“Kids Day at the Ranch” was always sure as summertime at Rosewood Services. Like the heat from the sun marking the season, you could count on Kids Day to come around every June. That magical day when children of Rosewood employees and siblings of Rosewood’s children equine therapy riders got to experience ranch life. But the event took a hiatus last year, due to challenges surrounding the pandemic. In 2021, however, “Kids Day at the Ranch” was back.

Approximately 45 children enjoyed a fun day at Rosewood Ranch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 12, with this year marking the 10th anniversary of the event. Kids Day activities featured trail-pattern horse riding, completing fun farm chores, water-war games, face painting, cake walk participation, and coloring ranch-themed pages. Children also were treated to sno cones and corn dogs. 

“It was wonderful having the children and families back at Rosewood Ranch this year for this event,” said Rosewood Executive Director Tammy Hammond. “Kids Day isn’t just for children; it’s usually a fun memorable time for parents, too. They find ways to interact and participate in many of the events. Seeing the smiling and laughing faces makes Kids Day so worthwhile. Thank you to all of our volunteers who helped to bring back the magic with the return of Kids Day.”

Rosewood Ranch, located 5 miles north of Pawnee Rock, provides year-round therapeutic horse riding for nearly 100 children and adults with developmental disabilities. Rosewood’s equine therapy program is an official Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Center. Equine therapy participants draw upon normally untapped abilities by riding horses, caring for them and competing on them. Find more about Rosewood Services online, http://rosewoodservices.com. Follow on facebook.com/RosewoodServices.