Dark Horse Rescue Ranch

Equestrian Facility in Cleveland, Tennessee

(423) 240-1039516 Red Hill Valley Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323View on Yelp
Dark Horse Rescue Ranch - equestrian in Cleveland, TN

About Dark Horse Rescue Ranch

Dark Horse Rescue Ranch is a Cleveland, Tennessee-based organization that combines horseback riding, animal-assisted therapy, and animal sheltering under one mission. Cleveland is the county seat of Bradley County, located between Chattanooga and the Cherokee National Forest, giving the ranch access to both a sizable local population and meaningful natural surroundings. The organization's blend of rescue work and therapeutic programming reflects a growing recognition that horses can play a powerful role in healing, beyond traditional recreation. It's a meaningful operation in a community that values both its agricultural roots and its commitment to neighbor care.

Services

Horseback Riding
Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal Shelters

Services & Process

Dark Horse Rescue Ranch operates across three distinct but connected service areas. The animal shelter component focuses on taking in horses that need rescue, providing medical care and rehabilitation to restore their health and trust in people. Animal-assisted therapy programs use horses as partners in structured therapeutic sessions, often serving individuals with trauma, anxiety, developmental differences, or other challenges. Horseback riding rounds out the offerings, giving clients and community members direct, positive interaction with horses in a supervised setting.

Service Area

Dark Horse Rescue Ranch is located in Cleveland, Tennessee, and serves Bradley County and the surrounding Southeast Tennessee region. The ranch is accessible to residents of Chattanooga, Ooltewah, and communities in Polk and McMinn counties. Its location near the Cherokee National Forest also means the natural environment supports outdoor programming and trail-based activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is animal-assisted therapy with horses, and how does it work?
Equine-assisted therapy uses structured activities with horses to address emotional, psychological, or physical goals. A trained facilitator guides the sessions, which may or may not involve riding, depending on the program and the participant's needs.
Who can benefit from equine-assisted therapy?
This type of therapy has shown benefits for people dealing with anxiety, PTSD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, and other challenges. Children and adults alike participate, and the approach is adapted to each individual.
Do I need riding experience to participate in therapy sessions?
No riding experience is required. Many equine-assisted therapy programs don't involve riding at all, focusing instead on ground-based interactions that build trust, emotional awareness, and communication skills.
How do I refer someone to an equine therapy program?
You can call Dark Horse Rescue Ranch at (423) 240-1039 to discuss a referral. Many programs work alongside mental health professionals, so having some background information about the individual's needs helps the team prepare appropriately.
Can I adopt or foster a horse from the rescue side of the ranch?
Rescue ranches that adopt out horses typically require applicants to demonstrate they have suitable facilities, experience, and resources to care for the animal. Contact the ranch directly to learn about current animals available and the adoption process.
Is horseback riding available to the general public, separate from therapy programs?
Some rescue ranches do open their riding programs to the broader community alongside their therapeutic offerings. Reaching out directly will clarify what's currently available and whether scheduling is open to outside riders.

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