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At Down Home Ranch, care comes in many forms—sometimes in the shape of a 20-pound tortoise named Zoe.
A sulcata tortoise, Zoe arrived at the ranch under emotional circumstances, according to staff. When the mother of Alex, one of the ranch’s residents, died last year, Alex’s father reached out to see if Zoe could live on site—allowing Alex to continue seeing her and helping care for her.
Alex now checks on Zoe daily, making sure she has enough water, turning on her heat lamp when needed and putting her away each night in her enclosure or the barn, depending on the weather.
But Zoe is just one small part of a much larger story.
Founded in 1989, Down Home Ranch operates a rural, working community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The ranch offers residential programs, vocational training, education and recreation across a 410acre site northeast of Elgin.
What began as a vision by Jerry and Judy Horton to create a future for their daughter Kelly—born with Down syndrome— has grown into one of the region’s most comprehensive IDD communities.
Today, these ranchers live in homes of various sizes and participate in a range of programs designed to support independence, purpose and personal growth, according to staff. They work paid jobs, attend continuing education classes and take part in everything from gardening to money management.
One of the ranch’s guiding principles, staff said, is to “do with, not for,” an approach that emphasizes shared responsibility and dignity.
That philosophy is reflected in ongoing efforts to upgrade Zoe’s living space. Residents and staff are working together to improve her enclosure, which currently lacks the room needed for her long-term care. Sulcata tortoises, according to ranch staff, can live 50 to 100 years and grow to more than 100 pounds.
To help prepare, the team visited Central Texas Tortoise Rescue for guidance on how to design a habitat that would support Zoe’s growth, comfort and enrichment.
“With over 30 tortoises in their care, we got to see firsthand the incredible work they do to rehabilitate, rescue and care for these gentle giants,” said Rachel Trusler, development associate for the ranch. “During our visit, we learned so much about proper tortoise care, including diet, habitat enrichment and the importance of a well-designed enclosure.”
Whether it’s helping a camper feed a goat, teaching a rancher to manage a paycheck or building a better home for a beloved tortoise, Down Home Ranch continues to focus on connection, care and community.
For more information on other ranch programs, its Special Olympics team or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit downhomeranch.org.
