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 Co-Founder, Wendy
Stokes, has always had a love for horses. As an adult she was
able to
pursue her lifelong dream of being an avid horsewoman, instructor and
owner. She brings years of business experience and personnel
management for profit and non-profit organizations. Wendy and
her
family's goal is to share the joy that comes from the bond of horse and
rider. |
Bit
of Hope Ranch, Inc. was founded in May 2008 with the mission to Reach, Rescue and Restore broken children, families and horses.  Bit of Hope Ranch is a faith based facility that shares the love of Christ through the partnership of horse and child. |
 Meg
Vanderbilt is passionate about teaching people how to partner with
their horse through safe and effective lessons that utilize classical
riding and natural horsemanship. She has various experience
in
training, riding, teaching, equine nutrition, equine rehab and farm
management. She also specializes in graphic arts and sports
fitness.
Meg and her family are dedicated to making a difference in
the lives
of children with the tools the Ranch provides. |
| The Farm | The Volunteers | The Supporters |
 Bit of Hope
begin its mission in October 2008 after a generous benefactor donated
the use of a beautiful 45- acre piece of property located in South
Gastonia. The facilities include 3 riding arenas (2 are covered),
an 12 stall Main Barn, a 4 stall Rescue Barn, and a Hay Storage Barn.  Miles of trails and a stocked pond allow for many activities at the Ranch besides riding such as fishing, hking, and a low ropes course that is to be completed in 2012. The facility was in major need of repair and was itself, "rescued and restored" for the purpose of helping horses and kids.  See the Bit of Hope Journey for more information on our history. | The
volunteers are the backbone of the Ranch. Over 3000 volunteer
hours have been logged at the Ranch by several hundred volunteers. There are many volunteer opportunities at the Ranch. Click on the ways to help page to learn more. Ranch Mentors  Ranch
Mentors build a relationship with a child and a horse during the
semester. They complete different tasks and challenges while
learning about themselves and others.Ranch Hands Ranch
Hands help with various projects around the ranch such as:
landscaping, small construction repair, putting out round bales,
picking up/stacking hay, clearing trails, etc Equine Care Givers Equine
Care Givers feed, groom, and take care of any medical needs for the
horses. They work in any weather conditions and must be able to
walk tough terrain and lift at least 50lbs. Small Animal Ranchers  These volunteers care for the needs of
the small animals at the Ranch. They feed, groom and clean their
living areas while providing them some daily attention.Horse Wranglers Our
wranglers are horse savvy volunteers that specialize in natural
horsemanship. Their job is to exercise the horses so they will be
mentally physically ready for the program. Financial/ Office We always need volunteers to help process paperwork and to help with record keeping. | 2012 Board of Directors David Conner Bobby Howell Warren Moss Dr. Robin Smith Michele Stewart Wendy Stokes Meg Vanderbilt 2011-2012 Sponsors River Taw Farms Kyle Fletchers BBQ Conner Financial Cramerton Drug Etunes DJ Moss Construction David Dix Photography Horse/Child Sponsors: Carole Fuller: Doc Josie Conner: Asia Paige McKinney: Cowboy |