A place for horses, healing and second chances.
Rocking Star Ranch is a guest ranch with a mission, We are building a place where veterans, young people leaving foster care and folks in recovery can find purpose, community and a sense of belonging.
Horses have a way of meeting people right where they are. The ranch is being built for the people who could use that most.
Veterans. Meaningful work, good company, and wide open country after service.
Youth aging out of foster care. A place to land, learn real skills, and be part of something.
People in recovery. Steady days, honest work with horses, and a fresh start.
Who the ranch is for
Why I am building this
I am Erika Harding. I spent most of my life searching for a place to belong, and for a purpose to go with it.
My son Keenan had four years of sobriety in a very structured program. Then he stepped out into regular life: an apartment, a job, a car, a girlfriend. Then covid hit. There was no good bridge between that structure and the real world, and we lost him to a fentanyl overdose.
I have also had two foster kids in my world. One of them is still part of my life, and he is working his way through that same hard change right now. From where I sit today, I can't give him all the help he needs.
Rocking Star Ranch is the bridge I wish had been there. A place to land between structure and real life, with honest work, good people, and horses who are glad you showed up.
Building it one step at a time
Step one: Campsites and a few good horsesStep two: Cabins, a herd, and retreats
Cabins to stay in, a full horse herd, and retreats built around the people we serve.
Simple campsites and a small amount of horse time to get folks out on the land.
Where we are today
Step three: Pack tripsSetting up the nonprofit, bringing a board together, and looking for the right piece of land.
Heading into the backcountry on horseback, the way it has always been done.
Come along for the ride
I am sharing the whole thing as it happens, the wins, the open questions, and Rooster and Gator nudging their way into every video. Your ideas shape what this place becomes.
The chapel John Varian built at the V6 Ranch, one of the places that showed me what belonging feels like.
This ranch will get built by a lot of good people pulling in the same direction. Here is where we could use a hand.
Land and investment partners. We are looking for a partner who shares our values. You own the land and guide the big money decisions. We run the programs, the people, the animals, and care for the land.
Program partners. Horse rescues, schools, Native communities, veteran groups, foster youth programs, and recovery communities who want to build something together. We would love to hear from folks who can share music, crafts, and hands-on work skills.
Board and volunteers. People with know-how in fundraising, marketing, finance, or ranch life who want to lend a few hours and a good head.
Tell us a little about yourself below.