Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch
Minot, North Dakota
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christ-centered nonprofit residential treatment and education center for children and teens, headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, with campuses in Bismarck and Fargo. Alongside psychiatric care, therapy and schooling, the Ranch offers donor-supported horse therapy, which it describes as equine-assisted psychotherapy. The horse program is part of treatment for youth living at the Ranch, not a public riding program.
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy for Ranch residents
- Psychiatric residential treatment (PRTF)
- Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP)
- Dakota Memorial School (on-campus school)
- Family therapy and parent support
- Recreation and occupational therapy
- Spiritual life programs
- Children and teens ages 5 to 17 in residential treatment
- Youth affected by trauma, abuse or neglect
- Families of youth in treatment
More about this center
About the Horse Program
The Ranch uses horses as one part of treatment for children in residential care, sometimes within occupational therapy sessions. It says horse therapy lets children practice building relationships of trust, honesty and respect, and that kids learn the connection between their feelings and the horse's response. Staff have described the horses' main role as helping kids practice calming strategies, with trail riding a secondary use. This is a form of equine-assisted psychotherapy delivered inside a larger treatment plan.
The Minot campus has a riding arena, and the herd has included Norwegian Fjord horses. The program is paid for by donations, including a family endowment set up to support the Ranch's horse therapy work.
Residential Treatment and School
Care plans are built by a team of psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, educators and spiritual leaders. Psychiatric residential treatment is offered in Minot, Bismarck and Fargo, and students attend Dakota Memorial School on campus. Families stay involved through calls, visits and weekly check-ins.
The Ranch began in 1952 near Mapleton and moved to Minot in the late 1960s. It has been a tax-exempt nonprofit since 1957.
Getting Started
Families begin by calling the admissions team at 701-221-5323 or using the Get Help form on the Ranch website. Admissions staff talk through the child's needs and background to decide whether residential treatment fits and whether the child meets the state's eligibility guidelines. The Ranch says treatment is typically covered by private health insurance and/or state programs, and a billing specialist can explain costs before admission.
Location
The main campus and headquarters is at 6301 19th Ave NW, Minot, ND 58703 (mailing: PO Box 5007, Minot, ND 58702). Other campuses are at 1227 N. 35th St., Bismarck, ND 58501 and 7151 15th St. S., Fargo, ND 58104. The general line is (800) 593-3098.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
Can my child sign up for riding lessons at the Ranch?
No. The horse program is part of treatment for youth living at the Ranch, so access comes through admission to its residential program.
What ages does the Ranch serve?
The Ranch says its residential treatment serves children ages 5 to 17.
How is treatment paid for?
The Ranch says treatment is typically covered by private health insurance and/or state programs, including Medicaid. A billing specialist can go over costs before admission; call admissions at 701-221-5323.
Location
Minot, North Dakota 58703
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.