Key strategies

We serve vulnerable children and animals, who count on us to provide care, support, and a safe environment for growth and healing. This inspires us to prioritize  sustainability and  continuous learning.  Critical areas in need of development are identified and training goals established. 

For 2025, training included:

              -Board of Directors: Budgeting, grant writing, socio-emotional strategies, and Horse Powered Reading certification

*4 board members are currently completing the introduction to horse therapy class 

*CPR

*Horse Powered Reading and Math training

*Safesport Certified

*Mental Health First Aid trained

            -Mentors and Volunteers horsemanship, leadership, and CPR/first aid

Training planned for 2026:

-Budgeting/ Grant writing

-Mandrell Method training to running a successful equine nonprofit

-leadership, communication, and networking for teen mentors

-Horse Powered Reading continued learning

 Identify  Participants

Teachers, social workers, and community members nominate children who would benefit most from the program.

Individualized plans are created for each child, addressing challenges in these  categories:

          -Confidence and Resilience

          -Self-control

          -Socio-emotional

           -Connection and Trust

           -Responsibility

This  event establishes important connections. Returning participants reunite with mentors and horses, while new participants are introduced. Families connect, and the sense of community begins. The most inspiring moment is when children meet the horses for the first time—the magic begins with that first touch.

Lessons tailored to each child’s needs include emotional support skills, demonstrations, and activity stations. Activities are  intentionally designed to address children’s needs, such as improving  self-control.  For example, short, goal-oriented tasks—like grooming a horse or enjoying a relaxing ride in the woods—help these particular children slow down and find calm. The sessions include important bonding time, lots of riding, laughter, and of course snacks!