THE PROGRAM

What is the HorsePower Experiential Learning Program (HELP)?

HELP is a unique equine-facilitated, hands-on, learning program for youth who have hopes and dreams for their lives but due to circumstances have developed emotional or behavioral challenges. Many of the students have limited success in relationships with people but are open to horses.

The classes are limited to five students. The group attends a one and one half hour session per week for seven weeks. We offer sessions during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Each student is paired with a mentor who is along side the participant to encourage and support their efforts as they begin to connect with the horse.

 

What is the goal of HELP?

To enable children and adolescents to experience and practice various "life-coping skills" through equine facilitated experiential learning.  The skills include: Respect; Trust; Goal-Setting; Communication; Boundary-Setting; Responsible use of Power & Control; and Good Decision-Making. Students experience and practice the skills so they can understand and then use them at their homes, schools and communities thereby becoming a confident and successful member of society.

 

Why does HELP work?

Even though students see horses as very powerful they are intrigued by their beauty. Students will experience frustrations and successes in pursuit of their goal, instructors and mentors assist the students in understanding how their behavior, attitude and communication style solicits wanted/unwanted responses from the horse and/or human on their "team". This is done in a non-confrontational way with discussion of alternative techniques. Such exercises promote self-reflection which is facilitated and solidified primarily by the horse, which tends to mirror the student's attitude through reactions. The horse functions exquisitely in this role, as the horse’s personality is one of total honesty, as well as forgiveness.

Because students are given goals, responsibilities, and are reaching outside of themselves, usually an amazing transformation is revealed as they gain self confidence, trust and respect while working with the horse and being encouraged by a mentor.