Every Equine Deserves a Second Chance.
Located in Okeechobee County, Florida—in the heart of horse and cattle country—Ricky’s Ranch is a nonprofit equine rescue dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses, wild mustangs, donkeys, and mules in need of a second chance.
Welcome to Ricky’s Ranch
What began as a sanctuary primarily focused on providing a peaceful retirement for aging and unwanted horses has evolved into a broader mission of helping equines of all ages and backgrounds. Whether neglected, abandoned, abused, surrendered, or simply facing an uncertain future, every animal that comes into our care deserves compassion, dignity, and the opportunity for a better life.
At Ricky’s Ranch, rescue is only the beginning. We work to restore each animal’s physical health, rebuild trust, and provide the individualized care necessary for recovery. This includes proper nutrition, specialized diets when needed, regular farrier services, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and plenty of patience and love. Whenever possible, our ultimate goal is to place rehabilitated animals into safe, responsible, loving forever homes. For those unable to be rehomed, we strive to provide a secure and comfortable sanctuary.
We also participate in the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Program, helping wild mustangs transition from life on the range to life with people through patient handling, gentling, and preparation for adoption.
Ricky’s Ranch Residents
Saving lives takes more than compassion. It takes resources.
Operating an equine rescue comes with significant ongoing expenses, from hay, grain, veterinary care, and farrier services to maintaining safe fencing, shelters, and essential facilities. Our small ranch also requires continued improvements, including fencing repairs and barn upgrades, to provide a safe environment for the animals who depend on us.
As a nonprofit organization, Ricky’s Ranch relies on the generosity of people who believe, as we do, that these animals deserve a fighting chance. Every donation, volunteer hour, and successful adoption helps us continue our mission and make room for another animal in need.
Your support doesn’t just help us care for the animals already here. It helps us save the next one.
Ricky’s Ranch is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 92-3162221). Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We are proud of our commitment to transparency and are happy to provide our IRS determination letter upon request.
Together, we can turn neglect into recovery, uncertainty into hope, and second chances into new beginnings.
Thank you for being part of the Ricky’s Ranch family.
Mission Statement
Ricky’s Ranch, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to giving unwanted horses a second chance in Okeechobee County, FL. Founded by Scott Chapman and Callie Harris of Scoop da Poo, LLC, our goal is to create a 10–20 acre sanctuary where neglected and relinquished horses can live out their golden years in peace.
Beyond rescue, we want to implement an Equine Assisted Learning program, a Hay-It-Forward program which helps struggling horse owners with feed, hay, and also a compassionate end-of-life care for help with euthanasia for those who cannot afford to send their beautiful companions to the Rainbow Bridge when the time comes. With community support, we’re building a haven of dignity and care for South Florida’s horses.
Join us in making this vision a reality—every donation brings hope and comfort to these deserving animals.
Join us in spreading kindness—every contribution makes a difference!
In a perfect world, Ricky’s Ranch home will be something like this:
Ricky’s Ranch Dream Property
Ricky’s Ranch is a small 501(c)(3) equine rescue in Okeechobee County, Florida, founded by Scott Chapman and Callie Harris. We are named for Ricky, the skinny, rain-soaked horse who was ridden up our driveway one June night in 2021 and changed everything for us. Today we care for horses, wild mustangs, donkeys, and mules: some rescued from neglect, some surrendered by owners who could no longer provide for them, and some adopted through the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Program.
Every animal here gets the basics done right: good hay and feed, regular farrier and veterinary care, and the time and patience it takes to rebuild trust. When an animal is ready, we look for a responsible adoptive home. When age or health makes adoption impractical, they stay with us for good. If you are looking for a local horse rescue in Florida to support, you can donate, sponsor one of our residents, volunteer, or follow along on our blog.