WINGS OF EAGLES RANCH

The Wings of Eagles Ranch, located in Concord, NC, is a therapeutic riding center for children and adults with disabilities. The Ranch serves individuals in Cabarrus and five surrounding counties in the Piedmont area. Since opening our doors in 1998, Wings of Eagles Ranch has served a population of diverse special needs individuals from ages 2 to 60, with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and autism spectrum disorder. We have grown from a family enterprise offering therapeutic riding to 12 children to a multi functioning organization that served 123 riders, 153 summer campers and 55 veterans in 2024.

The Ranch is registered with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). Our certified instructors conduct therapeutic riding in accordance with PATH guidelines in order to provide physical, emotional and social benefits for those with special needs. According to PATH, working with horses can have a major physical and emotional impact on people with a wide variety of issues and disabilities. The PATH website lists numerous studies that have been done on the efficacy of therapeutic riding in treating the symptoms of a wide range of diagnoses. There is widespread acceptance of equine therapy within the medical/professional and educational communities. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) all recognize equine therapy. The number of individuals in our programs increases due to the recommendations of physicians and therapists.

Since 1999, the Ranch has consistently offered summer camp programs for children with special needs, their typically developing peers and at-risk youth. Approximately 150 children attend our camps each year with others on a waiting list. Summer camp activities include therapeutic horseback riding, arts and crafts, outdoor games, fishing and paddle boating. One of the highlights of our summer camps is a Challenge Course composed of high and low ropes elements with a climbing tower and zip lines. Certified instructors adapt each program element for children with disabilities.

No other facility in North Carolina offers the variety of activities that we offer here at Wings of Eagles Ranch. Our programs emphasize outdoor adventure and leadership development. While other facilities have Challenge Courses, they do not support children with physical disabilities like cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Also, all of our summer camp programs are inclusive; typically developing children participate alongside those with special needs. This inclusive environment encourages the development of empathy and acceptance in all the campers.

We also conduct an equine program for girls and young women rescued from exploitation. We work with other organizations based in the Charlotte area that provide aid and restore these young women. They range in age from 12 to 18 and all of them struggle with the symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder.