P21, our eight-week horsemanship and discipleship experience, is an opportunity for our children to step out of the familiar and into something new. It is centered on the Truth and Hope of Jesus in Proverbs 21:31 — “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.”
Every day, children are building courage, discipline, and confidence through new and challenging experiences. They are learning how to saddle and groom horses, work cattle, and take on greater responsibility one step at a time. As they learn to ride horses and work cattle, they are also discovering how to lead, serve, persevere, and understand that they were created for more.
Through P21, our children step outside their comfort zones, work alongside guides they are learning to trust, and discover they are capable of more than they thought. Along the way, they grow in confidence and independence while being supported by people who care about them.
One of our ASCEND graduates, Jackson, shared: “I developed a strong work ethic and resourcefulness. There’s not always a blueprint for every job you have to do, so I learned a lot about problem solving. I loved working with the cattle directors, Matt and Drew. They didn’t just sit in their truck while we worked — they were always alongside us, leading us. I learned to lean on the Lord, trust Him, and keep pressing on.”
At Big Oak Ranch, we are not just raising good cowboys and cowgirls — we are helping raise strong young men and women with purpose, character, and Hope.
Reflecting on Big Oak Cattle
“I absolutely loved working in the cattle and horsemanship program —
learning how to rope cattle, build fences, ride horses, teach younger kids to ride, and wear a cowboy hat.”
— Jackson, ASCEND graduate