McGee Center Program
During the week 5 session the girls had a visitor from a private foundation that has granted funds to Horses for the Spirit the last two years.

Mary received cheerful hellos from many of the girls as they exited the classroom and headed to the arena. She got a chance to see the girls doing simulations to encourage awareness of non-verbal communication before moving on to practice doing so with their horses.

Mary commented on the connection she could see between the girls and their horses and, as a horsewoman herself, knows the strength of that bond and how it can open up avenues for learning about yourself and others.

We love to have visitors and really love it when they see the importance of what we're doing! We are very proud of how all of our kids shine for us -- they are natural learners when put in a situation where they are allowed to explore the possibilities and their enthusiasm cannot be missed when they are with their horse teachers.

The McGee Center program has three sessions left: May 10, May 17 and June 1 (graduation)

 

Social Services Program
We have a great group of foster kids in our program on Saturdays this spring. (Of course, we always think they are great!) We even have two foster parents participating in the program as well this time around. We are excited to receive feedback from them at the end of the program about how this worked for them and what they got out of the program.

One of the highlights of this program is that the young man who had no interest in participating in the beginning is now one of our most enthusiastic participants! The connection with his horse and the sense of accomplishment when he is successful with Dudley is likely the reason for this turn around. This is a great example of how the horses reach the kids and break through barriers with them.

 

The Social Services program has two sessions left: May 15 and May 22 (graduation)