Meeker Ranch Providing Animal Therapy Looks For Help During Drought

A non-profit that provides animal therapy services is feeling the effects of the drought in our state. 

The owners told News 9 hay prices have doubled during this drought, but they are doing everything to keep these important services going for Oklahomans. 

“I didn’t expect to hit this kind of drought,” said Terry Wood-Smith one of the Owners of Singing Grace Ranch in Meeker Oklahoma. 

“With the drought they have no more grazing there is no more grazing land for them so we are having to start feeding hay now as opposed to feeding in the wintertime,” she said. 

Singing Grace Ranch is now stuck juggling the dry conditions and high prices. 

“The round bales were last year about $55 and they are up to about $110 right now. That is a big jump in just a year,” said Scott Smith, the other Owner of Singing Grace Ranch. 

Despite the hard times, the two owners are steadfast with their mission, helping Oklahomans through animal therapy. 

“I used to be super scared of the wind like even a little touch of the wind would scare me back inside umm but when we do lessons then I had to be outside to ride even if it was windy so that really helped me,” said Madeleine Jones who has been going to Singing Grace Ranch for almost a year. 

“Everybody has things that are hard for them and for her weather was hard. We went the clinical route of evaluations and sensory processing,” said her mother Randi Jones who takes her weekly to get riding lessons. 

Daizy Graham said her great-grandfather took her to the ranch for the first time on her birthday. The pleasant visit turned into a weekly lesson. 

“Most of the time I take Duland out to the pen out there and I groom him and then I put on his saddle and then I ride and sometimes I will trot,” she said. 

“It is very calming to be around horses because unlike people, they typically don’t expect anything of you. They are just there to be there with you and to provide a great experience,” said Ryen Macy, who gives riding lessons and helps care for the animals on the Ranch.  

A community outreach post and a little faith is helping the owners get though these hard times. 

“We’re really, really scared of what the future is going to hold so hopefully mother nature will come and help,” said Smith. 

The ranch has also applied for some grants and is hoping for some relief soon.