A Mentor’s Journey with Maddison by Sage McWay
When Madison first stepped onto the ranch, she was stepping into the unknown—a new place, a new adventure, and a fresh opportunity to grow. Recommended by the Kiwanis Club, she came seeking something beyond the usual outlets, a place where she could stretch her wings despite the daily challenges of cerebral palsy and the whirlwind of becoming a teenager.
I, on the other hand, was thrilled. Meeting a new kid at the ranch is like watching someone take their first bite of their favorite meal—they don’t know yet just how much they’re going to love it. There’s something magical about that first introduction, about seeing their eyes widen as they take in the vast, sun-drenched pastures and hear the distant nicker of horses greeting them from their paddocks.
And then came Madison. Dressed head to toe in pink, her smile as bright as the Arizona sky, she stepped forward with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. It didn’t take long for us to click. Within minutes, her nerves began to settle, and by the time her mother commented on how quickly Madison trusted me, I knew we were on the road to something special.
Day one was a grand tour, a journey through the heart of the ranch. Horses, cows, sheep, goats, and even our mischievous pigs—Madison met them all. But the moment that truly stood out? Baby Jasper, our tiniest and most endearing goat, trotted up with his signature wobbly enthusiasm. Madison hesitated at first, unsure of the soft little creature nosing at her hand. But as she reached down, tentatively at first, and then with growing confidence to help feed him, her entire face lit up. It was in that instant that I saw the magic beginning—the walls coming down, the connection being made.
Fast forward a week, and it was time for day two. This time, Madison met Baba, our playful, mustached Gypsy Vanner who has a knack for goofing off with kids. Grooming, something that might seem like a simple chore to outsiders, is actually a bridge—a way to break through barriers and foster trust. As Maddison brushed Baba’s thick, feathery coat, her excitement was impossible to contain. Every stroke of the brush, every moment of connection, was a step toward something bigger. It wasn’t just about taking care of a horse—it was about taking ownership of an experience, about feeling seen, heard, and capable.
Now, every week, I have the absolute privilege of spending time with Madison. Each session builds on the last, adding layers of skill, strength, and confidence. Week by week, she grows—not just in her horse knowledge, but in the way she carries herself. Watching her transformation, from a shy newcomer to a vibrant, sassy, and sweet young girl who is beginning to see life through a different lens, is nothing short of inspiring.
The ranch isn’t just a place for riding and caring for animals—it’s a place where hearts open, confidence blooms, and kids like Madison discover just how strong, capable, and extraordinary they truly are.
