Oceanside Ivey Ranch Park Association

About Ivey Ranch Park Association

Empowering Individuals. Enriching Lives. Creating Opportunities.

For 45 years, Ivey Ranch Park Association has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with and without disabilities through compassionate care, education, and Equine Assisted Services. Located on a 12-acre ranch in Oceanside, California, our nonprofit organization provides a welcoming, inclusive environment where individuals of all ages and abilities can learn, grow, build confidence, develop independence, and experience a true sense of belonging.

Founded in 1981 and recognized as a nonprofit in 1983, Ivey Ranch has grown from a small community organization into a nationally recognized provider of specialized care and Equine Assisted Services. Today, we serve more than 300 individuals each week through 13 programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our community.

Who We Serve

Our programs support children and adults with physical, developmental, intellectual, and emotional disabilities, as well as veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families, at-risk youth, and individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

We believe that everyone deserves access to meaningful opportunities, regardless of ability, age, or circumstance. Our programs emphasize inclusion, personal achievement, independence, and community engagement while providing the individualized support each participant needs to succeed.

Our Programs and Services

Equine Assisted Services

Our nationally accredited equestrian center offers therapeutic and adaptive riding, equine-assisted learning, and equine-assisted counseling and psychotherapy. Through meaningful interactions with horses, participants develop physical strength, balance, coordination, communication skills, emotional regulation, confidence, and independence.

For some, success means sitting independently on a horse for the first time. For others, it means developing the confidence to communicate, forming a meaningful connection, or overcoming a personal challenge once thought impossible.

Ivey Ranch is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center and maintains dual accreditation with the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), reflecting our commitment to safety, professionalism, and excellence.

Children's and Adult Care Programs

Our inclusive School-Age Care and Adult Day Programs provide structured, supportive environments where participants develop life skills, build friendships, engage in recreational and educational activities, and become more independent.

These programs also provide essential support to families and caregivers, allowing parents and loved ones to work, attend school, and manage daily responsibilities with confidence that their family members are receiving compassionate, individualized care.

Vocational Training and Employment Readiness

Our Working Intern Program provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop practical job skills, workplace responsibility, confidence, and greater independence. Participants gain hands-on experience in horse care, barn management, and other meaningful ranch activities.

These opportunities help individuals recognize their abilities, develop a sense of purpose, and prepare for greater participation in their communities.

Veterans and Military Families

Located near Camp Pendleton, Ivey Ranch proudly serves veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. Our equine programs provide opportunities for connection, personal growth, emotional well-being, and healing through meaningful experiences with horses.

Community Outreach and Education

Our miniature horse outreach program brings the unique benefits of human-animal interaction beyond the ranch to schools, senior living communities, military installations, and community organizations.

Ivey Ranch also serves as an international training resource, helping educate and certify equestrian professionals from across the United States and around the world.

The Impact of Your Donation

As a nonprofit organization, Ivey Ranch relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners to sustain and expand our services.

Program fees cover less than half of the actual cost of providing our services. Charitable contributions help bridge that gap, allowing us to maintain high-quality programs while keeping them as accessible as possible to the individuals and families who depend on them.

Your donation can help:

• Provide scholarships and financial assistance so individuals can participate in programs regardless of their family's financial circumstances.
• Support our horses and equestrian programs by helping cover feed, veterinary care, farrier services, specialized equipment, and the ongoing care of our equine partners.
• Enhance our care programs with educational materials, adaptive equipment, recreational opportunities, and resources that promote independence and personal development.
• Maintain a safe and accessible ranch through facility improvements, specialized equipment, and essential infrastructure.
• Expand access to services for individuals and families waiting for an opportunity to participate.
• Bring our programs into the community through outreach initiatives that reach individuals who may be unable to visit the ranch.

Meeting a Growing Community Need

Demand for our specialized services continues to grow. With more than 300 individuals served weekly and a waiting list exceeding one year for some Equine Assisted Services, the need for accessible, inclusive programs is greater than ever.

We are committed not only to sustaining our existing programs but also to expanding our capacity to serve more individuals and families. Our long-term vision includes expanding onto adjacent property to replicate programs with the greatest demand, reduce waiting lists, and create additional opportunities for those who need our services.

Why Your Support Matters

At Ivey Ranch, we measure success not simply by the number of individuals we serve, but by the meaningful changes we see in their lives.

It is the child who discovers confidence through riding a horse. The adult with a disability who gains a new level of independence. The veteran who finds connection and renewed purpose. The parent who knows their loved one is safe, supported, and thriving.

These moments represent the true impact of our mission.

Honored as a 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year, Ivey Ranch Park Association remains committed to providing exceptional programs that celebrate abilities, foster independence, and strengthen our community.

Your generosity makes these opportunities possible.

Every donation, regardless of size, helps us continue creating a community where abilities are celebrated, barriers are reduced, and individuals are empowered to achieve their fullest potential.

Together, we can change lives—one individual, one opportunity, and one meaningful connection at a time.