The rescued animals at The Ranch help create moments of peace, connection, laughter, and healing for the athletes who visit here.

Every animal has a story
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Sponsor The Herd

Meet The Animal Therapists

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Bodie

The founding father of The Ranch. He was adopted from a rescue at 4 years old after his mom was rescued from an abusive situation while pregnant with him.

Bodie is a crowd favorite thanks to his playful, curious personality. He’s convinced he’s part horse, part helper, and part lap dog.

If you’re looking for laughter, personality, and a horse who always wants to be involved, Bodie is your guy.

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Red

Originally bred to become a high-dollar show horse, but a deformity in her foot meant she would never be rideable. So, she was repeatedly used for breeding and actually suffered. the heartbreaking loss of her first foal.

Today, she’s the alpha of the herd, but more than that, she’s the protector, always making sure the others are safe.

Behind her strong presence is an incredibly gentle soul. One look into her eyes and you can see the peace that comes from finally being safe, loved, and cared for the way she always deserved.

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Rannie

She came from a bloodline of elite show horses, but because her mane would not grow, she was labeled as “not beautiful enough” for the show world.

Now, one of the very first things people say when they visit the ranch is, “Wow… she’s beautiful.”

Rannie is known for her signature “model walk” as she confidently struts to the gate to greet visitors. After years of being overlooked, she finally knows what everyone else sees, that she truly is beautiful.

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Jesse

Known as the “gentle giant” of The Ranch, he was once a rodeo horse, an athlete himself, before being diagnosed with EPM, a neurologic disease that left him weak and uncoordinated. Thankfully, his previous owners acted quickly and got him the treatment he needed to fully recover.

While he may never compete the way he once did, he’s found a new purpose beyond performance: bringing peace, comfort, and smiles to everyone he meets.

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Benny

He once worked as a prison guard horse at Angola Prison in Louisiana, the largest maximum security prison in the U.S. After later developing kissing spine, he was no longer able to work and could have easily ended up at auction. Instead, he found safety and purpose at The Ranch 4 Athletes.

Known as our best therapy horse, he has a special way of finding the one person in a crowd who may be struggling and gently snuggling in close as if to offer a hug. His calm presence has brought comfort, peace, and countless smiles to the athletes who spend time with him.

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Cheryl

Once known on the track as “Dynas Jet,” she spent her early years as a racehorse before retiring from racing and later being used for breeding. Now, she gets to enjoy the slower pace of life at The Ranch.

With her long legs, graceful presence, and endless energy, she still loves a good game of chase through the pasture. Independent and perfectly content doing her own thing, she carries a quiet confidence that turns heads everywhere she goes. A true beauty both on and off the track.

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Ferdinand, Rosie & Holly

Our three bottle-fed calves truly believe they are oversized puppy dogs. Twins Rosie and Ferdinand came to The Ranch after being rejected by their mom at just one month old, while Holly arrived at only a week old after also being rejected by her mother.

Now fully grown and full of personality, they’ve become instant fan favorites. They’ll follow you everywhere, have absolutely no understanding of personal space, and are always ready to snuggle up for attention or even a nap in your lap if you let them.

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Buzz & Woody

Rescued from years of abuse and neglect by Sweet Mercies Rescue Ranch, where Buzz required urgent hoof care while Woody stayed faithfully by his side through recovery.

Now safe at The Ranch, these two have learned to trust and love again and quickly became favorites among visitors. If the size of the horses feels intimidating, Buzz and Woody are the perfect pair to meet. Full of personality, gentle hearts, and always ready for attention, they have a way of making everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

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Lulu & Lemon

Lulu and Lemon came to us from the same farm as the goats, making for a sweet reunion between old friends. Lulu arrived severely underweight after being bullied away from food by other pigs, while Lemon was a former race pig who decided racing was no longer for her.

Since coming to The Ranch, they’ve transformed into happy, healthy potbelly pigs who now spend their days enjoying treats, belly rubs, and all the love and attention they can get.

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Blaze

The self-appointed “real therapy goat” of The Ranch and truthfully, he’s pretty convinced he’s actually a dog. He walks on a leash, loves car rides, prefers humans over the other goats, and has never met a stranger.

Whether he’s visiting athletes on campus, showing up at games, or tagging along on adventures, Blaze has a way of instantly making people smile. Full of personality, affection, and nonstop curiosity, he’s become one of The Ranch’s most loved little therapists.

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The G.O.A.T.S

When the opportunity came for us to adopt 14 goats (well…really 13 because Blaze refuses to identify as a goat), we didn’t hesitate to say YES. Had they not come to The Ranch, many of them likely would have been separated or ended up on a slaughter truck.

Now, they’ve become some of the biggest personalities on The Ranch. Their playful energy, unique personalities, and nonstop entertainment have brought endless joy and laughter to the athletes who visit The Ranch.

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The Dogs & The Cats

No ranch would be complete without the dogs and cats who help make this place feel like home. Piper, our rescued standard poodle, is as laid back as they come and perfectly content simply following everyone around soaking up attention and naps in the shade. Boots, our blue heeler, brings the energy and could play fetch for hours if you let him.

And of course, three ranch cats can usually be found roaming the property, showing up unexpectedly for attention, and reminding everyone that The Ranch belongs to them too.

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