Miracles Happen
A
borrowed horse and her sons need for therapy sparked Janet’s
dream of helping others: Cowboys & Roses Renegade Ranch
soon became a reality.
By Wendy
Burton
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“I’ve
often said there’s nothing better for the inside of
a man than the outside of a horse,” Ronald Reagan once
stated. When I think of this quote I automatically think of
Cowboys and Roses Renegade Ranch, a therapeutic riding center
in Brunswick, Georgia founded by Janet Carswell.
The
Healing Power of Horses
Children with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome,
cerebral palsy, cancer and many other disorders come to the
ranch with their therapists, families and friends to participate
in hippotherapy and therapeutic riding. |
Playing
basketball from a horse’s back is an activity not all
of us have been able to try. However, at the Ranch it is used
to help children with hand-eye coordination, following directions,
and judging distances.
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Hippotherapy is a term used to describe the movement of a
horse as part of a treatment strategy when used by physical,
occupational, and speech therapists. The horse’s movement
is said to travel through the body causing many parts to work.
However, the child is not always aware of the work being done
as they are in a natural state, enjoying the day’s adventure.
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Therapeutic
riding uses equine related activities to stimulate the children
in emotional, physical, cognitive and social means. This allows
disadvantaged or disabled children to learn responsibility through
the care of another living animal. Participants learn to ride,
care for, and feed the horses and see how those activities correspond
to their everyday life. Life skills are an important aspect
to many of these children. Using horses to teach those skills
makes it fun!
Humble Beginnings
It all began with one of Janet’s own children. Her son
was in need of some additional therapy. After hearing about
hippotherapy and the benefits it can provide to children, she
looked and found nothing available around her hometown. So
she borrowed a horse, and amazingly her son began to improve.
This is where she realized her dream, to provide the same services
at no cost to other children and families in need. |
The natural movement of the horse allows the child’s body
to move as well. This movement is just one part of therapy that
the child receives and doesn’t even realize due to the
enjoyment of the moment. |
A Dream Come True
In 2003, Janet’s dream became a reality when she started
this Christian riding center for children. In 2005 it became
a public charity and she now sees over 50 children, ages 2-22,
every week on the ranch. “It is so rewarding” Janet
says. “To watch children begin talking, start walking,
and getting out of a wheelchair after 5 years. That’s
what we do this for!” Additionally, there are 12 families
in a five county area on a waiting list to participate in the
program.
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Not
only do the children appreciate all of her assistance, the horses
do too. Eight of the 14 horses on the ranch have been donated
as a result of abuse, neglect, or just bad fortune. Janet and
the volunteers at the ranch have undertaken these cases and
given these animals a new life. “Having to put 200-400
pounds on sometimes is challenging, but with the wonderful feed
we use the horses respond extremely well,” says Janet.
Twelve volunteers help make everything possible by grooming
the horses, serving as walkers to ensure the children are safe
and comfortable, leading the horses during therapy sessions,
and watching over siblings as moms and dads participate in therapy
sessions. |
Owner
and founder, Janet Carswell. “Every child that has
come through the Ranch has been able to leave a handprint.
Currently we have over 70 hands on our board. We have even
had to move to the back!”
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Public relations and fundraising are also roles volunteers
fill, so no horse knowledge is needed if you would like to
get involved! Amazingly, there are no fees for Janet’s
hospitality. With medical expenses and other costs associated
with having a disabled child, she wanted to provide this service,
one desperately needed, for no cost. This is where the fundraising
comes in. Benefit horse shows, yard sales, and hot dog and
BBQ sandwich sales are just a few of the events held annually
to raise monies for the ranch. This fall marks the 2nd Annual
Motorcycle Poker Run in which good food, fun and live music
will fill the day with excitement and joy for these children.
All funds raised go to feeding, housing and maintaining the
horses, equipment and other accessories needed for therapy
sessions.
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Benefits for You, Me and the Children
The benefits received from attending, volunteering, or just
sponsoring this cause are endless. Children reach goals they
have set and continue to enjoy and excel in activities never
thought attainable. With the help of supporters, the generosity
of Janet Carswell, and the volunteers at Cowboys and Roses Renegade
Ranch, a difference is being made in the lives of many children.
They have an opportunity to embrace the healing powers of the
horses and the joy of learning new things, while volunteers
and supporters learn that giving can be just as rewarding as
receiving. |
Janet’s mom serves as everyone’s
‘Nana’ of the Ranch. |
Help
Support Cowboys & Roses Renegade Ranch |
| All
9 horses, 2 foals and 2 ponies at Cowboys and Roses Renegade
Ranch thrive on Spillers/Seminole Meadow Herb Cool Mix.
Janet says, “It was the feed I had been looking
for! Low starch, low molasses, it is just what we needed
to provide happy, healthy horses for the children.”
With the help of Seminole Feed, Southern Star Feed, and
many other supporters, Janet and the Cowboys and Roses
Renegade Ranch make a difference in the lives of many
children every day. If you would like to help, volunteer,
or become a sponsor, please visit www.cowboysandrosesrenegaderanch.com
or give Janet a call at 1-912-279-0440. All monies received
go to keeping the horses healthy and supplying saddles,
equipment and other materials the children need to help
with the therapy. |
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Wendy
Burton is a graduate of the University of Florida with
degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Education.
She currently serves as an Equine Nutrition Consultant
for Seminole Feeds. Wendy has owned horses for the last
16 years and enjoys the tranquility of trail riding. |
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