Welcome to Nepenthe Ranch
Located in beautiful Smith Valley, NV at the base of the Sweetwater Mountains, Nepenthe is an equine therapy ranch for special needs children who are given the opportunity to ride horses, fish, swim, hike the great outdoors or just relax with their parents in a resort-like setting on the edge of a 40,000-acre forestry service reserve. The best part about Nepenthe Ranch is that it is all free of charge (contact us for details).
Benefits of Equine Therapy
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Equine therapy can benefit children with special needs in many ways, including physical, mental, and social skills:
- Physical benefits - Horseback riding can help with balance, coordination, core strength, and motor skills. The movement of the horse can also help relax tight muscles and increase tone in weak muscles. Equine therapy can also stimulate cardio-respiratory function and improve sensory integration.
- Mental benefits – Equine therapy can help children manage their emotions, express feelings more positively, and improve self-esteem.
- Social benefits – Equine therapy can help children develop non-verbal communication skills and learn about social cues. It can also help children with mental disabilities reflect on their behavior and anxieties, which can lead to greater resilience and improved social skills.
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Meet the Herd
Toy |
Barbie |
Shadow |
Rain |
Vaga |
Smokey |
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The Ranch
Nepenthe is an 11-acre ranch nestled in Smith, NV. With breathtaking views of mountain ranges surrounding the valley and the Toiyabe National Forest at the edge of the ranch, this resort-like setting provides fun, relaxation, and lasting memories for special needs families.
Enjoy the tranquility of peaceful waterfalls, pond, and amazing sunsets.
 Family pool time |
 Everyone loves to feed the chickens
and collect the eggs |
 Meet Emma |
Accommodations
Gallery
Places of Interest Nearby
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Wilson Canyon
Just minutes from the ranch is Wilson Canyon, a gorge cut by the Walker River through a series of volcanic cliffs. The canyon runs through the Singaste Range and includes a 3.5-mile nature trail, offering beautiful views of the area. Lining the trail are a handful of signs that help hikers identify various plants and animals (including mule deer, waterfowl and raptors) found in the area. You will also find petrified wood stumps and other fossils along the way.
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Walker River State Recreation Area
Spread across four century-old ranch units and over 12,000 acres of rangeland—including 29 miles of the East Walker River, this coveted slice of the Silver State promises top-notch camping, hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, OHV exploring, world-class fishing, and countless other recreational opportunities. A visitor center features exhibits on the colorful history of the Walker River State Recreation Area.
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Topaz Lake
Located along Highway 395 against the spectacularly scenic eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range, sits the recreationalist’s paradise that is Topaz Lake. Originally created in the 1920s, thanks to diverting the waters of the West Walker River, Topaz Lake now boasts some of the region’s most premiere boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing.
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Contact Us
for more information on Nepenthe Ranch
