2026 marks the 17th year that Open A has collaborated with Home on the Range supporting their agriculture program that is the backbone of their rehabilitation program. We took the opportunity to come along side them with the start and development of their current foundation cowherd and have had the opportunity to incorporate an ongoing Embryo Transfer program on an annual basis. They utilize the opportunity to educate the kids on animal reproduction and genetics by putting our embryos into their commercial cows. They calve out and raise the calves until weaning when we purchase the calves back from them for our registered herd.
Home On The Range is a therapeutic and working cattle ranch for boys and girls, ages 12-19. It is located in western North Dakota near the small town of Sentinel Butte. The children live in a clean and wholesome environment and learn about the ranch and farm lifestyle. The children help haul square hay bales, feed the livestock, repair fences, move cattle to pastures on the ranch, and assist in the bovine embryo transfer and calving. The kids can go horseback riding and learn how to drive a team of mules. All of this ranch and working skills help the children when they are discharged from HOTR by teaching them responsibility, accountability, teamwork, leadership, completing a job, and reporting to their work supervisor.
The youth live at Home On The Range for 3-6 months. The children have experienced or witnessed trauma that most people can’t imagine. During that time period, they attend school (when it is in session), attend a Chapel service on a regular basis, participate in on-site and off-cam- pus recreational activities, and engage in animal assisted or adventure therapy. Home On The Range utilizes the natural resources of the land, buildings, and animals to teach the children about new life skills, how to devel- op positive and trusting relationship, and feel safe. Each of the therapeutic groups are “experiential” and hands-on therapy. The children don’t realize they are participating in therapy. They are learning to face life challenge’s and how to handle their behavior and emotions while in the presence of professional staff; thereby internalizing what they learn so they can handle different situations when they return to their homes or communities. “Before I came to HOTR, I had no idea what a farm life was like. I never had been around a horse before so that was a big change. When HOTR decided to put me in horsemanship I was scared out of my mind. I am now a very skilled rider. Every single experience I made in the arena affected me positively. At HOTR we have different groups and I’ve been in every single horse group each slightly different. Sammy and I have a strong bond and he’s very special to me. I understand him and he understands me. He’s very gentle and super caring and usually I never struggle with him. He has taught me a lot.” - HOTR child “There are lots of groups to help you grow, learn, recover and overcome traumas. Groups with the horses have helped me learn about forming rela- tionships and have even showed me something about myself. There’s a group called Ending the Game that teaches you about all sorts of trafficking and coercion. I have gained better relationships with girls around me and have gotten more comfortable talking about hard things I went through.” - HOTR girl Home On The Range relies on many generous donations and pledges to sustain therapeutic services, spiritual development, and recre- ational opportunities. Home On The Range’s goal is to help children by giving them healing, help, hope – to put them “back in the saddle.”
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