our pillars
Rescue the Horse
Each of our equines are rescued and come with their own story.
Hope for the Youth
We see each child as an individual, and through our sessions share a message of hope.
Nurture the Family
We recognize the importance of family relationships and try to minister to the needs of the whole family.
Heal the Soul
We believe personal relationships along with equine relationships can help people find healing.
WHAT WE DO
Sessions
Children and horses are paired for 90 minute sessions, free of charge, where your child receives focused nurturing and skills from one of our session leaders. While working with our magnificent horses, children learn values of hope, trust, love and family, while our horses receive the attention and affection they need and deserve. While disadvantaged children are especially welcomed, all youth are invited to experience the ranch and find their own journey towards growth. Our only requirement is that your child really WANTS to participate.
Rescue
Our horses have been rescued from unfortunate situations of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Each has a unique story to tell and endless love to share. They rely on the care of our family, volunteers, and participants, and never tire of attention. It is through this symbiotic relationship between the children and the horses that we encourage the healing benefits of equine interaction.
Who We Are
![IMG_0510[1].JPG](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5df2b67bc732c425448c75c2/1621372768021-E4VYHIPFXP6717CTBDLM/IMG_0510%5B1%5D.JPG)
Family
Timber Ridge Ranch was founded in 2011 by Scott and Miriam Kittelberger with support from Hilde and Jim Ebinger. The Ranch is a family-run nonprofit faith-based ministry focused on creating healing relationships between horses and disadvantaged children. After noticing an emotional and social void in some children from their community, The Kittelbergers set out to build a safe, encouraging, and accessible space for children to build their confidence while connecting with the horses. The property in Marietta was acquired in 2012. The Kittelbergers, with their four children, Jacob, Lucas, Madi, and Olivia, moved to the Ranch in August 2013. By 2015, Dana married Jacob and became part of the family. Currently, the family shares daily responsibilities of horse care, running sessions, and infrastructure development.
Meet Our Horses
Herman
Herman is our “older” Belgian mix. We aren’t sure how old he is but he was old when we adopted him and he’s been with us since 2012. In his previous life he was a plow horse who (based on his scars) worked very hard! He was sent to auction because he became blind in both eyes. He is a very calm and gentle old soul and a favourite to those who are new to horses.
He LOVES attention and sometimes falls asleep while being groomed.
Burdie
Burdie is a 15-year-old Arabian Appaloosa, whom we rescued in 2019 from a local field full of old farm equipment, vehicles, scrap metal, and trash. She was covered in burdocks and had inflammation in her feet so bad she could barely walk. Over time, with lots of treatment and care, Burdie has made an incredible recovery and now enjoys going out to the pasture to romp around with Titus and Herman. She is our Ranch greeter as she will neigh to anyone she sees walking towards their paddock. Her spunky and curious personality has made her many new friends this year and she soaks in any attention she can get.
Titus
Titus is our Clydesdale mix who was gifted to us in 2016 from a Ranch in Canada similar to ours. When he was a youngster, his previous owners were equipped for horses and kept him in a shipping container. He used to be very fearful of going into buildings and small spaces because of that. He has come a long way in trusting people again and has a HUGE personality. His striking looks match his tendency to be curious and bold when looking for adventure and meeting new friends.
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech
but with actions and in truth.
I John 3:18
Get Involved
Join Our Mission
There are several ways to get involved with Timber Ridge Ranch, and we truly appreciate any level of support. Whether you have the time to give or the funds to donate, we welcome you to become a part of the Timber Ridge community.
Volunteer
The ranch encourages leadership and responsibility by developing volunteers who work with the children and horses. Volunteers with horsemanship skills are appreciated, but skills can be developed, and anyone who has a heart for children and horses is welcome. The horses never tire of attention, and welcome as much as they can get! If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form below and bring to the ranch on your first visit.
