Rising Hope Rescue Ranch

Most of us spend a lot of energy trying to look calm, strong, and in control.

The problem?

The people closest to us usually know the truth.

Years ago, a horse named Dixie taught me a lesson that has shaped every relationship I've had since. Horses don't respond to who we pretend to be. They respond to who we really are.

The same is often true of people.

In this first article of our new series, What Horses Teach Us About Healthy Relationships, we explore why building trust begins with authenticity—and why the healthiest relationships aren't built on perfect people, but truthful ones.

Building Trust in Relationships - Rising Hope Rescue Ranch People often respond to what we're feeling more than what we're saying. A horse named Dixie taught me that trust isn't built through appearances or performance. It begins when we stop pretending and start being honest—with ourselves, with God, and with the people we love.

All the time!

Summer season is officially underway at Rising Hope Rescue Ranch.

On the very first night, we met our horse, our mentor, and a community ready to walk beside us. With flowers braided into a mane and smiles all around, it was a beautiful reminder that healing, growth, and confidence often begin with simple moments of connection.

Every horse has a story. Every child has a story. And by God's grace, both can find hope here.

Thank you to the mentors, volunteers, donors, and families who make this ministry possible. We can't wait to see what God does this season.

You're Invited to Join us for Worship at the Ranch!

Join us on Friday, June 19 for a special evening of worship, community, and family fun at Rising Hope Rescue Ranch. Worship will be led by Chestertown Baptist Church

Bring a lawn chair, gather around the fire, enjoy some s’mores, meet the horses, and worship with us under the open sky. Whether you're looking for a church home, a place to reconnect with God, or simply a peaceful evening with your family, we'd love to welcome you.

Meet the horses
S’mores and fellowship
Live worship
Family-friendly atmosphere

Worship begins at 7:00 PM.

If you're purchasing a BBQ dinner, preordered meals will be available for pickup at the ranch from 6:30–7:30 PM.

**Please RSVP before attending.** All adults must have a completed waiver on file, and RSVP helps us prepare for everyone joining us.

RSVP here: [https://risinghoperanch.org/worship](https://risinghoperanch.org/worship)

We hope you'll join us for a beautiful evening at the ranch.

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Sugar inspected… Sugar approved.

One of the coolest things we get to watch at the ranch is how confidence spreads.

When we take kids and horses onto the trails through the woods, the younger horses are usually a little skittish at first. Strange sounds, uneven footing, water crossings… it’s all unfamiliar.

But when they’re paired with a calm, experienced horse, something changes.

They start borrowing confidence.

Honestly, kids do the same thing.

They’re constantly learning how to handle stress, uncertainty, frustration, and fear by watching the people around them. Not perfectly. Not all at once. But little by little.

That’s why helping kids handle stress isn’t just about teaching coping skills. It’s also about the emotional environment we create around them.

Our calm matters.
Our steadiness matters.
Even the way we handle hard days matters.

I wrote a post to share some of what the horses have been teaching us lately about confidence, stress, faith, and the power of steady relationships.

Helping Kids Handle Stress by the Way We Live Children often borrow confidence before they fully develop it themselves. At the ranch, we see it happen when young riders walk unfamiliar trails beside experienced horses. Calmness spreads. Steadiness spreads. Courage spreads. Families work much the same way. This article explores how helping kids....