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About Runnin' WJ Ranch

25 Years of Therapeutic Riding, Rooted in Texarkana

Runnin' WJ Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center is a Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been serving riders with disabilities in the Texarkana area since 2001, as the region's only PATH International Premier Accredited equine-assisted services center.

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Who We Are and Why We Exist

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on a simple conviction: that every person, regardless of ability, deserves to be met where they are, and that horses have a unique power to help them move, grow, and belong.


Our mission is to provide quality equine-assisted services to individuals with disabilities in a safe, structured, and compassionate environment. That mission has guided every season since our founding, through economic uncertainty, through a global pandemic, and through every organizational transition in between. The program is still here. The horses are still here. The riders keep coming back.


Runnin' WJ Ranch is a founding member of Texarkana's broader special needs community, working with organizations like Texarkana Resources for the Disabled and participating each year in events including Tim Tebow's Night to Shine and the iCan Shine Swim Camp. We are not a program that exists in isolation; we are part of a community that shows up for its most vulnerable members, year after year.

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What Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Premier Accreditation Actually Means

PATH International Premier Accreditation (PATH) is the highest accreditation level available in equine-assisted services. Earning it requires demonstrated compliance with national standards for instructor certification, horse welfare, facility safety, program administration, and risk management. Maintaining it requires ongoing adherence, it is not a one-time credential.


Every instructor at Runnin' WJ Ranch holds Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification under PATH International standards. Annual continuing education is required, not optional. Our team attends PATH conferences each year to stay current with the field. You can verify our accreditation status directly through PATH International.

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Our Instructors: Certified, Accountable, and Here Every Season

Every riding session at Runnin' WJ Ranch is led by instructors who hold Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification under PATH International standards. That certification is not a one-time achievement, it requires annual continuing education and regular PATH conference attendance to maintain.


Our instructors:


  • Hold active CTRI certification through PATH International
  • Complete required continuing education hours every year
  • Attend PATH conferences to stay current with evolving best practices
  • Operate under the safety protocols and standards required for Premier Accreditation

Reviews From Our Community

Terrie Scalzo-Brewer

Missy Paschal

Stuart Womack

Julie Jones

Terran Nalls

Jessica

The Team Behind the Program

Brittany Rogers

Brittany Rogers

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROGRAM DIRECTOR & INSTRUCTOR

I have been part of Runnin' WJ Ranch since the beginning, from handing my dad nails while it was being built to volunteering in the barn and riding classes, and now serving as Executive Director and Program Director. I love my job and the students, volunteers, and families serving every day. I am blessed to be part of this organization and thank God every day for the opportunity to help change lives through the Ranch.

Shelly Crane

Shelly Crane

LEAD INSTRUCTOR

I first came to Runnin' WJ Ranch as a volunteer horse leader, hoping to serve in an organization with a Christian mission. Today, I serve as the Lead Instructor and have the privilege of watching our students grow in confidence and overcome challenges with the support of our incredible volunteers. I am grateful to be part of a place where lives are changed every day.

Sam Clem

Sam Clem

AWARENESS DIRECTOR

I have always felt called to stand in the valley and fight for our children, much like David faced Goliath. My prayer is that I never get in the way of what the Lord is doing through Runnin' WJ Ranch, but instead faithfully serve wherever He leads. It is a privilege to be part of the lives God has entrusted to this ministry.

Micah Neal

Micah Neal

EQUINE MANAGER

I bring a lifetime of horsemanship to my role as Equine Manager, with experience as a PRCA cowboy, performer with Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, and horse trainer. While horses are my passion, serving the special needs community has become my calling and filled my heart. I use my experience to create a safe environment where riders of all abilities build confidence and experience freedom in the saddle.

Narda Launius

Narda Launius

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

In 2008, God led me to Runnin' WJ Ranch, and from the moment I met the riders, I knew I was exactly where He wanted me to be. Every week, I'm blessed to watch the incredible bond between our riders, volunteers, and horses while meeting people from all walks of life who share a passion for making a difference. I truly love my job and am grateful to be part of changing lives through the work we do at the Ranch.

AnnaBeth Smith

AnnaBeth Smith

MARKETING COORDINATOR & PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

No two days at Runnin' WJ Ranch look the same, and that's one of my favorite parts of the job. From marketing and public relations to working in the barn and training as an instructor, I love using my gifts to support our mission in whatever way is needed. I am grateful to be part of a place where faith, horses, and people come together to change lives every day.

Our Equine Staff

Black-and-white horse in profile wearing a halter, standing before a weathered wooden fence

Warrior

Sponsored by EJ & Shary Chiartano

Since arriving at the Ranch in August 2017, Warrior, a 2004 grade bay roan Paint gelding donated by Bill Lunceford, has become one of our most dependable therapy horses. Though he's known for his mischievous personality, Warrior is incredibly patient with our riders and always rises to the occasion when it's time to work. Thanks to the generous support of his champions, EJ & Shary Chiartano, Warrior continues making a difference every day.

Brown horse with a white blaze wearing a black halter, standing beside weathered wooden boards

Texas

Sponsored by Jill & Jake Sawyer Family

Meet Texas, a 2008 grade sorrel mare donated by Jan Jones, who has proven that a little sass can go a long way. Though she's known for her spicy, opinionated personality, Texas has settled into the program well and has been a dependable partner for our riders since July 2025. Thanks to the generous support of her champions, Jill & Jake Sawyer Family, Texas continues helping riders grow in confidence every day.

Brown horse with a white blaze wearing a halter, standing beside a weathered wooden fence

Rooster

Sponsored by Landry Gibbs

Since joining the Ranch in November 2024, Rooster, a 2013 grade red dun gelding is hard to miss with his handsome looks and eye-catching color. After being given a second chance at life by his owner, Rooster found a new purpose at the Ranch, where he's making a difference in the lives of our riders. Thanks to the support of his champion & owner, Landry Gibbs, Rooster is spending his days changing lives.

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Rojo

Sponsored by Dr. Kirby Bunel

Meet Rojo, a 1998 sorrel Welsh Pony gelding donated by Patricia Weldon, who has called this property home his entire life. In fact, he was born on this very property before it became Runnin' WJ Ranch, making him a living piece of our history. Though small in stature, his fiery spirit and big personality have made him a longtime favorite. Thanks to the generous support of his champion, Dr. Kirby Bunel, Rojo continues to leave an impact on every person who meets him.

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Blurr

Sponsor - Anonymous

Since joining the Ranch family in July 2025, Blurr, registered as "HW HESABLURR," is a 2009 AQHA bay gelding donated by Carol Harrington. A former barrel racer, Blurr is tall, dark, and handsome. His sweet, cuddly personality makes him a favorite around here. While his forelock may be more than a little sparse, his long, luscious tail more than makes up for it! Thanks to the generous support of his anonymous champion, Blurr is enjoying his next chapter as a trusted partner for our riders.

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Bo

Sponsored by Mo Orr

Since arriving the Ranch in April 2024, Bo ("Boaz"), a 2007 bay BLM American Mustang gelding donated by Zachary Rios, has become one of the Ranch's most easygoing horses. Once a wild mustang, Bo has traded life on the range for a quieter pace and is affectionately known around the barn as "Eeyore." Go-with-the-flow and as round as he is relaxed, Bo's calm demeanor makes him a comforting partner for our riders. Thanks to the generous support of his champion, Mo Orr, Bo continues proving that even the wildest beginnings can lead to something truly special.

Dark brown horse with a black mane and white star, standing before weathered wooden boards.

Wanda

Sponsored by Hobbs Manufactured Homes

Meet Wanda, registered as "SHAHWANS LITTLE SASS," a 2007 AHA Arabian bay mare donated by Teresa Addington. Since joining the Ranch in August 2024, Wanda has been respectful, gentle, and easy to get along with. She is a dependable partner and a true lady in every sense. While she may always keep her composure, her expressive face often lets everyone know exactly what she's thinking. Thanks to the generous support of her champion, Hobbs Manufactured Homes, Wanda continues making a difference one ride at a time.

Brown horse in a black halter standing beside a weathered wooden fence

Joey

Sponsored by Patty Meunzmaier

Joey, registered as "DRAMBUIE," is a 2005 chestnut OTTB gelding donated by Catherine Texter Baker. Though Joey trained as a racehorse and competed in both Western pleasure and eventing, he ultimately decided that life in the slow lane was the better career move. Registered with The Jockey Club, Joey will happily show off his racehorse lip tattoo with a smile in exchange for a treat. This lovable goofball has a personality as big as he is, and his calm, patient nature makes him a perfect partner for our riders. Thanks to the generous support of his champion, Patty Meunzmaier, Joey is proving that not every Thoroughbred is meant to win races, some are meant to change lives.

Brown-and-white pony wearing a teal halter, standing in front of a wooden fence.

Jelly Bean

Sponsored by Hackleman Built

The smallest member of our herd, Jellybean, is a 2019 blue roan Mini Horse gelding owned by Micah Neal. Since June 2025, he has been proving that the best things really do come in small packages. As sweet as his name and perfectly fun-sized, Jellybean loves making new friends and brightening everyone's day. Thanks to the generous support of his champion, Hackleman Built, JB continues spreading joy one tiny hoofprint at a time.

In Loving Memory of Our Horses

SLI

SLI

2000 - 2026
WILLIE

WILLIE

xxxx - 2025
RAT

RAT

xxxx - 2024
RASCAL

RASCAL

xxxx - 2026
ANNIE

ANNIE

xxxx - 2025
HASKELL

HASKELL

xxxx - 2023
FRANKIE

FRANKIE

xxxx - 2026
SLICK

SLICK

xxxx - 2025
KAT

KAT

xxxx - 2023

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