The Program

The Horsemanship Program includes the primary care of one of the ranch animals and youth will be responsible for the feeding, cleaning, grooming, and other aspects of caring for that animal. Working with animals also entails fun. Riding time, outdoor excursions, and even horse riding treks for those who show they can handle this responsibility.  The therapeutic experience teaches youth to conquer fears, work through anxiety, develop relationships and accepts responsibility. They build confidence, trust and a stronger self-esteem.    

Working with Animals: as part of our program, youth will be working directly with animals on the ranch. As many of these animals are quite large and powerful, they will receive training in the propoer care and handling of the animals. The Day Program: The key to our day program, one hour per day, 2 days a week, for 12 weeks, relies on the animal's innate abilities to act as a mirror and reflect the attidudes and emotions in the boys. Unlike humans, animals do not posses the ability to lie or manipulate. They are honest, sensitive, and steadfast in their interactions with the students and provide the basis on which to draw multiple analogies to life lessions and God's interactions with us.Animals have a natural way of calming anger and anxiety, of inspiring and lifting depression, and instilling trust and caring in a wide variety of youth. Animals can also be powerful teachers to teens who refuse to listen to parents and other adults. Animals innately respond to the mood of their handler and have personalities of their own.

Patience, self-confidence, communicaton skills, responsibility, self-discipline, focus, and direction are but a few of the qualities the youth will learn through their guided interactions with their animals. Horses demand respect. When given respect, they will give it back. We can learn a lot from the horse if we listen and watch. We also do a lot of trail riding which helps builds confidence.