Our Mission: Healing Horses, Healing Hearts


Our Story: Where Hooves and Hearts Connect

Equine Therapy and Horse Rescue
Welcome to Bearfoot Ranch—where second chances aren’t just given; they’re earned with every grooming session, every ride, and every smile.
We’re not your average riding center. We’re a sanctuary of healing, hope, and happy endings for both horses and humans.
 
Founded in 1997 by Darrith Russell and a crew of big-hearted horse lovers, Bearfoot Ranch was built on a simple but powerful idea: rescued horses and children with special needs could heal each other.
And you know what? It worked!
For over 20 years, we’ve been pairing gentle rescued horses with incredible kids, creating moments of courage, connection, and pure magic.
 
We’ve grown (a lot!), but our mission hasn’t changed an inch. We’re still all about helping horses and humans grow, heal, and thrive—together.

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Donations

Your gift fuels miracles—providing hay, healing, and hope for rescued horses and the courageous people they help. Every dollar gallops directly to their care.
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Riding Lessons

Saddle up for confidence and joy! Our lessons go beyond horsemanship, teaching responsibility, building character, and creating unbridled fun for riders of all ages and experience levels in a safe, supportive environment.
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Sponsor & Adoption

Forge a powerful bond without getting your boots dirty! Sponsor a horse’s journey from rescue to renewal, or provide a forever home through our adoption program and become a hero in their story.
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Volunteering

Trade your spare time for soul-filling work and happy whinnies. No experience needed—just bring your hands and heart to help mend fences, horses, and spirits. Join our ranch family today!

Last Year
We placed 26 horses in their forever homes.

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Trot Through Our Home

Nestled on 100 beautiful acres in Canton, GA, our ranch is a paradise of pastures, trails, and good vibes. Here’s what makes our home so special:
🐴 Over 40 grateful rescued horses, many of whom now serve as gentle teachers and therapists
🌳 100 acres of pastures and scenic trails perfect for healing rides and peaceful moments
🏠 Two cozy barns with 21 stalls where every horse is part of the family
🌟 Three spacious arenas where confidence is built and dreams take shape
❤️ A herd of 100+ amazing volunteers who bring heart and hustle every single day
🏇 Dressage, Western riding, endurance training & even Tarpan horse conservation!
🤝 Partnerships with local youth organizations and special needs programs across multiple counties
🎉 Birthday parties, photo shoots, and events where memories are made

Whether you’re here to volunteer, donate, ride, or just soak in the joy—we can’t wait to welcome you to the ranch.

Because around here, every day is a chance to change a life. Especially yours.

MeetOur Board of Directors.

Jamie Keegan

Melisa Morrow

Lori McDade

Darrith Russell

Mark Ochsenknecht

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Your SupportHelps Us Grow

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