The Ride Like Darne Scholarship

The world became just a bit darker with the untimely passing of Darne Jackson on February 1st, 2022. Darne joined Heart of the Horse in 2019 as a participant in our Equine Therapy program. The dynamic, integrative nature of equine therapy coupled with Darne’s drive for self-improvement led to massive personal growth. Darne’s ever-present smile, incredible work ethic, and intuitive connection with horses quickly made him an integral part of our community. To have him so suddenly absent from the day-to-day life of the Ranch has left a void that will never be completely filled.

As we move forward and honor all that Darne has given us, we are proud to offer The Ride Like Darne Scholarship. The scholarship, geared towards at-risk youth, gives participants the opportunity to form deep connections with our horses, learn new trades, and work alongside a passionate group of people.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to be a part of something at Heart of the horse, my life has been greatly effected and completely turned around since I’ve started on the ranch. Growing up I was never the best behaved kid and always found myself in trouble, but working with David and the horses has really given me something more rewarding to put my efforts into rather than running around in streets. I’ve learned things like responsibility, hard work, and being held accountable for my actions. I've also learned how working hard is essential to having a successful future and when you do work hard there’s nothing you can’t achieve. Before the ranch I had been to multiple different therapists from drug counseling, to anger management, and other groups for my ADHD but none of it ever worked, growing up I had never been around horses but since my very first encounter with Cheyenne on David’s ranch I’ve known horses are like no other animal with the way they read your emotions there’s nothing you can hide from these animals. They teach you how to face all of your emotions no matter how complicated and they teach you to be comfortable and confident even when vulnerable, they teach you empathy and compassion for something beyond ourselves, and on top of that they’re not the worst when you just need a friend. Again, I am very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and I know the lessons I learn on the ranch I will carry for the rest of my life. Thank you.”

-Darne Jackson on his time spent at Heart of the Horse Ranch

To apply for the Ride Like Darne Scholarship, please fill please fill out the form linked below.