Horses, Youth Heal Together

Jennifer Simonis has found a way to combine her passions in life: ministering to hurting children and abused horses.

What might seem like an unlikely match has lead to a path of hope and restoration for both. At Healing Hands Youth Ranch, kids who have lived troubled lives are paired with horses who’ve suffered abuse, and miracles start to happen.

“Whatever hardships life has dealt these kids, coming alongside a horse which has been beaten down in life, they are able to identify and pour out love, trust and healing on these broken animals,” Simonis said. “By the grace of God, these kids come to receive the same gift they are giving the horses. Through this process, the Lord does amazing things in the lives of kids and the leaders.”

Simonis’ experience working with youth began when she accompanied the oldest of her four children to a youth gathering.

“I have been a youth leader since that day,” she said. “The Lord has deposited in me a passion for young people who are lost and hurting and making bad choices. I want them to know the love of Jesus that can melt a heart of stone, heal any brokenness and fill all emptiness. I don’t want them to miss out on another day of knowing how loved they are.”

A love for horses has been a lifelong passion. After reading a book about an Oregon ranch that helps troubled youth and horses, and later making a visit, Simonis felt that “God has used it to take my dreams and show me how to move them into action.”

Healing Hands Youth Ranch was incorporated in 2008, and Simonis and husband Len purchased the 145-acre Waleska property in April 2010. The program matches a child with a horse and a leader who loves on the child, teaches him or her horsemanship skills, and shares the love of God.

It takes a lot of support—both physically and financially—to operate a 145-acre ranch with five horses, two donkeys, two dogs and eight chickens. Participation in the program is free. Simonis spends her Saturdays training adult volunteers in horsemanship skills, which they will teach the children.

To help with operating costs, a fundraiser has been planned for May 5. The “Raise for the Roses” doors will open at 3:30 p.m. at the , and ends with a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby. Guests will enjoy a themed meal, a Derby hat fashion show contest judged by local celebrities and silent auction that includes gift certificates, one-of-a-kind items and unique gifts.

Grand Stand tickets are $50, and various sponsorships are available to reserve tables, ranging from the $5,000 Winner’s Circle to the $1,000 Jockey’s Club.

Money raised will be used for upkeep of the horses, since there’s no cost to the program’s clients. According to Simonis, it costs approximately $4,000 a year per horse if there are no emergencies. She’d like to establish an emergency fund and purchase saddles and other equipment. Additional money will be used to build a 60 by 100-foot covered arena, which will allow therapy to continue in the hot summer months and on rainy days.

“Our program is not about teaching children to become professional riders,” she said. “Instead, it lets them share in the care of a horse, embrace the responsibility of ranch chores and have fun. It’s about helping children who have been hurt and emotionally wounded find life again.”

FAST FACTS

• For more information, call 770-633-4451 or visit www.hhyr.org.

Editor's note: A version of this story previously appeared in the April edition of The Cherokee Vine, a monthly newsletter that highlights news and events from churches, ministries and charitable organizations in Cherokee County.