Harmony Ranch – Turning a Passion into Therapy for At-risk and Special needs Children

Four years ago Tara had a dream, a dream so large many thought it un-reachable. Two years ago undaunted by nay-sayers, armed with years of special education, certification work from NARHA (now PATH), hours of volunteering and working with special needs children combined with horse therapy, and the support of her husband  and mother Teddie Jackson, Tara Glessman finally began Harmony Ranch; a ranch that works with horses creating a magical bond with children, building trust, self-confidence and physical dexterity.

“The transformation in some of the children I have worked with the minute they touch a horse, or sit on a horse is amazing…when they leave from a lesson, they stand a bit taller, smile a bit more, and communicate just a little better.” Tara explains that is not about just putting a child on a horses back that creates the magic, it’s the ground-up instruction philosophy that she utilizes. Each child is introduced to a horse through grooming, care, and sometimes study of anatomy/bones and muscles. Through this process the child becomes attached to ‘their’ horse. Then the simple act of gently placing their hand on the ‘their’ horse’s rib cage to feel the swell of each breath, timing their own breaths with that of the horse becomes a soothing and magical experience.

Tara refers to the experience as allowing the child to “enter another world.” A world away from judging eyes and societies sometimes high expectations.

Each child is gently interviewed with their parents to find out what their ‘special needs’ may be. From there, Tara tailors a program specifically for that child. For instance, one child she works with with cerebral palsy has a difficult time relaxing his hands, loosening them. During the grooming process Tara takes the extra time to help him braid the horse’s tail. Using these fine motors skills works out his hands and loosens the muscles so that when he gets on the horse he can grasp the reins with more control. Another child with spectrum autism, Tara smiling says, “his brain doesn’t stop,” she utilizes that ability he has of retaining information at such a fast rate that while they groom he recites the muscles the brush is running over or the bone under the muscle. A parent of one of Tara’s students, Teglene Ryan, says that her sons experience working with Tara has been “amazing.” Further saying, “The way Tara works with my son and identifies his needs, his strengths and his weaknesses and creates (a program) things to do with him that will benefit him are amazing.”

Her mentors and supporters are many and she would have spent all afternoon thanking them all if she could but it became apparent that Dr. Mike Hayes from Angels Camp Vet has been one of her  best advocates. Mike said, "Her enthusiasm and dedication convinced me that we should help" telling of the repeated times Tara had contacted him regarding her dream and the realization that she was going to make this dream a reality for the children of Calaveras County. He has helped her organize her thoughts, her business ideas, and given her some direction along with donating two horses to the program. Harmony Ranch is a State non-profit operating with a Board of Directors and adopting a business plan.

With the help of Kim Lemke of  Bridlewood, Harmony Ranch will have a home until January 1, 2012 without cost. Kim is allowing use of the rings and the facilities. If someone taught by Tara wishes to use their own horse for instruction, Bridlewood offers boarding (contact Bridlewood for boarding costs 785-8272).

As far as the cost of therapeutic lessons, if Tara had her choice “I would do it all for free.” For this, she is thankful she has a Board. They have advised her that fund raisers can be held to raise money for scholarships so that high risk, special needs, and children of all income backgrounds can have equal access to her program. Hence, the upcoming HORSE, ART & WINE event to be held at Bridlewood July 9, 12-6 pm. All proceeds from the dinner and silent auction at the event are to benefit Harmony Ranch.

Tara’s eyes watered many times throughout the interview, especially when she spoke of the different children she has worked with over the years and their leaps and bounds in therapy, yet when all was said and done Tara said, “I don’t know if the kids get more out of it than I am getting out of it.”

Tara accomplishes all this with a 4 week old son and a 2 year old son. She has spoken at Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, County Office of Ed meetings, and more to spread the word and get support for her endeavor. If you would like more information about Harmony Ranch, or would like Tara to speak at your function to help raise awareness and possibly more funding for her program please contact her at 209-753-7816.

If you would like to donate please call Tara, also auction items are still needed for the silent auction held July 9.

By, Charity Maness