Unique partnership with Hamilton County Parks will expand facility’s impact on community
The nonprofit Ben’s Ranch Foundation (BRF) has assumed management and operation of a public trail riding stable located at Strawtown Koteewi Park near Noblesville. The modern facility is one of several amenities available to the public at the 750-acre park, which is owned by the Hamilton County Parks Department.
Ben’s Ranch Foundation creates paid, part-time internships and small group programs on farms and at stables for teens struggling with mental and emotional health issues. The organization believes that exposure to physical labor, nature, and animals complements traditional therapies by helping teens relieve stress, build confidence and learn new skills.
“The Koteewi facility will give Ben’s Ranch important capacity in the heart of our service territory and serve as a hub for our network of host facilities,” Ben’s Ranch Executive Director Brose McVey said. “The revenue we will generate by offering trail rides, pony rides and similar activities will help pay for this wonderful new asset. Our interns and small group participants will be involved in all aspects of the operation including business management, horse care and facility maintenance. We are excited to partner with Hamilton County Parks to turn a popular amenity into something even more powerful for the community.”
BRF will continue to serve teens across central Indiana through partnerships with individual farms, stables and similar agricultural facilities, while striving to increase collaboration with area schools.
“Hamilton County Parks and Recreation is extremely pleased and fortunate to have Ben’s Ranch managing Koteewi Stable & Trails,” Hamilton County Parks Director Chris Stice said. “Not only will the equine experiences they provide mesh well with those offered by our other Adventure Area operators at Strawtown Koteewi Park, but their compelling operational philosophy aligns closely with the mission of our parks department.”
To learn more about the Koteewi stables, trail ride offerings or to purchase a gift card, go to KoteewiEquineExperience.com.
About Ben’s Ranch Foundation
Ben’s Ranch Foundation is a not-for-profit organization based in central Indiana. The organization operates and supports programs designed to connect teens who have mental health challenges to jobs on farms and in stables and equine therapy facilities. Businessman Brose McVey founded the organization in honor of his late son, Ben, who suffered from mental illness before his unexpected death at 24 years old. For more information, visit BensRanch.org.