Friday, April 24th, marks a monumental occasion for Carousel Ranch as we hold our official grand opening to celebrate the completion of our covered arena.

After years of work on a capital campaign and building project, the program’s long awaited arena is everything dreamed of – and more. The event will be held at the ranch (address above) from 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. and will include an official chamber ribbon cutting ceremony as well.

This event is simply a way of saying “Thank You.” The staff and board of Carousel Ranch want to recognize and celebrate those that made this project possible. Those invited include all who donated, from the smallest gift, to those who gave $50,000, $75,000 and even $100,000 toward the campaign. In addition, many of the guests are those who donated in-kind (equipment, architectural and construction materials/services, and even the steel), along with those who physically worked to build it.

From the organization’s beginning in 1997, building a covered arena has been a dream and vision for the staff and board of Carousel Ranch. After moving to a permanent home in 2005, that vision took a step forward with the start of a capital campaign. Through the recession that campaign was put on hold and only re-opened two years ago, with a lead gift from Mr. and Mrs. John Gogian. With the support of so many, including Wayne (campaign chair) and Dianne Crawford and Santa Clarita Concrete, to the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation, Weingart Foundation, Susan Handley/Beijo Bags and the incredible talent of designer, builder and long- time friend, John Knight (Knight Building Systems) … the vision became reality.

As anyone who lives in the Santa Clarita Valley knows, excessive weather is a daily reality. Many of the children served by the ranch are in frail health, and are not able to participate in extreme temperatures. In an average year, 450+ sessions were canceled due to heat or rain. The new arena has changed all of that, and enables the program to provide therapy regardless of most weather conditions.

Our community has rallied together to make this happen, similar to the concept of barn raising, where communities banded together for the purpose of constructing family barns in American rural life. This has been Santa Clarita’s opportunity to help raise the roof (literally) for the Carousel Ranch family of children, parents, staff and supporters.

Carousel Ranch is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equestrian therapy for disabled children, creating a unique and individualized program to meet each child’s specific needs and goals. Utilizing a combination of vaulting (gymnastics on a moving horse) and therapeutic riding (both English and Western), we strive to create an atmosphere where every child can and will succeed … a place where therapy is disguised as fun.