Accomplishments

Steven Robinson, our executive director and head equine therapy and adventure facilitator, has been the recipient of the Outstanding Rehabilitation Practitioner Award from the New Mexico Psychosocial Rehabilitation Association and is a certified Special Olympics Coach. Casa Mia Ranch staff members have received training from the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), Project Adventure, Inc, and the Association for Experiential Education.

Unique Aspects, Relationships and Collaborations
CMR is one of only four known equine-assisted therapy or adventure education organizations in the state of New Mexico. The fact that this region is surrounded by the Gila Wilderness and has a rich history in ranching makes it very culturally appropriate for this area. It also provides a safe, learning opportunity for many children and adults who have never gone to the forest, or been around horses. It is our hope that once they experience the activities of CMR, they will be more willing to take advantage of the unique resources that this region provides.

CMR has a collaborative relationship with the local domestic violence shelter, El Refugio. El Refugio refers their clients to our programs which has proven to greatly increase the psychological and cognitive wellbeing of children who are victims of domestic violence. We also collaborate with Direct Therapy Services, Life Quest and WNG Community Connections to bring developmentally disabled adults to the ranch to receive therapy through our equine program. The inclusion of equine assisted therapy into their speech therapy has inspired and engaged participants to speak by giving commands to the horses and accepting guidance from the facilitators and speech/language therapists. Casa Mia has held three annual Equestrian Challenge rodeo's with these clients demonstrating their riding skills to families and community.

The Silver City and Cobre School Districts bring their special education children to the ranch for therapy every week throughout the school year. The measurable difference in the children’s behavior and ability to focus has been noted by school teachers, counselors and parents. The Children, Youth, and Families Department of New Mexico also contracts Casa Mia services for foster care children. The Grant County Juvenile Probation and Parole Office also refer at-risk youth to participate in adolescent substance abuse prevention programs using equine and adventure approaches and Wilderness Self-Discovery Camps.

In 2003 and 2004 the Governors’ Mental Health Planning Council granted CMR funds for two projects targeting adult developmentally disabled clients. The projects culminate at the 1st and 2nd Annual Casa Mia Ranch Equestrian Challenge where all the participants display their horsemanship skills to their family and supporters. This day is full of laughter, anticipation and triumph.