Programs of Children Hope and Horses, Florida Nonprofit builds self-esteem, self-worth, and the confidence through horses

"Our children's self confidence, self esteem and countless positive things have improved (their lives). They have learned to laugh (and to) cry! Who would think a horse would give them wings to fly?"........... S.B. (Parent)

"As a parent of children who have suffered the unthinkable, I am so thankful for the Children, Hope & Horses program. We need all the tools available to help these children become whole again. With the program, we are able to (build) self-confidence, (the) unconditional acceptance that the horses offer and patient interactions with adults in a safe setting."......V.W. (Parent)

An Effective Approach
Children come to each program activity session accompanied by a parent or guardian. We begin by introducing the children to the staff, acquainting them with the facilities and gradually introducing them to the horses. No timetables or benchmarks are set because the child must be free to control the pace at his or her own comfort level.

Once children become comfortable in the new surroundings, safety issues are reviewed and discussed. They are then taught basic rules of conduct around a horse so they can learn to groom them. At this point, bonding begins; special attention is given to the pace and the rate of acceptance. When a child is ready, he or she learns how to lead and handle a horse. The children continue to form a bond with the horse and learn how to trust not only the horse, but, more importantly, themselves. It is at this point that the child's self-confidence and self-esteem begins to develop.

Having reached a comfort level working around and with the horse, the child is encouraged to begin mounted exercises. Beginning with bareback riding while the horse is being led by an instructor, the child's ability to trust takes on a new dimension. The child learns to start trusting in people - and the cycle begins. With each personal victory, the sense of self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem grows. Soon, the children are riding on their own.

In this phase, the children encounter new challenges that mus be overcome while riding. By bringing out the feelings and emotions they can expect to experience in daily life - frustration, anger, distraction, and impatience - these challenges help them to discover that the horse will react to their attitudes.

They learn that if the horse is not responding as they expect them to, they must look to themselves for the answer. Once they learn to control themselves and focus on the goal, they find the horse will relax and begin to work with them again. The challenge is met. Learning that their attitudes and actions affect the outcome with horses can then be transferred to their interpersonal relationships.