Mentally healthy as a horse

Ben’s Stables helps young people find balance

By ANNA MITCHELL
news@readthereporter.com

Brose McVey started Ben’s Ranch for youth who struggle with mental health, and in 2023 their reach extended to Koteewi Stables and Trails. On Saturday, June 22, volunteers and teens gathered to build fences around 17 acres, doubling the size of the stables.

The day was a “Boot Camp,” one of the three programs that Ben’s Ranch Offers. Boot Camps are free of charge. They run for half a day and center around one project. The students, staff, and volunteers work together towards a common goal, building relationships and fences at the same time.

“They basically give us a chance to meet young people whose families think they might be good candidates for our program, or who need an activity,” McVey said. “And they give us a chance to give young people who want to participate a kind of a touch and feel of working on a farm or a stable and learning a skill or two while they’re at it. Even if it’s just a half a day, it gives them that exposure, and if they are interested in our programs, then we’re able to assess their physical health, their interest level and so forth.”

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The other programs Ben’s Ranch offers are Small Groups and Internships. Small Groups are run continuously and encourage the youth to get outside, interact with nature and animals, and engage in physical outdoor labor. Unlike the Small Groups, the Internships are paid. These part time jobs take place on farms on the 15 various locations in central Indiana, including the Koteewi Stables and Trails.

While the Boot Camp ended last Saturday, work continued throughout the week until the project was finished. Youth and volunteers from the Small Groups and Internships helped with the project in an ongoing opportunity.

Building fences expands the Koteewi Stables and Trails and, in turn, expands the opportunities that Ben’s Ranch can offer the youth.

Around 30 people worked on the project. McVey said he is thankful for all the volunteers and youth who worked hard under the hot sun. They put their sweat into the fences, but had fun, gathered experience, and met new people along the way.

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“Our youth that we work with as part of our programs are invited and encouraged to come out and be part of that process so they learn about measuring and tools,” McVey said. “It’s kind of a satisfying process to actually build something, and so it gives us not only an opportunity to expand our capacity out there and our platform, but also to get the kids involved.”

Ben’s Ranch does more than build fences, though. McVey said they strive to have creative topics and different settings. They design their experiences so the youth can have fun and learn all at the same time.

While the skills the students learn and the work they do looks good on a resume, the real value is in helping their mental health.

The ranch’s mission is stated on their website: “Ben’s Ranch seeks to improve the lives of youth struggling with mental health issues by connecting them to jobs and experiences on farms, at stables and in other natural and agricultural settings.”

McVey started the ranch because of his son Ben and dedicated it to his memory. Ben was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when he was 14. Hoping to save his son’s crumbling mental health and their struggling family relationships, McVey enrolled Ben on a ranch.

Ben’s mental health improved. He found drive and confidence, and from the talks he shared with his father, he sounded happier. Although Ben died at 24, he died with a job and with friends. McVey saw the positive impact the ranch had on his son and dedicated himself to try and provide that hope and healing to other people.

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Volunteer opportunities can also be found on the website. Ben’s Ranch Foundation can be flexible with people’s schedules. They always appreciate the special skills people can bring to the table, or in this case, fences.

“We’ll always welcome folks that want to help with stuff like that,” McVey said. “But also our volunteer opportunities span a wide range of roles and ways that people can help. Again, even if they have to do it from a home office or if they have to restrict their role to one they can do once in awhile or on an ongoing basis for us. So there’s just a lot of ways to get involved if you’re interested.”

At Koteewi Stables and Trails, they are starting new small groups in July, and they are hosting Boot Camps on July 13 and Aug. 3. McVey continues to work full time at the ranch. He said they are also working with schools, specifically Sheridan and Hamilton Heights. McVey said they will continue to deepen their relationships with schools as they expand Ben’s Ranch and reach more youth.

Learn more about the Ben’s Ranch Foundation, as well as Ben’s full story, online at bensranch.org/bens-story.

Learn more about Koteewi Stables and Trails online at KoteewiTrails.org.

Photos provided