10/02/07 Flying 7 Ranch

Even the best ranching programs can be improved upon, I'm Jeff Keane and I'll be right back with one ranch that's following that theory. The Flying 7 Ranch in Idaho Falls is finding new ways to impact the community bringing a new era into their working cattle and horse ranch, here's Becky with more. Located in the Snake River Valley just outside Idaho Falls, owners of the Flying 7 Ranch, Mike and Lola Harrigfeld are starting a new tradition. Running around 200 head of cattle and raising an average of 30 horses per year is a full time job in its own right. But Mike and Lola felt their ranch had more to give. With over 30 years of coaching experience and the knowledge that horses can soften the hearts of even the toughest human they decided to start a youth program. Running for more than a year, the ranch accepts 6 to 8 troubled boys at a time, basing development on the individual needs and ability of each boy. The full time ranch crew comes with an endless list of credentials to assist the boys in all sides of growth based heavily around the responsibilities of running a stable ranch. Each boy is assigned to his own horse to maintain and train. And, along with required schooling activities the boys assist with the daily chores of the ranch including seasonal duties of vaccinating, branding and cattle drives. Change is eminent and the Flying 7 Ranch has taken positive steps to diversify. What a great way to recharge the ranch while helping out troubled kids in the process, I'm Jeff Keane.