About HorsePower
HorsePower is unique hands-on equine-facilitated learning program for at-risk youth – young people who who have hopes and dreams for their futures but whose life circumstances have presented challenges to their emotional or behavioral development.
While some of our student participants may struggle in personal relationships with people, many find a meaningful and healing connection to horses. It is through this bond – and the experiential learning program – that real progress is made and lives are transformed.
Goals
HorsePower equips children and adolescents to experience and practice various life-coping skills through equine facilitated experiential learning.
Some of the skills and traits that students develop and practice in their time at HorsePower include:
- Respect
- Trust
- Goal-Setting
- Empathy
- Communication
- Boundary-Setting
- Decision-Making.
The Power of Horses
Intrigued by their beauty and strength, students have a respectful regard for horses. With support of instructors, mentors, and trained volunteers, students take on new responsibilities and goals as they learn to care for and interact with the horse.
As they experience both frustrations and successes, students learn how their behavior, attitude, and communication style solicits wanted/unwanted responses from the horse and/or human on their “team”.
They learn alternative techniques which are affirmed by the horse as it mirrors the student’s demeanor. Along the way, students grow in confidence, trust, and self-regulation – qualities that empower and enrich their relationships at home, at school, and in the community.