Cypress Swamp RanchJaxsons PlaceFall Celebration 2013

The mission of Cypress Swamp Ranch Jaxsons Place is to show Gods love to an individual through horses and the God-given ability in horses to help heal hurting human hearts.

The purpose of the Ranch is to encourage and enable people, of all ages, who have a true love and desire to be with horses, to have personal horse interactions, at no cost.

The Ranch is committed never to charge guests but operates solely from donations and the love offerings of generous and caring people and organizations.

Horse encounters involve groundwork, horseback riding, and all necessary care. Natural horsemanship training is taught and used, which is designed to teach self-confidence in both horse and trainer.

Each horse encounter involves one horse, one visitor and one staff/volunteer.

Most of the horses who live at Cypress Swamp Ranch Jaxsons Place have been rescued from serious neglect, abuse or abandonment and even potential death.

The sadness and cruelty experienced by these horses during their past life, gives them an extra measure of understanding and compassion, when they encounter a human of any age, who has suffered with similar emotional or physical pain.

There is a certain magic that happens each time the two hurting hearts come together which defies explanation, but is obvious to all who are there to witness the connection and bond that is formed.

Who did you serve, and what did you accomplish that day?November 2, 2013 and for a number of weekends prior to this date, we helped to prepare the Ranch for the second annual Fall Celebration, providing an afternoon of free fun to individuals, families and their children.More than 15 volunteers dedicated the entire day, making it special for the 174 guests who came, anticipating a horse encounter.Accomplishments that day: Seeing smiles on faces of all ages!People with emotional instability were able to experience peace through the understanding heart of a horse;Veterans with PTSD were able to find joy and healing;Children were able to learn something new and develop confidence;Families spent the day, playing together!

What is your team's plan for an ongoing relationship with the nonprofit?Individually, we have made a commitment to continue helping, sharing and supporting the needs of the Ranch.For those of us who cannot give financially to this nonprofit, it is just as satisfying to be part of the team that pulled off a successful event which will continue to grow and reach more people each year.The relationship many of us have created with John and Jean Oman (Co-Founders), the visitors and horses, has impacted each of us positively, and gives us strength and motivation to continue with our own dreams.Lastly, we will continue to promote and support the Ranch by all means possible, including the recruitment of new volunteers!

What would your nonprofit do if they won part of the prize money?All monies would be spent on the Ranch in various aspects including:Enabling more sessions through:Lighting for extended hours of operationCovered arena for all weather usePreparing meaningful events for those who would benefit from horse interaction/therapyRescuing additional horses, which could otherwise be mistreated or malnourishedConstruction needs including barn, shed and fencingGrain and hay for the horsesVeterinarian and farrier care/costEnhancing property safety as directed by insurance

Co-Founders: John & Jean Oman

Thank YOU for your support!