Nestled in Nicasio, amid rolling hills and scenic landscapes, Halleck Creek Ranch is a 60-acre testimony to breaking barriers and supporting community. Founded in 1977, the ranch provides therapeutic horseback riding opportunities to people of all ages with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities.

Marcella Villafuerte has been riding at Halleck Creek Ranch for 12 years. 

“I use a walker and a power wheelchair. I brought them both [to Halleck Creek Ranch], and I can still ride and still get on a horse,” Villafuerte said.

The ranch operates largely thanks to the efforts of volunteers who support students during rides. Senior Ava Newhauser volunteers every Saturday, walking next to riders’ horses during rides.

“I have students who have been there since they were two, and they’re now 30, so they all absolutely love it. [Riding] builds their confidence,” Newhauser said. 

According to the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), adaptive horseback riding can improve strength and balance, social skills, emotional well-being, cognitive skills and confidence.

“Even though you have a disability, you can still ride,” Villafuerte said.

Interim program director Shannon Sullivan has been working at Halleck Creek Ranch since 2021. 

“I’ve had some of my riders [whose] parents [tell] me that when those kids were young, the doctor said they might not ever walk. And after years of horseback riding, they are strong enough to walk unassisted,” Sullivan said.

According to Sullivan, riding engages the same muscles that walking does, and thus, horseback riding can help people with disabilities walk.

“On the horse, [the riders are] actually having fun,” Newhauser said. “[A] rider comes in every single day and puts his fists in the air, and it’s like, whoa. He loves it.”

Villafuerte had a strong bond with her late horse, Historia. 

“Once I got to [Historia], I said, ‘You can’t switch me anymore. I’m glued here,’” Villafuerte said. 

Villafuerte wrote books with a program at her old school about her and Historia.

“When [Halleck Creek Ranch staff] found out about my first book on Princess Historia…They actually dressed her up as a unicorn….So I got to ride her that way,” Villafuerte said. 

Newhauser’s favorite part of volunteering at Halleck Creek Ranch is seeing improvement in students. A student that Newhauser helped once, Alessandra, is mostly nonverbal and uses a wheelchair. She wears a belt to stay steady while riding.

“[Alessandra] kept tapping her hands…and then we finally realized that she wanted us to let go of her so she could ride on her own,” Newhauser said. She had never seen Alessandra on a horse without a hold before. “It’s just crazy to see this person who’s in a wheelchair and who can’t normally walk on this huge animal.” 

Alessandra was able to complete the rest of the ride by herself.

Christa Youngern is the volunteer manager at the ranch, organizing volunteer schedules, outreach and filling gaps. Before joining Halleck Creek Ranch, Youngern was a college track and field coach. 

“That’s something that is super cool about working here and volunteering here; you don’t need to have any experience working with horses to start up here. We’ll teach you anything you want to know,” Youngern said. 

Halleck Creek Ranch has over 100 volunteers and fewer than 10 full-time employees. 

“Most of what we do is completely dependent upon volunteers. Our volunteers are super important to us. We could not do it without our volunteers,” Youngern said. 

Halleck Creek Ranch aims to increase its volunteer base by 30 percent.

“In order to meet the significant need in our community, we need many more volunteers who believe in the vision that everyone deserves to experience the dignity of risk and the connection to nature via horses,” Youngern said.

For Newhauser, volunteering at Halleck Creek Ranch is more than just hours for college applications. 

“It’s like being part of a community, everyone knows each other: the riders, the volunteers, the parents of the riders. It’s a rewarding experience to establish these bonds based on trust, where the parents are allowing their children to be on these horses,” Newhauser said.

According to Youngern, volunteering at Halleck Creek Ranch not only benefits riders but also volunteers.

“You get to develop an emotional connection with the riders you work with. You know they’re going to look forward to seeing you. You’re going to look forward to seeing them,” Youngern said. 

 Youngern encourages potential volunteers to try something different.

“Everyone brings their special something to their role here, and that’s what makes us quite different from some other volunteer opportunities, not everyone can do what you do because you’re the only you there is,” Youngern said.