I’ve often said there is nothing better for the inside of the man, than the outside of the horse.

Ronald Reagan

From Sidewalks to Stables  is a free riding program for at risk youth to provide non-traditional prevention strategies for youth between the ages of 10 and 18.  Youth problem behaviors and poverty are interrelated.  Drug and alcohol abuse, gangs, teen pregnancy, school under achievement and /or drop out, delinquency, crime and violence are all bi-products of dysfunctional family environments.

Once per month, at risk youth will be able to spend a few hours on the farm interacting with the horses.  Those who wish to spend more time at the farm can be incorporated into weekly or bi-weekly lessons at no charge.  Students will learn how to safely handle and ride horses as well as develop critical life skills.

Studies have shown by spending time with horses, youth can benefit by helping them gain the following skills:

·         Self-Confidence & Self-Respect      

·         Trust & Empathy

·         Responsibility & Respect for Others  

.         Team building

·         Leadership, Creativity & Problem Solving Skills

·         Anger Management, Stress Reduction & Conflict Resolution Skills

·         Increased Self-Awareness & Self-Worth

·         Improved Skills in Working with & Relating to Others

·         Cause & Effect Skills

Powerful, yet gentle, perceptive yet without judgment, horses can help at risk youth gain knowledge about their inner demons and their inherent strengths.  A horse does not care if you have dropped out of school, been in jail or if you are unpopular or have a learning disability, they only care about what you exhibit in the moment.  Horses do not lie, cheat or manipulate.  This alone can set a good example for at risk youth because they soon realize that it is counter-productive to lie, cheat or manipulate.  Horses provide an unconditional, non-judgmental and honest platform that is fundamental to healing the soul.