Horses for the Spirit: Partnering Humans and Horses for Positive Transformation
I learned a whole lot with this program. It is very similar to real life. The horses are a lot like the humans and the way you act towards a person is pretty much the same way as you would act like to a horse. –S.A., Mc Gee Center
Horses for the Spirit is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to partnering humans and horse for positive transformation through our programs which combine the principles of Equine-Assisted Learning, Parelli Natural Horsemanship™, “learning by doing” and creative problem-solving.
“The leadership skills and all the assertive skills were things that weren’t just corny,” says Kevin, “we could actually use them. I started to realize after going out in the community from the group home that the skills we learned in the (Horses for the Spirit) program helped us in the community as well.”
Our programs have been developed to teach positive life and social skills to kids generally between the ages 12 and 19. Although our target audience is primarily kids at risk of failing in traditional settings, it is our dream to serve all kids in our community who have a desire to or need to be in one of our programs.
“Another foster parent said that she saw her foster son, who she now plans to adopt, develop more confidence self-confidence and improve his leadership skills. I’ve known her foster son for many years. He has grown in so many ways, from a quiet and meek young boy to a teenager who is so much more comfortable in social settings and with himself. On graduation day, there was a sparkle in his eyes, as he worked with his horse. He had formed a relationship with his horse, who received many hugs that day.” Colette Imasaki, Social Worker, Washoe County Dept. of Social Services
Horses are an essential part of the teaching team and natural horsemanship is the vehicle for teaching. The desired end result is that the graduates of our programs have acquired skills in areas such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving, managing behavior and more.
