Mercy Spring Ranch Sessions Program

The Mercy Spring Ranch Sessions Program offers a sessions program that uses horses to help bring hope and healing to children and their families who have experienced traumatic events. The program takes place in a setting that includes a 5-horse paddock cover, a 50’ round pen, a 150’ x 250’ arena, and a tack room and woodshop set up for sessions. Families connected with the program can also take part in events such as an annual tomato tasting, an heirloom plant sale, and session registration call-in days. Visits are by appointment only.

• Schedule: Visits and sessions are available by appointment only.

Mercy Spring Ranch is a 501(c)3, non-profit, Christian ministry with the stated mission of using the spirit of the horse to heal the heart of a child, mend the fabric of family, and empower the ministry, with the belief that only Jesus can heal a broken heart, life, and spirit. Mercy Spring Ranch was founded in 2010, began on Skiles Ranch for the first six years, and later moved to its current property, where major ranch development such as clearing, grading, the arena, and paddock cover was completed by June 2021. The leadership team includes founders John and Monique Black; Monique is a graduate of the Maryland Horse Center’s Advanced Equine Studies program, and John recently retired from public service after 33 years in law enforcement, security, and emergency management, and both have more than 25 years of experience in youth ministry. The ranch also hosts community events like the Annual Tomato Tasting and Heirloom Plant Sales and invites volunteers and supporters to be part of its ongoing and developing endeavors. One testimonial shared by the ministry is, “A horse didn’t save me. Jesus saved me from the back of a horse.” – Kim Meeder.

Last updated June 1, 2026.