Sonora, California

“MDC Ranch is our student’s favorite vocational training venue.  Our students are motivated by hands-on experience of learning real job skills. They also experience team work, how to approach a supervisor, managing time, and corporate service knowledge.  We cherish our partnership with the Mounted Dream Center.”       Christine Ballou, Transition

The building, planting, growing, and harvesting a garden in 2010 gave the students new skills and knowledge while bringing them together in a collaborative effort. This class addition is giving some older students new skills and building self esteem while preparing them for their future in the workplace.      Kathie Danicourt, Vocational Technician, Tuolumne Co. Office of Education

I like working at MDC doing ranch chores.  I am never told I am doing things wrong.  I feel very safe not being judged or criticized.  If I can’t do something perfect, I know I will learn.   I love working as a team while doing chores.  If I feel frustrated, Patti helps me work thru it without judgment. When I leave, I feel better about myself.   My days are happier when I start out at MDC.       L.M. Jamestown, CA

“I want to thank Patti Taylor Welch and Mrs. Danicourt for inviting me to a veterinarian Q & A seminar. I watched the vet work with the horses at the MDC Ranch. It was a great opportunity for me to see how the horses, big and small, teeth are floated. I was really excited when I got to help the vet hold the horses and be up close to watch. My dream is to become a vet and this was a great chance to see what a vet does up close. I had a wonderful time, the vet answered all my questions I was able to be hands on. Everyone was so nice.”         Brittany Keathy, Oct 1, 2010