A place where the mental and emotional health of teens is enhanced through therapeutic horsemanship, professional counseling, and nature-based experiences.
Rustic Way Ranch is a newer therapeutic riding and counseling facility located in Melissa, Texas which is in the North Dallas area. Rustic Way Ranch’s mission is to serve teens suffering from mental and emotional difficulties through therapeutic horsemanship, professional counseling, and nature-based experiences.
A parent of a patient praised Rustic Way Ranch stating, “Our daughter, age 13, was diagnosed with ADHD in the third grade. In addition to that, she also struggles with social anxiety. When you put these two things together, it makes it very hard to be a 7th grade girl. It is also hard to parent at times…Up until a few months ago, we had no idea there was therapy that involves horses. We immediately knew this was what we needed to try for our daughter. After her first session with Courtney at Rustic Way Ranch, we knew we had found exactly what our daughter needed! She hasn’t been this emotionally or socially confident in years! And what I love about Rustic Way is the authenticity behind how they began. They took their own personal story and are using it to help others- one of those being our daughter.”
Rustic Way Ranch is certified in EAGALA and has licensed professional counselors. Brook Carreler, executive director of Rustic Way Ranch explained, “horses, by nature, are empathetic creatures. Without fail, we hear people comment that the size and strength of the horses coupled with their gentle demeanor is ‘disarming.’ Horses in particular, exude empathy and care for individuals. Within our program, the effect of this empathetic experience with the horse is what leads our young clients to feel seen and heard. This gentle interaction provides a safe place for the kids to voice their thoughts and feelings, and it is in this space that we can introduce coping skills that equip the kids on the ranch and off the ranch - and into the rest of their lives.”
To learn more about Rustic Way Ranch visit: rusticwayranch.org.
Executive Director:
Brooke Carreker
Serving:
North Dallas, Texas Area
Founded:
2023
Therapies:
Horsemanship: EAGALA; Counseling: Licensed Professional Counselor
