About Harmony Ranch

Harmony Ranch provides opportunities for recreational and therapeutic horseback riding , as well as a planned retreat center to be used by a wide array of church and community groups and an extensive trail system featuring nature trails and a Biblical reflection trail.

Just as God provided the original inspiration, He has been faithfully providing the people, resources, and guidance necessary for furthering the development of Harmony Ranch. He has been bringing people with unique gifts, talents, and passions together in a way that simply cannot be attributed to mere coincidence. As the number of people involved with the program increases, so does the enthusiasm and prayer support for the project... and incredible things continue to happen!

Harmony Ranch made its public debut in June of 2001 by offering therapeutic riding demonstrations at Opportunity Village in Clear Lake, Iowa. The Therapeutic Riding Pilot Program held at Opportunity Village in September of 2001 was a tremendous success, as have subsequent therapeutic riding sessions at the North Iowa Fairgrounds and at the homes of Board members.

In December of 2002, Harmony Ranch added it first certified therapeutic riding instructor. Linda Rodemeyer was successfully certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). This achievement is an important accomplishment for Harmony Ranch, since having a certified instructor is essential in order to become an accredited program.

In January of 2003, Harmony Ranch was blessed with the opportunity to secure the use of an 80-acre site near Clear Lake, Iowa, conveniently located along the northbound lane of Interstate 35 for its permanent home. The property already features a pond suitable for small boats and fishing with a paved trail extending at least two thirds of the way around the pond, a grove of trees, and several acres seeded to natural prairie grasses, wild flowers, and hardwood trees.

The Harmony Ranch Board of Directors and sub-committees are now actively developing plans for a horse stable, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, retreat center and shelter house on the central campus, and the nature and Biblical reflection trails. There will be gardens and structures along the trail to create a sense of "walking or riding through Biblical history". Imagine walking through the Garden of Eden, then along Noah's Ark and the Tower of Babel. And how humbling it would be to stand at the foot of a cross... reminding us of the tremendous sacrifice Christ made for the sake of our salvation.