The area is dotted with pastoral scenes but Guy Adams told us at this ranch the horses have a special job, "I come from a military family and we just don't want to de anybody left behind that's been hurt, mentally or physically. These guys come back from war with challenges and if we can ease any of these challenges at all, we just want to be there for them."
When Guy Adams became caretaker of this horse ranch two years ago he added a non-profit enterprise. In August of 2011 he started in earnest August 8, 2011. It began with giving special needs children the opportunity to ride on gentle steeds of all sizes.
January of this year brought local Veterans of all ages carrying their wounds of war that were calmed and soothed by the contact with his gentile horses.
When Steve Doak, president of the Vietnam veterans of America Chapter 933, brought idea to his members and they made a decision, "If nothing else, being in this environment on the ranch is helpful even if you don't get on horses. Being out here with other veterans."
Doak and other members of their chapter decided this year to include the Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch at their horseshoe tournament, "Half of the proceeds will go to the ranch to help continue its mission. Each year we put on a horseshoe tournament. Whatever money we make for that we pass on whatever money we make to local nonprofits in the community".
And those horseshoe pits at the Bi-Centennial Park in Clovis will be spruced up for that Saint Patrick's Day tournament. The top three winners take home trophies and the proceeds will help bolster the commitment to the horse ranch where healing comes with unlikely new very endearing friends.
Doak told us there is still room for additional 2-person teams who want to compete in this horseshoe tournament, "Half of the proceeds will go the Ranch to help continue its mission. Each year we put on a horseshoe tournament. Whatever money we make is passed on local nonprofits in the community".
It's not too late for anyone wanting to participate. Two person teams can sign up at 8 am on February 17th. Entry fee is $40 and includes your morning coffee, a continental breakfast, a barbeque lunch and event travel coffee mug.
For more information call 559-260-2704
You can reach the Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch at 559-297-7100 or at their website:
