Unfunded Need

Since the Ranch opened in 1957, kids in the residential therapy program have always been able to enjoy horseback riding, and in 2005, Equine Therapy was added.

YBGR uses the EAGALA therapy model to work directly with horses and children at the Ranch to provide healing and support to emotionally disturbed youth

EAGALA helps youth by using their own instincts to engage the horses in various activities and challenges.

YBGR continues to offer recreational riding to residential children which allows the children to experience the simple joy of riding a horse.  In addition, learning about basic care and maintenance of the animals is another skill youth can use even after leaving the Ranch.

The Equestrian Program and Equine Therapy are made possible by our generous donors, from purchasing horses when needed to caring for the horses health to ongoing training of staff.

Aidan entered third grade at Yellowstone Academy in the fall of 2022.  Like many children at YA, Aidan is a special needs student who comes from a low income family. 

He immediately started benefiting from the low student to teacher ratio and the highly trained and caring staff at YA.  However, as the weather grew colder, Aidan came to school day after day with a coat that was too small and no gloves or hat. 

The staff took notice, and, thanks to the WINTER WEAR FUND, were able to provide a new coat that fit and new mittens, hat, and scarf.

Now, instead of being reluctant to go outside for recess, Aidan is the first one at the door to go out and play in the snow.

Our generous donors have ensured that funds are available to provide children like Aidan with coats, mitten, hats, scarves, and boots for the cold Montana weather, but the fund is currently getting low.  We need your help to ensure that students at YA can continue to get outside and play while still keeping warm.