Youth Programs
Developmental needs of early adolescents are unique in that they are starting to grow up in some ways yet are still children in others. For many, their bodies and behaviors are starting to mature, but their brains’ development is still a few years behind. As they transition from childhood to adolescence, hormones emerge, body chemistry changes, and social and academic pressures increase. They experience uncertainty about who they are and what they value and feel a natural desire to differentiate from their parents.
Combine these things with the stresses of modern life and a lack of skills and healthy habits, and it is no wonder that so many early adolescents struggle at this stage in their lives. They may struggle from emotional wounds of some kind. Those wounds have often been internalized, and the hurt is deep. The source of pain could be any number of events or life moments: the loss of a loved one, a challenging or unexpected change, constant trouble at school or home, regret of a past behavior, or a feeling of not being accepted or appreciated.
We offer support for the above issues for early adolescents, young adults and their families through equine experiential learning (EEL), brain integration processes, a variety of trauma protocols, self regulation tools, art and/or music.
Currently in our society there is considerable pressure related to ‘gender identity’. This is not a new issue, for many generations some young adults have struggled with their inner feelings of who they are or qualities they would like to express which may differ from society’s expectations or mores, based on their physical appearance of being male or female.
However, this relatively common questioning of one’s sexual identity or expression of inner values that may differ from the ‘norm’ has become politicized with significant pressure to make a hormonal and physical transition well before the brain, body and emotional systems are mature enough to make such a life changing decision. Parents are also being pressured to provide ‘gender affirmation treatments, etc.’ or they feel at risk of their child potentially committing suicide if their gender transition is not supported.
Our adept herd and well trained staff worked in conjunction with an outdoor wilderness program out of CO for the past 3 years (Open Sky). This has given us a rich background in supporting individuals through many of the above mentioned issues, which were being acted out by self harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts.
No previous horse experience is required and activities are on the ground (unmounted).
Dove Creek, CO 81324