The Program
Mounted Dream Center (MDC Ranch) teaches character building and confidence through 'Equine Assisted Activities' for people of all ages and abilities, regardless of their ability to pay. Serving Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties, MDC Ranch is a non-profit 501(c) 3 public benefit corporation which uses horses to teach non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking, problem solving, leadership, responsibility, confidence and attitude.

MDC Ranch provides children and adults with special needs, a safe, educational and recreational equine experience to enrich their physical, emotional and social development. Classes are 30-90 minutes customized to the individual; always with emphasis on safety. Each student has an experienced 'equine interactive coach' to supervise and assist with their session.

Such magic is especially evident when the person riding is limited. Because the horses' pelvis moves identically to the human pelvis-'hippotherapy*' simulates the human walk better than any other rehabilitation equipment. Therapeutic riding helps riders learn to take their first steps, adapt their gaits on uneven ground surfaces, learn movements needed for simple activities of daily living and improve their speech.

The horses used in our program are carefully selected and trained. Mounted Dream Center's first two program horses were 'foal imprinted' and touched daily from birth. This produced a special horse-to-human companionship that has worked ideal for this program. The horses are very accepting of the human interaction over their herd instinct. This relationship has paid off, giving us gentle and eager-to-please, 1000 pound therapists.

*Hippo (Greek word for horse)

Rider Benefits
For a disabled youngster or adult, many hours can be spent in physical therapy, working on motor control, balance and strength. Most of these hours are spent indoors in medical settings. Imagine the difference in being able to get that same kind of physical therapy outside, with fresh air and clouds above your head instead of fluorescent lights.

‘Equine Assisted Activities’ have been a growing industry with remarkable rewards. Classes are structured according to age, skill and outcome goal. After evaluation of each riders issues and a physicians release, our team coordinates a goal plan for physical, emotional or learning improvement. Records are kept through interviews with the rider, instructor, family and friends on improvements noticed.

Our program participants deal with personal challenges of many kinds. 

For the physically challenged:
Areas addressed include stroke victims, amputees, accident victims, and others. Therapeutic riding, for people with a physical disability, provides a unique opportunity to improve or regain balance, muscle tone, posture, flexibility, and endurance.

For the learning challenged:
Autism, Developmental Delays, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Shaken Baby Syndrome, to name a few. We see improvements in sensory awareness, attention span and integration with non-disabled peers.

For the emotionally challenged:
Benefits noted include increased confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, socialization, motivation and self-enhancement.

Whatever the situation, the fresh air and interaction are enjoyed by students, staff and volunteers! Smiles are plentiful and personal improvements are forthcoming.