While the ranch’s mission has many facets, our session kiddos and families are our biggest focus. Mercy Spring Ranch exists to show those going through difficult circumstances the love, hope, peace, joy, and true healing that only comes from Jesus Christ. Our session season runs from April through October, ending with our big Ranch Family Dinner. As we gather one last time at this event, we share all that God has done throughout the year. We have crafts, games, horseback rides, fellowship, LOTS of food, and a showcase where each kiddo gets to share something they’ve learned, on horseback, or in the workshop. We end the evening with smores around the firepit and an end-of-the-year video, with tons of photos from the year set to music. The best part is having all our ranch families, staff, and volunteers together at the same time!
Here are just a few photos from our Ranch Family Dinner last month, along with quotes from all the kids who took part in our showcase. We are grateful for every person who took part in making our 2022 season possible. It truly takes a village, and we thank God every day for what He does here through each one of you!
“When I first started sessions, I was very skeptical. I was at a new place with new people. After a couple of sessions, I realized Miss Mo and Mr. Black are very nice people.”
“My favorite part about my sessions with the horses was learning to ride, since I never had before. Thank you for spending time with me to learn.”
“Gimli is the sweetest, silliest pony I have ever met. I think it’s funny that he tries to eat Mo’s hat!”
“The reason that I love coming to the ranch is because I love horses. Riding a horse puts me in my happy place. Gimli is always full of mischief. Ladyhawke is beautiful and Connor is a sweet old man. I love being at Mercy Spring Ranch!”
“I liked working with Mr. Black and using a nail gun. I’ve never used one of them before, so that was fun! And cutting the wood with the big saw was awesome! Thank you for spending time with me and teaching me how to build this box.”
“Thank you for my sessions! When I get on a horse, I feel like I am in a completely new world. Riding Gimli gives me the best time of my life!”
“Thanks to Mercy Spring Ranch I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to develop my love of horses. As a result of Miss Mo and John starting this ranch, I found my passion and the goal I want to achieve. I am now attending MJC to earn an Equine Science degree. If it weren’t for them, I would never have found what I love to do. I’ll forever be grateful for how they both impacted me.”
“My favorite part of sessions was being with my sister and sparring on horseback. Also, Miss Hillari helped me with my fear of heights.”
“I really like riding the horses because I get to play soccer and joust on them.”
“I enjoyed welding with John. I learned a lot of things about welding, though there is still a lot to learn about it, I learned all the basics. I am glad to be learning this skill because not a lot of people know how to weld. I appreciate John and Mo and everything they do for everybody at the ranch.”
“This year I have loved working with Miss Mo and building my connection with Gimli.”
“I like to go to the ranch because it is fun to be with Mo and ride horses. I like Mo because she is funny and fun. Tami was my session leader and we got into some trouble this year. 😊 I am looking forward to doing wood working next year”
“This year was my first year. I love working with the horses and with Marissa. Gimli was my first horse. I grew past all my fears with Gimli and Marissa. Thank you, Marissa!”
“I like the variety of horses here, and how they’re all different in many ways.”
“Over this past season I’ve learned so much about Ladyhawke and riding. My favorite part of it is building a relationship with the horses and the people.”
“My favorite part about the ranch is that I get to learn more about Jesus while learning and being with horses. John and Mo are like family to me, and they are always there when I need them. At LEAD, I have fun with the horses, and John and Mo always have great food whenever I’m there. I also have a lot of fun with Alathea, who has been a very good friend. Thank you, John, Mo, and the horses for being a really big part of my life.”
“I have loved riding Ladyhawke this year! When trotting, I have learned to better balance her, and I am learning to fix my problems when riding by myself. When I was in (my first) clinic, I learned how to build a better relationship with Ladyhawke so that she will trust me more and I can lead her better.”
If you’d like to support MSR during Giving Tuesday, by volunteering, supporting one of our horses, or financially supporting our program, click here for more information.
