 |
|||||
Horse WarriorsTM is a year-round prevention program for youth between the ages of 12 and 21. Through the use of equine and human mentors, we provide exemplary role models and success building experiences, which offer safe, encouraging behaviors and activities to at-risk youth. Each student gets a horse to use during the summer months of the program. Groups are small and intimate with personal and emotional safety maintained at all times. Students meet one full day a week throughout the summer. Riding and horsemanship skills are taught progressively in an arena, and when students are safe and comfortable with their horses, we ride out on the trail. Days are spent (rain or shine) out in the backcountry. Journaling is a key component of the program. All students receive instruction in art and creative writing, and everyone has solo time during the lunch break for working in their journals and reflecting. After journaling, we have time for optional sharing of our work and observations with the group. Then we continue with our riding throughout the afternoon. In the non-riding months of the year, participants meet bi-monthly for evening discussion groups. Discussions are adult supervised, but student driven. This gives students a forum for exploring ideas, problem solving, and sharing experiences. We use the model of "The Four Agreements" as a framework for coping with peer pressure, maintaining confidentiality and removing the emotional charge from much of what is perceived through adolescent filters: * Be Impeccable With Your Word * Don't Take Anything Personally * Don't Make Assumptions * Always Do Your Best We teach young people skills which enable them to have a solid, appreciated and recognized voice in the world, by cultivating healthy, creative self-expression. We teach, model, and encourage the values of compassion, clear communication, personal responsibility & accountability, volunteer involvement with community and respect for the health & well being of ourselves, our horses, & our environment. Students between the ages of 12-21 are invited to apply. Application forms must be filled out by the student. A confidential recommendation form must be completed by a teacher, counselor, minister, coach or other adult who is NOT related to the student, who knows the student well. Most students are referred to our program by teachers, school counselors, juvenile advocates, doctors and public health officials. Students often refer other students they feel would be helped by the program. We do not take violent offenders or students deemed to be a physical risk to themselves or others. Why does Horse Warriors work when D.A.R.E. doesn't? When we speak with groups about our program and its success, we stress that the effectiveness comes directly from the fact that we keep our group sizes small. We make everyone feel recognized. It is much harder to be anonymous and therefore disposed to anti-social behaviors when you are an integral part of a functioning group. Add to that the fact that the group convenes year-round to participate in fun activities, with ample time for individual recognition, encouragement and skill development. Families are included in the recognition process, and in Power PoniesTM families are participants in the riding sector of the program. As a final bonus, remember that our groups participate in their community through service projects which brings them a sense of satisfaction and recognition by other adults and their peers, and you begin to see the formula for long-term success. What kind of activities take place? Groundwork: This teaches you how to be safe and effective in your relationship with the horses. Riding Lessons: We start out riding bareback and teach you how to have good balance and how to work with your horse so you are both comfortable and safe. Trail Riding: Once we're all secure riders, we ride out on various trails for the whole day, rain or shine! Journal Art: You'll get a packet with a journal and art supplies to use throughout your time in Horse WarriorsTM - we use these year round for our art lessons. Creative Writing: Each day you'll have time to reflect in your journals. Sometimes there are structured writing exercises; sometimes it's free writing. Gymkhana: Annual Games and Awards Day for riders & mentors - parents & friends invited! Community Service Projects: Annual group activity for ALL HW participants helping another non-profit; scholarship recipients contribute an additional 30 hours per year of volunteer service to projects of their own choices. Year-round Discussion Groups: Mentored bi-monthly meetings are focused on open discussions and areas of special interest - they include multiple activities. Mentor Partnerships: If you need help in school, we will tutor you; our mentors are there to help you, both in horse activities and other areas of your life - all you have to do is ask! Our horses are all selected for soundness, temperament, willingness and attitude. Most of our horses are in service to us through a long-term "in-kind" lease program. We use a Natural Horsemanship approach to working with them, and all of our horses are gentle, responsive and safe for young people to both ride and work with on the ground. We have 5 mustangs, 7 Quarter horses, and one Tennessee Walker/Appaloosa cross, that are either owned outright by the program or on long-term lease. We are always appreciative of horse referrals and donations, and are happy to talk with potential donors at any time. All horses and students are matched in terms of personality and ability. Most students choose to keep their same horses throughout their years in the program. All students have the opportunity to trade periodically throughout the summer to experience differences in horses, and the Gymkhana is set up to have students ride different horses to even the playing field. |
|||||