My Work
Forward Stride
Mission Statement
"For more than 15 years, using the healing power of horses, Forward Stride has been building lasting relationships, confidence, and new skills. Our programs work together to provide exceptional care, therapy, and support to all participants, human and equine. Everyone has challenges in life. We encourage each person to face them head on with the support of our herd and fellow humans. Along the way, emotional, cognitive, and physical milestones are reached and lifelong friendships are forged."
Responsibilities
Since COVID they have had to limit the amount of students and staff/volunteers they can have onsite. As things start to open up again, the barn is able to start expanding and they are currently building a new arena and additional stalls to board more horses. With more students coming on site for lessons, and with more horses being boarded, the facility needs additional volunteers to come in and help keep things running smoothly.
The community that come and go from the barn is greatly diverse, but we all have one thing on common; horses. Bringing the horses in during riding lessons, therapy lessons, or counseling lessons can bring a completely different feeling into the sessions and help clients in a different way. While finding where I fit in at the barn so I can help as much as possible, I think I really belong with the animals. Helping take care of the horses and making sure they are happy and healthy. I am continuing to work with the volunteer coordinator at the barn so I can maximize my time there while I combine work. In order to be able to continue at the barn, I plan to continue volunteering until a horse handler position opens up, then I can start working at the barn full time.
Reflection:
I feel I gained things I can't quite describe from my experience this term. Starting at the barn I had a dark cloud over my head. But, being able to be with the animals and put in some hard work helped me have a new view on my life. It's not just taking care of the horses, and getting to know each of them, but also getting to know the clients I work with in a different manner than the classroom. Getting to listen to everything they have to say and not being the one that makes them get back on track. I'd say the most rewarding part of this experience was truly finding a new path for myself. From here I plan to continue to work with animals and learn as much as I can.
Mission Statement
"For more than 15 years, using the healing power of horses, Forward Stride has been building lasting relationships, confidence, and new skills. Our programs work together to provide exceptional care, therapy, and support to all participants, human and equine. Everyone has challenges in life. We encourage each person to face them head on with the support of our herd and fellow humans. Along the way, emotional, cognitive, and physical milestones are reached and lifelong friendships are forged."
Responsibilities
- Feed horses hay and grain
- Tack horses for lessons
- Lead horses during lessons
- Walk next to the student during a therapy lesson to ensure safety
Since COVID they have had to limit the amount of students and staff/volunteers they can have onsite. As things start to open up again, the barn is able to start expanding and they are currently building a new arena and additional stalls to board more horses. With more students coming on site for lessons, and with more horses being boarded, the facility needs additional volunteers to come in and help keep things running smoothly.
The community that come and go from the barn is greatly diverse, but we all have one thing on common; horses. Bringing the horses in during riding lessons, therapy lessons, or counseling lessons can bring a completely different feeling into the sessions and help clients in a different way. While finding where I fit in at the barn so I can help as much as possible, I think I really belong with the animals. Helping take care of the horses and making sure they are happy and healthy. I am continuing to work with the volunteer coordinator at the barn so I can maximize my time there while I combine work. In order to be able to continue at the barn, I plan to continue volunteering until a horse handler position opens up, then I can start working at the barn full time.
Reflection:
I feel I gained things I can't quite describe from my experience this term. Starting at the barn I had a dark cloud over my head. But, being able to be with the animals and put in some hard work helped me have a new view on my life. It's not just taking care of the horses, and getting to know each of them, but also getting to know the clients I work with in a different manner than the classroom. Getting to listen to everything they have to say and not being the one that makes them get back on track. I'd say the most rewarding part of this experience was truly finding a new path for myself. From here I plan to continue to work with animals and learn as much as I can.