Welcome to Lost Creek Ranch
Our Mission: "Let no heart or soul, human or equine fall through the cracks"
Lost Creek Ranch is a non profit horse rescue with over 20 years in Pierce County in Western Wisconsin that offers a welcome escape from the everyday. Whether you need to shed stress, build self-confidence, boost focus or promote healing — we’re here for you.
Our Beginning Riding Lessons, Intro to Horses, Adult and Youth Group Riding Lessons, Dressage and Western dressage programs help participants master the fundamentals of horsemanship from groundwork to riding to understanding equine science and behavior. You will learn not only "how" but "why."
We also specialize in therapeutic Equine Therapy programs proven to enhance the lives of individuals living with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other neurological conditions.
Interested in riding with us? We have Beginner Youth Group Lessons and Adult Group Lessons every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Lessons are $55 each or buy 5 and get the 6th lesson Free! Contact us today to schedule a visit.
Our Beginning Riding Lessons, Intro to Horses, Adult and Youth Group Riding Lessons, Dressage and Western dressage programs help participants master the fundamentals of horsemanship from groundwork to riding to understanding equine science and behavior. You will learn not only "how" but "why."
We also specialize in therapeutic Equine Therapy programs proven to enhance the lives of individuals living with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other neurological conditions.
Interested in riding with us? We have Beginner Youth Group Lessons and Adult Group Lessons every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Lessons are $55 each or buy 5 and get the 6th lesson Free! Contact us today to schedule a visit.
Gracie's Story
Gracie was our founder Lynette's first accidental rescue. Gracie is the reason that Lost Creek Ranch exists. To have known Gracie you would never know that this little mare was Lynette's greatest challenge. Lynette spotted Gracie when she went to a barn to look at another horse that was for sale. Gracie was tied in a stall on a short rope with her head in the air because everyone was afraid of her.
Gracie's back story is unknown- what is know is that she was terrified of any bit, extremely head and ear shy and untrusting of anyone. In the beginning Lynette said sometimes it would take her half a day to get ON Gracie but once on she was in the saddle she was able to make progress that would not have been possible from the ground.
Lynette and Gracie were partners for almost 20 years. This once scared (and scary) horse became a beloved and favorite lesson horse who many learned to ride on. Gracie continued her important work in our lesson program until 2020 when she decided she was done and spent the next four years as a retiree. She spent all her time with her best friend and fellow senior arabian mare Lacy. She loved getting attention in the pasture and grooming sessions.
In the winter of 2024 at almost 40 years old Gracie left us and joined so many friends who went before her. We are still heartbroken but know she is in a better place caring for all the babies (hat was her favorite thing to do).
Gracie's back story is unknown- what is know is that she was terrified of any bit, extremely head and ear shy and untrusting of anyone. In the beginning Lynette said sometimes it would take her half a day to get ON Gracie but once on she was in the saddle she was able to make progress that would not have been possible from the ground.
Lynette and Gracie were partners for almost 20 years. This once scared (and scary) horse became a beloved and favorite lesson horse who many learned to ride on. Gracie continued her important work in our lesson program until 2020 when she decided she was done and spent the next four years as a retiree. She spent all her time with her best friend and fellow senior arabian mare Lacy. She loved getting attention in the pasture and grooming sessions.
In the winter of 2024 at almost 40 years old Gracie left us and joined so many friends who went before her. We are still heartbroken but know she is in a better place caring for all the babies (hat was her favorite thing to do).
Contact us about our Free program for Veterans- its called Ride-On and each session runs for 6 weeks and its a completely free way to de-stress while taking that all important self care time.
Come ride with us over Winter Break! All ages and abilities welcome. Minimum of 1 hour of riding time for everyone- riders will be divided by age and ability. Friday Dec 27, Wed Dec 30, Fri Jan 3 each day from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gift Certificates Available in any amount or purchase our Intro to Horses Riding Package of 5 Beginner Lessons for $250
We need your help to stock up now on hay for fall and winter- click below to find out more. Thank You!
Start Building Confidence Today
LESSONSSmall Group and Private Dressage and Western Dressage Lessons focused on good horsemanship – from riding and handling to advanced riding.
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EQUINE THERAPY PROGRAMSEquine Therapy Programs proven to enhance the lives of riders living with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD and other neurological conditions.
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AFTER SCHOOL SADDLE CLUB
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Our Impact
Horses Change Lives Every Day at Lost Creek Ranch
Improve Mental Health, Self-Regulation, Focus and Communication
Rescue and therapeutic riding programs entail significant operational costs, yet their outcomes are truly invaluable, as exemplified by Claire John's inspiring journey. Formerly struggling with suicidal thoughts, this resilient teenager unearthed newfound strengths and fostered positive mental well-being through her involvement in Lost Creek Ranch's Therapeutic Riding Programs. Today, the high school senior is enthusiastically exploring numerous biochemistry college scholarship opportunities.
Claire's Story
"In 2018, I was struggling. I was on the brink of ending my life pretty much every day. My parents and I happened to stumble upon Lost Creel Ranch (LCR), while looking for any and every kind of help. Simply going to take a tour of the ranch, feeling the welcoming energy, began to change my situation for the better. I began to go once a week, then twice, then I got out there as often as humanly possible. Just thinking about going to the barn helped me get through my day. I would count down the minutes until was able to see my four-legged friends again. (See Claire’s full editorial here)
Adrianne's Story
I’ve been participating in various riding programs at Lost Creek Ranch for more than 15 years now. Although I originally began riding purely for enjoyment in my early 60s, I quickly discovered its other benefits.
Riding has improved my core strength and my mental health. I definitely find that I am happier and less stressed when I’m able to ride. My doctor says it’s good for my heart (lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health), but I love it for other reasons too. It’s provided a great avenue for me to engage with and make new friends with people of all ages, social and economic backgrounds. It keeps me sharp. I’m always thinking about the next command or obstacle ahead, and like that my riding experience is never exactly the same. Riding calms me and helps make me feel better able to face the stressors ahead. And now that I’m in my 70’s, it’s a particularly good prescription for preventing future pitfalls.
I’ve also witnessed the lifechanging benefits of Lost Creek Ranch's therapeutic riding programs, which have been credited with suicide prevention, improving the cognitive and emotional health of countless participants (many with neurological conditions), and helping cancer survivors cope. I can definitely attest that my riding experience at Lost Creek Ranch has been an exceptional one. The work they do here matters to many.
Adrianne Lemberg
Hudson, Wisconsin
Riding has improved my core strength and my mental health. I definitely find that I am happier and less stressed when I’m able to ride. My doctor says it’s good for my heart (lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health), but I love it for other reasons too. It’s provided a great avenue for me to engage with and make new friends with people of all ages, social and economic backgrounds. It keeps me sharp. I’m always thinking about the next command or obstacle ahead, and like that my riding experience is never exactly the same. Riding calms me and helps make me feel better able to face the stressors ahead. And now that I’m in my 70’s, it’s a particularly good prescription for preventing future pitfalls.
I’ve also witnessed the lifechanging benefits of Lost Creek Ranch's therapeutic riding programs, which have been credited with suicide prevention, improving the cognitive and emotional health of countless participants (many with neurological conditions), and helping cancer survivors cope. I can definitely attest that my riding experience at Lost Creek Ranch has been an exceptional one. The work they do here matters to many.
Adrianne Lemberg
Hudson, Wisconsin
Maya's Story
"I came to Lost Creek Ranch in 2021. I just got done with a long eight your battle with the system. The system had me in an out of psychiatric hospital treatment center group homes, foster home, even detention centers. When I came to Lost Creek Ranch I just got kicked out of my last group home. The courts, my social workers, all said if something does not change, she will be dead, or in jail. No one could help me. I got put in a program called CC which lead me to Lost Creek Ranch. I remember the first time I came to lost creek I was just a mad depressed, suicidal kid done with the world.
I Remember getting on my first horse Benny. I don’t know if it was him or just riding, but something clicked and I kept coming back two times a week. My grades got better in school. I was able to hold down a job. I made s friends at the ranch. My mental health was improving, even most importantly, it got me out of the house and toxic environment I was living in.
Lost Creek Ranch to me was not just riding horses. It was a second home. don’t get me wrong- it was not all butterflies and rainbows. These horses are just like me. They’ve all been through something. all these horses came from traumatizing backgrounds and for me that really helped me grow to know I’m growing with them. Sometimes you don’t want to talk to a person cus all people don’t get what you go through but the horses know what you’re going through they can feel what you feel.
I recently graduated from CCS. Now I come to Lost Creek Ranch on my own terms. Thanks a lot to Lost Creek Ranch I got accepted into two colleges, graduated high school have my own apartment have my own car. I have a dog and two cats. I have friends. If I did not find Lost Creek Ranch I would have nothing. I am glad that I found Lost Creek Ranch- a lot of kids we’re not as lucky as me. A lot of these kids have fallen thru the cracks but I’m not one of them thanks to Lost Creek Ranch. My name is Maya Caples and this is my story."
I Remember getting on my first horse Benny. I don’t know if it was him or just riding, but something clicked and I kept coming back two times a week. My grades got better in school. I was able to hold down a job. I made s friends at the ranch. My mental health was improving, even most importantly, it got me out of the house and toxic environment I was living in.
Lost Creek Ranch to me was not just riding horses. It was a second home. don’t get me wrong- it was not all butterflies and rainbows. These horses are just like me. They’ve all been through something. all these horses came from traumatizing backgrounds and for me that really helped me grow to know I’m growing with them. Sometimes you don’t want to talk to a person cus all people don’t get what you go through but the horses know what you’re going through they can feel what you feel.
I recently graduated from CCS. Now I come to Lost Creek Ranch on my own terms. Thanks a lot to Lost Creek Ranch I got accepted into two colleges, graduated high school have my own apartment have my own car. I have a dog and two cats. I have friends. If I did not find Lost Creek Ranch I would have nothing. I am glad that I found Lost Creek Ranch- a lot of kids we’re not as lucky as me. A lot of these kids have fallen thru the cracks but I’m not one of them thanks to Lost Creek Ranch. My name is Maya Caples and this is my story."
Our Success
Every nonprofit has its own unique story. Since our establishment in 2000, Lost Creek Ranch has supported more than 1,600 riders, generating numerous success stories. According to performance surveys, 100% of our therapeutic riders report establishing heightened trust with others and the development of new friendships. Increased confidence is among the many achievements of respondents, 70% of whom affirm that their confidence significantly surged as a result of their participation in Lost Creek Ranch's therapeutic riding programs.
1600 Served Since 2000. 100% of Participants Established Trust. 70% Exponentially Increased Confidence. 100% Made Friends.
