It’s been a year since military veteran Clarice Sykes opened her “Rockin’ Sykes Ranch” in Victorville, a place where people of all ages, especially children and veterans with disabilities, can find hope through horses.
Sykes will host a “First Year Anniversary” celebration from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at her nonprofit ranch at 15392 Morada Road in Victorville. The family-friendly party will include food, vendors, arts, crafts, games, raffle baskets, big prizes and horseback riding.
The 29-year-old Sykes, who lost both legs in a near-fatal horse-riding accident nearly seven years ago, told the Daily Press that she has about 150 individuals who have connected with her and the ranch since opening. “Some call to schedule a lesson for a one-time experience, and I do have quite a few consistent customers making the ranch very busy,” Sykes said.
She shared that one of her biggest joys of starting the ranch has been seeing the smiles on people’s faces. Everyone has left here happy and I’m glad that myself and our ranch horse Bailey are able to provide everyone a great experience,” Sykes said.
Sykes explained that some of her biggest challenges are asking for donations, which she rarely does, and also learning the dos and don’t of owning a nonprofit
“About 85% of my ranch is run off personal finances working at Monster Energy Corporate,” she said. “My biggest supporters are my family, as well as the disability community in the High Desert.”
She said she’s glad she’s able to give people with disabilities a place to learn how to ride and take care of horses.
“My vision for the future is to get a second horse and start offering trail rides in the neighborhood,” Sykes said. “I get a lot of calls asking about trail riding.”
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