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Kansas Profile – Now That’s Rural: Joy Miller – New Horizon Ranch – Part 2

Reuse, recycle, rebuckle. That’s not exactly the popular environmental slogan, but it describes a remarkable therapeutic riding center that is using creative ways to benefit the lives of its students.

New Horizon Ranch near Rantoul, Kansas offers equine-assisted therapy and educational programs.
New Horizon Ranch near Rantoul, Kansas offers equine-assisted therapy and educational programs.

Last week we met Joy and Brian Miller, co-founders of New Horizon Ranch near Rantoul. New Horizon Ranch is a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding center which offers various kinds of equine-assisted activities and learning, psychotherapy, and summer day camp programs for individuals of all ages with physical and mental disabilities.

In therapeutic riding, people with disabilities learn horsemanship and riding skills which can also benefit communication, social skills, decision-making, balance, and strength.  For example, if someone is wheelchair-bound, the horse’s gait simulates the movement and benefit of walking. Joy has also observed how horses can bond with the rider in beneficial ways.

“A horse has a magical ability to connect with people,” Joy said. “Macho kids from inner Kansas City will come out here and say, `This is dumb,’ but within thirty minutes they’re petting the horses….every time!”

Continue reading “Kansas Profile – Now That’s Rural: Joy Miller – New Horizon Ranch – Part 2”

Kansas Profile – Now That’s Rural: Joy Miller – New Horizon Ranch – Part 1

What is that light that we see? It’s the light of a new day, a new horizon. Today we’ll learn about a remarkable equestrian facility which is bringing new light into the lives of children and adults with disabilities.

Joy Miller is a founder of New Horizon Ranch.
Joy Miller is a founder of New Horizon Ranch.

Joy Miller is co-founder of New Horizon Ranch, located near Rantoul in Franklin County.  New Horizon Ranch is a therapeutic horseback riding center. It offers various kinds of equine-assisted activities and learning, psychotherapy, and summer day camp programs to individuals of all ages with physical, cognitive, social, emotional and learning disabilities.

Joy grew up in rural California. As a high schooler, she was selected for the National FFA Band which meant she came to perform at the National FFA Convention which was held in Kansas City at the time. While in Kansas City, she learned about Mid-America Nazarene University in Olathe and ultimately came there as a student.

Her faith and Christian service are important to Joy. “I thought I would be going into international missions someday, so I majored in international agribusiness so I could help developing countries,” Joy said.

Continue reading “Kansas Profile – Now That’s Rural: Joy Miller – New Horizon Ranch – Part 1”