A Taste of the Research

The data is overwhelming: Animal-assisted therapy works.
A 2017 study by Modern Psychological Studies (vol 22) notes that students in animal-assisted therapy programs had a 0% dropout rate, versus a 40% rate for those without this therapy. The same study found that students were 94% more likely to seek out mental health help with animal-assisted therapy than traditional one-on-one counseling.
A recent study in The Journal of Pediatric Nursing noted a marked decrease in mental health disorders for children/youth engaged in animal-assisted therapy.
​A 2020 article from the Mayo Clinic states:
“Animal-assisted therapy can significantly reduce pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue.”
 Animals offer youth empathetic feedback, unconditional acceptance, healthy touch, and assist in developing compassion and impulse control.
New research is coming out proving the effectiveness of horses in healing trauma and mental illness.
It is undeniable the peace one feels when being around horses. At Wonder Wood Ranch, we work to make this assessable to the kids who need it most in Monterey County. ​

The Skills Learned through Equine Therapy

According to a 2015 study by Beth A. Lanning, an 8-week therapeutic riding program resulted in a “clinically significant decrease in PTSD symptoms, improved social functioning, vitality, less interference of emotions in daily activities, and increased participation. Qualitative themes discovered included improved confidence, trust, acceptance of self and others, and gratitude.”
Yuval Neria, PhD states, “Furthermore, horses are especially advantageous … as they are naturally hypervigilant and highly sensitive to verbal and nonverbal cues … providing patients with immediate feedback during horse-human interactions, which [enable] ample opportunities to enhance emotional awareness, reflection, and attunement to thoughts, behaviors, and patterns of communication.”

The Need in Monterey County

There is no denying the issues are deep here in Monterey County. Human trafficking, gang violence, and
crime are prevalent, particularly in Salinas. Hope and Healing are needed here.
Wonder Wood Ranch is uniquely positioned to meet this community need as we already have partially-funded programs in Juvenile Hall and have started our program in the Youth Center. We’ve already begun programs in alternative education in Salinas UHSD. In addition, we have pro bono programs with Silver Star probation and Peacock Acres foster group homes.
​We have an ongoing relationship with the DA’s office that we can leverage, as well as many other organizations in Salinas.

But we need your help!