Club Hippo

CLUB HIPPO was started to insure Heartland could take care of the therapy horses that is used in hippotherapy at the ranch. When a horse has been broken improperly or used improperly for jumping or other competition, it can break down the horse to where it is no longer useful to the owner who no longer wants the upkeep. These horses are sometimes brought to Heartland to be evaluated as to whether they can be trained to be therapy horses. In this way Heartland is not only benefiting the children with Developmental Disabilities, but also rescuing these horses that would have been put down. The horses are trained and recycled into a valuable tool to help the children.

Brayden and his adopted Club Hippo horse, Pork Chop, talks over what is happening at the barn.

It costs $250-$350 per month for the upkeep including feed and vet bills. For $250 per month you can adopt a therapy horse. A member of Club Hippo can come to Heartland Ranch and choose the horse they want to adopt. They then have unlimited access, when the horse is not in use for therapy, to grooming and building a relationship with that horse. The horse could be ridden by a young person, but all of the horses will be available for riding the trails at Heartland for a club member. Reservations have to be made in advance. While Heartland Ranch and Arena is an exclusive property and can not be accessed without prior permission because of the valuable work with children and youth going on, Club Members will have access to the 100 acres for family hikes enjoying nature, as well as the fishing pond and the covered arena when available. Hay rides, bonfires and other activities can also be arranged. Hippo Club members can have use of the arena for parties or events at mutually agreeable dates and times at no charge. There is a picnic pavilion near the arena that is covered.

Brayden and his adopted Club Hippo horse, Pork Chop, talks over what is happening at the barn.

If you have been looking for something healthy for your family to be involved in and you love nature and activities outdoors, then Club Hippo is for you. Nature trails are being tagged by area Eagle Scouts with the names of plants, and care of the environment is stressed at the Ranch. Donations can also be made to support the therapy horses at any time without signing a Club Hippo contract. Just go to Heartland's website and make the donation or send to Heartland Ranch designating the check to this. All Club Hippo memberships are donations to the care of therapy horses and can be deducted from income taxes. In January you will receive your itemized deductions to Heartland Ranch's programs for your income tax reporting.

First Club Hippo member Brayden Sean Standefer with his adopted horse Pork Chop. Brayden enjoys coming to the ranch to visit. He is an exclusive club member.

There are only 6 Club Hippo memberships available. Sign up today!

If you are interested in becoming a member, please feel free to drop us a line or give us a call for details.

Heartland Ranch and Arena Inc.
4976 Keith Road
Ringgold, Georgia 30736
706-935-8453
clubhippo@heartland-ranch.org