Praying Hands Ranch

Praying Hands Ranch was started in 1987 by Carl and Shirley Hansen on the eastern edge of Parker, Colorado.  Their son Jon had special needs and had an affinity for horses.  They set up the ranch to be a therapeutic riding facility for Jon and others with disabilities so they too may experience the joy & benefits that riding a horse can bring. This year we urgently need to:

1. Replace the arena footing
2. Install an arena watering system
3. Purchase and Install Arena fans to help with cooling and heating 

Arena footing is imperative to the health and safety of our horses. Proper footing helps to keep our horses, clients and volunteers comfortable. The health and safety of our everyone is incredibly important to us. With many of our horses aging we need to take all precautions to protect their joints and good area footing is a great way to do this. New arena footing is critical to provide a good working environment for our horses and our volunteers. 

Arena watering is also an important safety concern. If the arena is not watered thoroughly and regularly it kicks up way too much dust. We are currently hand watering our arena's twice a day to keep the dust down. This is a time intensive job with lots of room for human error. Investing in a good arena watering system will provide the efficiency and automation that we need. Breathing in too much dust is not healthy for our horses, clients or volunteers. Please help us streamline this process and keep everyone safe.

While we do have propane heaters in our arenas they are very expensive to operate. We need to install fans to help keep the air moving and cut our costs. 

CAN YOU HELP? ANYTHING IS APPRECIATED!

During Colorado Gives Day, between now and December 6, 2023, we are working to raise $30,000. We can only do it with your help! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Join other Coloradans by Giving Where You Live.

Testimonials

Jewels said "I LOVE teaching adaptive riding because I get to help people of all ages achieve their goals. Adaptive riding helps people build confidence both mentally and physically. Being an adaptive riding instructor has always been a dream of mine and I am thrilled to be living my dream everyday. I see how horses impact the lives of our clients and volunteers. Horses help people of all ages and all abilities achieve goals they want to accomplish while showing them love and compassion."

Samantha said "Our son has participated in therapeutic riding at Praying Hands Ranch since 2021. Every therapeutic lesson is tailored to his specific needs and abilities by PHR’s dedicated instructors and volunteers, ensuring a continual building in his confidence and self-esteem. Our son says this about his experience: “I like the atmosphere. I like riding because it is relaxing and calming. Riding makes me focus so I forget the other things that I worry about.”

Ron said "I love getting to ride at the ranch. My horse Ajax is the perfect horse for me. He listens to me as a rider. Horseback riding helps me with my confidence and my overall happiness. I love being in the saddle, my mood is so much better after spending time with Ajax."