Bethany's Gait is a youth ranch in Orange County, California, full of love, laughter and healing. Our horses come from places of abuse and neglect. The children who visit also come from troubled backgrounds. Together they help each other heal through unconditional love, unwavering trust and a keen understanding of what the other has been through.

The dream of Bethany's Gait started nearly ten years ago when Cristi Silverberg-Rose volunteered at a youth ranch for disadvantaged children. It was there that she met Bethany, a sweet little five-year-old who was in the foster care system and had lived a life of fear, pain and abuse. Cristi watched as Bethany blossomed when she was around the horses. She found laughter when touched by the warmth of a soft muzzle; she found self-confidence when she sat on the huge, gentle animal; and she found acceptance and honesty with her equine angel. When she would arrive at the gate all her hurts were set aside. A bit at a time healing permeated her brokenness. The horse was the light that allowed her to begin to see the good things in the world.

Cristi's dream was to one day make it possible for other children in need to be touched by the restorative and empowering magic of the horse.

Bethany’s Gait incorporates the care of the animals and their environment into the program. Though the program is free of charge, it is not free of expenses and needs. Being part of the success of the program gives the kids a sense of ownership and accomplishment. Many of th children have never had responsibilities of their own and have not experienced the sense of self-worth that comes with responsibility and hard work.

Upon arrival, children choose a ranch chore from the “To Do” board and spend about 30 minutes cleaning a stall, fixing a fence, cleaning tack or another related task with their leader. Next, they groom their horse under the supervision of their leader, learn groundwork and round pen exercises, and if they've advanced to the point of riding, have a lesson in the round pen, arena or in more advanced cases, on the trail. Each visit is with the same horse and the same leader. A parent or guardian is required to accompany children at all sessions, and safety concerns and rules are a priority.

For more information on Bethany’s Gait, visit the website at http:www.bethanysgait.org.

Cristi Silverberg-Rose
Bethany's Gait, Inc.