Alegria Ranch

We met Juliette, owner of the Alegria Ranch, during our New Orleans trip after mutual friends brought us in contact. She is an amazing person and she truly has made Alegria Ranch stand out as an exceptional haven, not only for its scenic beauty and charming rural setting but also for its deep commitment to animal-assisted therapeutic activities tailored for people with disabilities. This ranch has thoughtfully created an inclusive environment where every guest can experience the healing power of animals in a serene, natural setting. We did a horse ride with the kids, and then visited the amazing farm where we were able to see and feed the diverse and well-cared-for animal family.The ranch’s landscape offers a perfect retreat from everyday stress, where wide-open pastures, ancient trees, and a peaceful ambiance invite reflection and restoration. It reminded me of the old farm where I grew up in remote Europe. The ranch is home to an impressive mix of full-sized and miniature horses and donkeys, goats, sheep, among other animals. We also saw Brad Pitt—the remarkably handsome rooster who calls “his” chickens when there is food to share. The commitment of Juliette and the staff is mind blowing, and the people we spoke that work with Alegria Ranch were extremely positive about their experiences. Our kids keep on talking they want to go back to work on the ranch as a volunteer… If you are looking for a space to reconnect with nature, and experience the calming power of animals to create a nurturing environment for people with disabilities, Alegria Ranch is a perfect choice. I heard a lot about animal-assisted therapy before, but only now I realize I only start to understand the true power of it, thanks to the amazing introduction by Juliette. This was an amazing experience that I can only recommend for everyone.

We did a volunteer day at Alegria Ranch and it was simply amazing. Juliette showed our group all about the animals and how they are used to help people with special needs. After some training by Juliette and her team, our group was able to volunteer and assist the dedicated instructors with their lessons. It was so rewarding to see the smiles and joy that the students experienced. This program is special and really makes a visible difference in the lives of their students. We look forward to coming back again and learning more about working with the students.

Alegria Ranch is truly a gem! The variety of beautiful animals and the well-maintained facilities create an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for therapeutic activities. Juliette, the heart of the ranch, is incredibly professional and dedicated. She goes above and beyond to accommodate the unique needs of every visitor, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported. Her special way of connecting with each individual really sets Alegria Ranch apart. It's a wonderful place that makes a positive impact on the lives of those with special needs. Highly recommended!

We had a wonderful stay at Alegria Ranch last summer. Our kids say the ranch is everything they need and want to come back. It really is paradise! As other reviewers have pointed out, the contact with the animals is real and meaningful. The kids could help feed and take care of them, which they absolutely loved! The hosts are so very warmhearted and helpful. We just loved our house on the ranch right across from the horse barn, with the sweet barn cat waiting for us on the porch every morning. Of course I shouldn't forget to mention the wonderful pool where we could cool down and relax. If you are looking for a truly happy fun-filled holiday in beautiful surroundings, with lots of animals and fantastic hosts, look no further!

Juliette at Alegria Ranch is truly amazing. She has a very special intuition on how to interact with our son. He can show up to a lesson and have so much anxiety, and after his lesson with Juliette, he is so calm. We’ ve been going to Alegria for years and Juliette never ceases to amaze me with her special way she interacts with our son.