A Calling and Mission of Hope
Rising Hope Rescue Ranch is more than a place—it’s a calling. It’s the result of a lifelong journey shaped by faith, hardship, healing, and the deep conviction that every child and family deserves to know their worth and purpose in God’s eyes.
Where It All Began
April 20, 1999, Gary and Michelle were just getting started with their family, when Gary went to work like any other day. But that morning, the tragic events at Columbine High School shook the nation and our family. While we didn’t know anyone there, Gary was overwhelmed by the reality that kids could feel so hopeless, so lost, that they would turn to such darkness. That night, he stopped at church on his way home and found a group already gathered in prayer. Kneeling at the altar, prayed that God would “Use me to help kids understand their worth and Your purpose for their life.”
That prayer changed everything. By fall, Gary left his job in the family business to begin teaching and coaching high school students. A few years later, he stepped into full-time ministry as a youth director and continues to serve the local church, now as an elder and pastor in the Global Methodist Church.
A Family Led to Horses
While Gary’s calling to reach young people was clear, Michelle’s journey was beginning to unfold into the world of horses. She had loved them since childhood, and in 2003, when their daughter Katherine was born, Michelle wanted her to grow up with the same experience. That’s when Dixie, a two-year-old quarter horse filly, became part of the family.
As the years passed, Michelle and Katherine began competing in ranch horse competitions, and their love for the horse world only deepened. But horses weren’t just a passion—they became part of something much greater.
In 2017, Michelle, now a licensed professional counselor, focused her counseling on children and adults healing from trauma. In order to incorporate the horses, she moved her practice to the farm. There, she began to see something remarkable—horses and other animals began to open doors to healing in ways that words alone could not. Their presence brought peace, comfort, and a safe space for children and adults to share their pain and begin their journey toward healing.
When Everything Came Together
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the vision for Rising Hope Rescue Ranch became undeniable. It was a dark season for so many, and even for Gary, depression crept in. But during that time, a new horse arrived on the ranch with an illness that required daily care for an extended period of time.
Day after day, feeding, brushing, and tending to her needs became a source of healing—not just for the horse, but for Gary himself. That was the moment everything changed. The power of these animals wasn’t just something they had seen in others—it was something they had personally experienced.
The Birth of Rising Hope Rescue Ranch
Out of these experiences—a calling to reach young people, a deep connection with horses, and a desire to help others heal—Rising Hope Rescue Ranch was born.
Today, Rising Hope Rescue Ranch is a place where kids and families find hope, healing, and purpose. Through equine-assisted learning, children struggling with anxiety, trauma, or simply the pressures of life can experience the peace, confidence, and connection that only God’s creation can provide.
Our Mission
We exist to provide a safe, Christ-centered environment where children and families can heal, grow, and discover their God-given worth. Through hands-on interactions with rescued horses, we offer experiences that foster:
✔ Confidence – Learning to trust, communicate, and overcome challenges.
✔ Healing – A space to process emotions, feel seen, and know they are loved.
✔ Faith – Discovering that God has a purpose for every life, no matter how broken it may seem.
Our story isn’t just about us—it’s about every child who walks through our gates, every family who finds peace here, and every life that is forever changed by God’s love.
We invite you to be part of this journey.
Welcome to Rising Hope Rescue Ranch.