Cheyenne River Episcopal Mission Horse Camp

From the Final Grant Report

Tell us a bit about how your project unfolded.

The indoor riding arena funded by the UTO has become a vital resource for the Lakota people of the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation and beyond, serving over 200 at-risk children and youth along with their families, adults in recovery, and church groups. The arena provides a safe and reliable space for the Cheyenne River Episcopal Mission to facilitate a range of programs that foster healing, growth, and connection while enabling our programs to continue year-round despite the region’s harsh climate, including extreme temperatures, heavy snow, and muddy conditions. This much-needed facility not only allows for uninterrupted programming but also expands opportunities to serve more individuals and families, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the trust that both the children and adults of the community have started to show us.

What was the best part of the project?

The best thing that happened as a result of this grant award was the completion of the indoor arena, which has allowed us to expand our impact by supporting a wide range of programs, including camp activities, community outreach, and equine and recovery ministries. This space has also significantly improved the well-being of our horses, providing much-needed protection from harsh winter weather. The benefit was especially meaningful for our oldest horse, Ishota, who was able to spend the winter in the arena, sheltered from the snow and cold. Additionally, the rest of the herd now has a safe space to escape the elements, ensuring their comfort and care year-round.

Valerie C., a member of the church, shared: “Mother Ellen and Father Kurt do so much for the kids in the community. They don’t have to do that, but they do. It really makes a difference for them. Gives them important stuff to do and helps them know how much they are loved. The kids really like to go over there and be with the horses.”

Iva T. shared: “Black Horse Ranch offers the children and youth of Cheyenne River the opportunity to participate in culturally appropriate activities. The youth get fed a meal and snacks and are in a safe place with professional volunteers. The horse camp is the best thing that’s ever happened to Cheyenne River for the youth!”

Did this grant make a difference in how you see gratitude?

Gratitude can be seen in the trust, love, and community-building that has been gained through Its exchanges with family members over coffee and creating connections, children sharing struggles and requesting our help, whether borrowing medicine or asking for food. It is present in the resilience and healing that emerge after the loss of a loved one to addiction or suicide. Amid the isolation and poverty of the community, gratitude is found in the small daily moments of joy that come from the comfort of being heard and knowing that you are in the shared presence of love that reflects God’s Beloved Community. Gratitude is not only an expression of thanks but also a recognition of the sacredness in every act of compassion and connection. The construction of the indoor arena has made these moments possible, allowing us to offer the Lakota community reliable programming and support year-round, despite the region’s harsh climate.

What are your plans going forward?

The Cheyenne River Episcopal Mission is committed to continuing and growing the ministry of the indoor arena and the equine programs by offering a reliable safe space in the Lakota Community. Feedback from those we serve will guide our program improvements and ensure that we are providing the Lakota youth and their families a resource that aligns with their spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs. Rooted in Christ’s love, we will continue to provide this sacred space for the community to foster emotional healing and cultural reconnection. The addition of the indoor arena will allow us to continue to enrich lives while providing employment and building partnerships with community organizations for sustainable, culturally relevant programming.