Sonora, California

My daughter lives in a world that overwhelms her, so Mounted Dream Center is her safe place. Jenna always leaves her lesson feeling calm, relaxed and happy. Jenna loves being with the horses. Patti, KiKi and the volunteers are patient and compassionate, giving Jenna their undivided attention, and are willing to accommodate Jenna’s needs. The Mounted Dream Center is a perfect fit for Jenna. Marcia Baylis Sonora, CA

 Additional Benefits  My Goal in setting up riding lessons for Anthony was to work on his upper body and arm strength. A benefit I wasn’t expecting was that by taking care of such a large animal, smaller tasks became more manageable for him. Things he would complain about doing became doable which makes life more pleasant for everyone. We all enjoy this peaceful place to come and spend a little time just being calm. To have my son’s physical needs being met here is a blessing. C.M. Sonora mother

To Whom it May Concern,    I have three special needs children who have been doing therapeutic riding lessons for about six weeks. I am beginning to notice several changes in the children. Perhaps, most of all, they are each becoming more independent. My two girls are beginning to be able to get up in the morning and get themselves ready for the day with minimal prompting and in a timely manner. This is a first! Also, the girls are doing some of their homework by themselves- also a first. My son has just begun going to public school, and that he’ll venture away from home is amazing. He is taking on quite a bit of responsibility and is being quite social. I’m impressed! Not only are they more independent, but I think they are less fearful. They are scared of many things including being outside at night. This past week two of the children actually took one of our dogs outside at night, as long as I watched from a window. And they were fairly relaxed. Finally, all three children seem to feel better about themselves, to hold their heads a little higher, and be more confident. I am truly grateful to Mounted Dream Center, and Patti, and all of her knowledgeable and caring volunteers. Sincerely, Alice Mansfield, Columbia, CA

 At my grandson’s last IEP meeting, the entire team said that inspite of some severe learning disabilities, he is very confident! We attribute that entirely to the Horses. I can remember at the beginning of his lessons, how his poor posture was such an indicator of his low self esteem. The way he carries himself and interacts with his peers is a world of improvement! Thank you so much for making such a difference in a child’s life with your program.      Grandma Carlina , Sonora

A Dream Come True -  I have a son who has always been shy of crowds and new situations. He has never been the type to join in with the kids, or get up in front of a crowd. For the past 5 months he has been participating in the riding program at the Mounted Dream Center. With each week his self esteem and confidence grows. Recently we went to the park; he jumped out of the car and ran towards the merry-go-round. He stopped 20 feet away and watched as the other children played. I watched my son and wondered if he would get the courage to join in. He always waits for everyone to get off before he will play, even if it means never getting a turn. Then as quickly as he stopped he started running, with a big smile on his face, straight onto the merry-go-round with all the other children. He finally did it! I was so happy for him, and then he really surprised me. With riding lessons he has learned to love horses and cow boy boots. His grandma took him shopping for a pair of John Deer boots! He is so proud of those boots, that he felt they would win the best boot contest at a stock car race. It was half time at the car races when the announcement came over the loud speaker, “Join us on the track for the best boot contest.” My son stood up and said he was going to win that contest. He walked down to the track in front of 600 people and told the crowd his name in the microphone. The crowd clapped for each contestant to choose a winner, and when it was his turn, the crowd roared. He won by a landslide! I still can’t believe it, my son, the shy kid who is scared of crowds, got up in front of a huge crowd because he wanted to. I am so proud of the progress he has made in the past 5 months. The Mounted Dream Center has made a dream come true for me. My son is more confident and has more self esteem.   K.L.  Sonora, CA