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Ranch of Hope
A family uses animals to sooth the emotions of troubled people.
Families with special needs have found a haven where recreation and rehabilitation are joined together for a lasting experience where support is unconditional. The Wray ranch in upstate New York is where people in need of help can learn and grow through the use of therapeutic techniques with animals.
Carrie Wray standing by her sheep.
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“I know the Wray's through the Approved Watchmen Are Not Ashamed (AWANA) youth group,” says the 4H group leader Melissa Sayward. Last April, Sayward brought a 4H group of home schooled children to the Wray Ranch in Peru N.Y. “At the time we were studying how to groom animals, mini horses are perfect for kids to learn from,” says Sayward.
"My grandfather had horses when I was young. I thought it would be nice to have a ranch where kids can come and enjoy themselves”
Located at the home of Jay and Carrie Wray, the Wray Ranch is a family owned ranch that uses hands on activities with animals to help people with all types of problems. “Our philosophy is to reach out to others,” says Jay Wray. Inspired by their families and god, the Wray's hope that people will learn of their ranch. “My grandfather had horses when I was young. I thought it would be nice to have a ranch where kids can come and enjoy themselves,” says Jay Wray.
Jay and Carrie have two daughters, Elizabeth and Isabella, who help out with the family business. For years, the Wray family has opened their doors to friends, family, and community members who are interested to come and learn from the animals. The Wray family recalls helping people cope with grief over the death of a loved one and helping terminal cancer patients enjoy their last months. “We had a man with schizophrenia come, he was afraid of animals, so we simply showed him our fish, after a few months he was brought to the horses,” says Jay Wray.
Without knowing it at the time, the Wray family began their ranch by adopting their first miniature horse onto their 30 acres of land three years ago. Since then they have built barns, fences, and trails through the woods to accommodate for their continuously growing family of animals.“ We've been given so much, we want to give back,” says Jay Wray. Whether friends and neighbors are moving and don't have enough room or they want to get rid of it, people have been simply giving their animals away to the Wray's. “We have acquired several horses and animals that were in need,” says Jay Wray.
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Once wild, these donkeys can now be seen on the Wray family’s ranch and petting zoo.“We have a chicken with no feet,” says 12 year old Elizabeth Wray. Elizabeth, along with her younger sister Isabella, has been a huge contribution to the ranch and petting zoos. “(at the petting zoos) the children have fun with our animals, they love to hug the chickens. We have a lot of fun,” says Elizabeth. Living and being home-schooled with all these animals around them, the girls have been taught life skills that Jay and Carrie hope to bring to others. “The horses are a good way to help kids understand how to treat other people,” says Carrie Wray.
The Wray family first became aware of such a business from attending a bible conference. “God is the main factor, but we don't slam people with religion.” says Jay Wray. At the conference, they were introduced to The Armor of Light Ranch, a ranch which invites children from all over the world to learn life lessons with the help of animals. After Jay and Carrie learned more about this form of therapy, they new exactly what they were destined to do. “We're looking to show love and encouragement to all people,” says Jay Wray.
With about 50 different types of animals, including horses, sheep, goats, donkeys, and chickens; the ranch has grown tremendously. They offer horseback riding and animal care training to all visitors. Whether they are helping a community member recover from a close death or having a family member come for the day just to have fun, they are pleased to simply be there to help. However, “it's not just about the animals, it's about the people,” says Jay Wray.
Carrie and daughter Elizabeth on their ranch. |
“Last mothers day we had a huge bonfire. It was more of a social gathering. We had a group from the church and college come. They did some riding, we played music, chatted, played capture the flag and when it got dark we had an improv prayer circle,”says Jay Wray.
"We're here on this earth to give to others and we go through difficulties because of it. It's good to learn that these lessons, give to people (and that people) pass it on”
“We're here on this earth to give to others and we go through difficulties because of it. It's good to learn that these lessons, give to people (and that people) pass it on,” says Jay Wray. Although, very careful to not push God upon people, the Wray's drop off brochures to their local veterinarians office and hardware store. In the brochure, is God's gospel “we give them the truth through the brochure, it's straight forward and we leave it up to them to read it,” says Jay Wray. Greatly interested in pursuing ministry, Jay Wray tries to help anyone and everyone he can and has no doubt that the ranch will continue to grow.
Little by little, the ranch continues to grow. “We should start going to psychiatric hospitals to bring brochures,” says Carrie Wray. In order for the ranch to expand, the Wray family has begun to reevaluate their ranch. “This is all for God, if He chooses to shut us down, we did what we did,” says Jay Wray.
Research shows that animals truly have the power to help heal those in need. As a companion, animals can have an amazing impact on people. They can make the elderly not feel so lonely and make people more friendly, social, and less depressed.
"The Wray Ranch has been enjoyed by people going through a time of grieving." says Jay Wray.
Animals can also help children escape their terrible memories.A two-year-old was brought to the ranch because he was terrified of animals. After he was exposed to the animals at Wray ranch, he can be now seen playing with all types of animals.