At North County Self Storage, we’re proud to support local organizations that make a meaningful difference in our community. Recently, we had the privilege of donating to Cougar Pass Recovery Ranch, an inspiring animal-assisted therapy ranch in San Diego County that helps individuals through the powerful connection between humans and horses.
Healing Through Horses
Cougar Pass Recovery Ranch provides equine therapy programs designed to help students with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other disorders. Many of their students come through referrals from the San Diego Regional Center, a key resource for individuals with developmental disabilities. You can learn more about the center here.
At the ranch, students are paired with therapeutic horses that help them build confidence, develop independence, and improve emotional well-being. Horses have a unique electromagnetic field extending 6 to 10 feet, which allows them to sense and respond to the emotions of the people around them. This connection is at the heart of the ranch’s success in fostering trust and progress among its students.
Building Confidence One Step at a Time
The journey with a therapy horse starts with learning to prepare and care for the animal, instilling a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Students often face challenges they initially find intimidating, saying things like “That was really scary,” only to overcome those fears and grow in confidence as they meet each goal.
The ranch staff works hard to ensure that every student feels supported and challenged, setting clear milestones to help them succeed both at the ranch and beyond. Their team is currently working toward certification in therapeutic riding, which will enhance their ability to serve more individuals in need.
Why Support Matters
Running a program like this takes resources: from proper riding equipment to the daily care of their horses and donations like ours help ensure that students continue to benefit from this unique therapeutic experience. With the increasing demand for animal-assisted therapy in San Diego, the ranch’s mission is more vital than ever.
If you’d like to learn more about their work or how to get involved, visit Cougar Pass Recovery Ranch on Google Maps and see how you can help them continue changing lives through horses.
At North County Self Storage, we’re grateful to play a small part in supporting this incredible organization. We believe in giving back to the communities we serve, and partnerships like this highlight the impact we can make when we come together.