You don’t have to be a private farm or ranch to partner with Ben’s Ranch Foundation and make a huge difference for teens. For example, Noblesville, Indiana’s K-Trails Equestrian Adventures is a great example. Their trail riding program operates at Strawtown Koteewi Park in partnership with Hamilton County Parks and Recreation. K-Trails has teamed up with Ben’s Ranch to create an internship position for one or more teens.  “We embrace their mission,” says K-Trails owner John Stewart.  “To serve the public, we need young talent to take care of the horses, our guests, the facility and the trails.  Why not achieve our goal while at the same time helping make a difference in a kid’s life?” he said.

The program is designed for teens, aged 15-18, who meet its criteria. Ben’s Ranch Foundation works to create paid internships at farms, ranches, stables and therapeutic riding facilities, and matches those jobs with eligible teens from that neighborhood. The internships can be long term, or take place for a fall, holiday, spring or summer break. The teen, their parents and the host-employer work out the details with help from the Ben’s Ranch team.

“Our toughest challenge is finding host farms and facilities,” says Ben’s Ranch Program Director Rob Kern. “We’re primarily a volunteer organization serving central Indiana, so we don’t have a lot of resources to place on recruiting hosts. That’s why we’re so excited when we find an enthusiastic partner like K-Trails,” said Kern. Ben’s Ranch has also worked with the City of Fishers and other non-traditional employer host prospects. “We hope everyone will pass the word to businesses and organizations about this opportunity to create a win-win situation for a young person and an employer who needs help,” said Kern