arrival, the horse plays an important role in the “Real Life” therapy for the troubled youth. Several staff members here at Triangle Cross Ranch are certified in equine therapy and they use horses to assist the young men in our troubled youth programs in recognizing and overcoming his problems.
More Than Horses
As at-risk troubled teens enter our initial Program they are introduced a simpler, but more demanding life. And while each teen is expected to pull his own weight and contribute to the completion of daily chores, this is not a “boot camp” for troubled teens. At our boarding school for troubled boys, they live in a log house and cook their food in a log kitchen or outdoors. Duties include:
Care of ranch animals including cows, calves, horses, dogs and cats
- Irrigate crops
- Grow a vegetable garden
- Assist in the harvest of hay and corn
- And more…
What is learned on the ranch has a direct connection to life when teens return home. For example, when they are assigned the task of feeding horses every day, that responsibility translates into making his bed at home or keeping his room clean.
If you want your son to appreciate all that has been provided for him by you, then our troubled boys ranch is the place to start. Young men in our program leave here with a deeper respect for authority, self-discipline, and a new work ethic that will help them be successful in holding down a job or continuing their education.
For more information on how we may be able to help your son, please call us at 307-645-3322.