How big is Overton Arena?
Overton arena has two sections. There is a 90’x72’ barn that has 14 horse stalls, a hot/cold wash rack, tack room, barn office, kitchenette, bathroom, hay storage, and dry storage. Directly connected is a 60’x120’ indoor riding arena with sand footing, and four “temporary stalls” in the indoor arena.
Who rides at Overton Arena?
Every child at Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries has the opportunity to come to the barn to spend time with the horses. In addition, Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries loves to share our equine therapy services with mid-Missouri foster families, as well as combat veterans in need of the serenity and camaraderie to be found while riding together on the many trails we’ve created throughout our 300 acre property.
How do you get your horses?
Many of Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries’s horses have been acquired through donations, and others have been purchased. While we would love to open our doors to every horse that needs a new place to live, not every horse is a good match for our program. Our ability to accept new horses is based on the number of openings we have available, the age and abilities, and the overall suitability of the horse to our riding program. We generally do not accept donations of older horses.
How many horses do you have?
Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries has 22 horses, which includes four miniature horses. Our horses come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and breeds.
Where do the children ride?
Everywhere! Most children start out in the indoor arena, where the environment is easier to control, while they learn the basics. As the child progresses, they have the option to ride in our round pen, outdoor riding arena, fields, or the onsite trails.
How did the equine program and Overton Arena get started?
According to our founder, Larry McDaniel, “In the beginning we got one horse, and then that horse got lonely so we got two more to keep it company, and then somehow we had five.” In July 2011, Doris Overton, in memory of her late husband, Jack, donated to build the Overton Arena we have today.
