By Brent Learned – Casper, Wyoming … Mills Spring Ranch provides community outreach by offering free horseback rides to Casper area youth.

Some 50 local young campers signed up weeks in advance to enjoy horseback riding, one of the most anticipated summer activities offered at Mills Spring Ranch.

Leo Nash, former Wyoming resident and Arkansas rancher, made the event a reality by offering 20 of his horses for the day. Nash has been providing horses for Glacier View Ranch and MSR summer camp programs for many years.

“This horseback riding experience is so refreshing because this is the first time our youth group has been together since COVID hit in March, which closed our church,” Krista Sickert-Bush, Casper Lutheran youth pastor, commented.

Many of the community youth were giddy with excitement while others expressed a bit of timidity and nervousness as they buckled their helmets and received a safety briefing before climbing atop the horses and departing down the trail. They enjoyed an hour and half ride among the trails surrounding MSR during this first community outreach event.

Once the riders returned to camp, they enjoyed free popcorn donated by the Mid-America Union Conference youth department. Ice cream bars, and popsicles were also provided to the community members that attended this special day.

Parents expressed their gratitude toward MSR and the volunteers for hosting the horseback riding event and making it special for their children.

The riders left MSR with fond memories, new friends, and some free MSR gear.

The best part of the day was “seeing how happy it made all the kids riding around in God’s nature,” Sydney Cornett, Casper church member and Campion Academy student said.

This outreach helped MSR build relationships with the community and was a chance to serve others while demonstrating the love of Jesus.

–Brent Learned is Mills Spring Ranch director; photos supplied