MEEKER | “It’s a God story,” says Jan DiMaggio, who found a fresh start in Meeker four years ago. After spending 30 years in Elizabeth, Colorado, where she “had a home and a church,” she relocated to Meeker to help lead Head ‘Em Up Christian Ministries with Church at Meeker Pastor Rich Ford and his wife Beth.
Youth 4–18 learn about horses and spirituality at Head ‘Em Up Christian Ministries. | COURTESY PHOTO
DiMaggio had been involved in ministry work involving horses for 25 years, but didn’t start working with kids in an official capacity until 2012. Head ‘Em Up is for children and youth ages 4-18.
DiMaggio’s neighbor in Elizabeth, Colorado, shared pictures of the Ford’s indoor horseback riding arena in Meeker at the ranch once owned by Dr. Victor Mihal. The Fords, who have a heart for kids who are struggling, had just taken on three foster children. Their vision for helping hurting children was a perfect fit for DiMaggio. As her husband’s health was declining, she sent her horses to the Ford’s, and not long after, felt led to follow herself. Within two weeks she had an offer on her Elizabeth property. “Everything worked,” she said.
The program connects children with a mentor, instructor and a horse. During weekly sessions, the children learn beginning and intermediate horse care and horsemanship skills centered around Biblical principles.
Using horses in ministry provides a connection for kids who are troubled or hurting. “The horse kind of opens the doors to their heart,” DiMaggio said. “Ultimately they’re able to attach to other people and then to their Creator, and that’s where the healing begins.”
COURTESY PHOTO 
COURTESY PHOTO
While the program is focused on broken, at-risk children with emotional, physical and/or spiritual challenges, any child with a desire to participate is welcome.
DiMaggio said they haven’t had any problems finding children to help, with 20-25 students during the summer sessions.
The program offers three eight-week sessions — spring, summer and fall. They hope to implement a fourth session next year.
There’s no charge for participants. “We don’t want money to get in the way,” DiMaggio said. “If the family can do a donation that’s great, and if not, there’s no charge.”
As a 501(c)3 organization, donations are tax deductible and welcome, as are volunteers who would like to get involved.
On May 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Head ‘Em Up will be opening up for prospective volunteers for the summer session at the ranch, 70548 Hwy. 64 in Meeker. For more information contact [email protected] or call DiMaggio at 970-942-9111 or Ford at 970-942-3243
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
