Graphic by Haley Smith
A few miles beyond the bustle of Aggieville and the academic community at Kansas State, there’s a hidden therapeutic nature center. Hope Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center offers a meaningful mental health solution surrounded by nature, their website says. According to the website, this small, volunteer-led horse therapy ranch is transforming lives by exploring the healing power of horses.
The program itself was founded in 2006 by Ken Scroggs and his daughter, Kassidy. Ken saw a need in the community and wanted to make sure it was met — a perfect way to combine his love of horses with his desire to give back.
Ken’s wife and Hope Ranch board president, Cathy Scroggs, said Ken started Hope Ranch because there was nothing else like it.
“I became involved when I met Ken through my radio job as News Director at KMAN, and I began as a volunteer at the ranch,” Cathy said. “Watching his passion and work with the children and horses led me to fall in love.”
Hope Ranch reflects its core philosophy in its motto: “Changing lives one ride at a time.” The experience of working or volunteering at the organization allows for more than just personal growth; it also provides a feeling of fulfillment.
“It is such a moving experience,” Cathy said. “Even those who might be afraid to get on a horse may enjoy grooming or petting a horse. There’s something about a horse in that regard — and our horses are special as they are used to our many different riders, whether they have Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, mental health issues, et cetera.”
Hope Ranch program coordinator Tre Holmes plays a key role in aiding the ranch with contrasting therapy sessions and assisting different types of people.
“The facility features a lift for wheelchair-bound riders,” Holmes said. “We too recently added a custom adaptive therapy saddle that provides additional physical support for riders while reducing strain on staff and volunteers.”
Sara Taylor, Hope Ranch barn manager, finds that each horse is tailored to specific needs, allowing each therapy session to be uniquely special to the individual.
“Hope Ranch currently has around 20 program horses,” Taylor said. “When selecting horses for therapy work, temperament is key. Horses are carefully trained and gradually exposed to a variety of situations to ensure they remain calm, safe and responsive. Some horses are even trained specifically to work with the lift for some of our therapeutic sessions.”
This training is matched by the attention horses receive at the ranch.
“The horses live primarily on pasture with access to supplemental hay 24/7,” Taylor said. “We work hard to ensure they remain happy, healthy and well cared for as they continue their essential role in changing lives one ride at a time.”
Hope Ranch relies heavily on volunteers to help their ranch run smoothly.
Gabrielle Dierenfeldt, a volunteer, has helped the ranch since August 2021. She started volunteering due to her faith and her desire to get out of her shell, aiming to serve the community in a way where she could make an impact.
“I was obsessed with horses since I was a little girl,” Dierenfeldt said. “You know the ‘horse girl’ phase? I never grew out of it. I didn’t have the opportunity to work with them until I landed on this wonderful volunteer opportunity.”
For Dierenfeldt, volunteering isn’t just a way to spend her time; it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, with the reality proving even more emotionally resonant than she could have imagined.
“Getting to know all the horses has been super rewarding,” Dierenfeldt said. “I had no idea they were full of such personality. I like to say I have 32 closest friends, they’re all horses. They have their own distinct personalities that blow me away. If I hear a student or teacher talking about something a horse did, I instantly know the culprit.”
As the horses are a big part of what keeps Dierenfeldt volunteering, she too finds pride in how rewarding sessions are for patients.
“I remember the first therapy student I really bonded with, we would have dance parties when she was feeling high anxiety levels on her horse, Callie, who is a sassy girl,” she said. “We vibed to Taylor Swift and would talk about everything together. We both cried when she moved away. I often think about her.”
For Dierenfeldt, the reward initially centered on the clients’ growth, but she realized that while she was giving her time, the horses and Hope Ranch were giving her something even more essential.
“Beginning my position helped get me out of a deep, unhealthy mental state,” she said. “Horses keep me on my toes and force me out of my head. They are always up to something, usually being silly and needing attention, always wanting the cuddles and carrots. I also met my best friend Sarah, who has been a student there since she was little. Meeting people who share my interests is good for the soul.”
Dierenfeldt hopes that those who come to Hope Ranch either to gain therapeutic experiences or volunteer feel the same pride that she does about the place.
Another volunteer, Ken Bergerson, recently joined the team in June 2025. Bergerson has always enjoyed being around horses and those of all abilities which is what led him to this volunteer opportunity.
“I had prior experience with horses but not with therapy, so there was definitely a learning curve when I started, but it was interesting and rewarding to learn,” he said.
To Bergeson, Hope Ranch helps those who may not be as familiar with horsemanship understand the basics.
“It’s amazing to see participants learn how to groom, lead and connect with these animals in ways that build confidence and trust,” Bergerson said. “I find spending time around the horses to be personally therapeutic for me as well.”
Anyone is welcome to volunteer, regardless of their level of knowledge they have on horses. More than just a ranch, they serve the community with a vital, safe space. They give back by hosting numerous camps for children and adults, and are preparing for their biggest yearly fundraiser.
Hope Ranch is holding its Fall Show and Open House on Saturday, Oct. 25, starting at 9 a.m. This event includes a Jamaican food truck, merch sale, carriage rides, horse rides and more. The event is an opportunity to showcase what clients have achieved and to invite new people interested in joining the classes.