Equine assisted activities, such as horseback riding and groundwork, can work wonders for youth who are struggling socially, academically, or emotionally. Numerous studies have shown that interacting with horses increases decision-making skills, self-confidence, and concentration. Building trusting relationships with others is hard for many at-risk youth. They can practice this difficult skill with equines, who are uniquely emotionally adept. Additionally, caring for these gentle giants promotes selflessness, empathy, and responsibility.
There are numerous equestrian programs in the U.S. specifically designed to support at-risk youth. Below is information on a few of these programs, their locations, the kinds of classes they offer, and information on how to get involved.
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LOPE (Driftwood, Texas)
The LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers (LOPE) program, located in Driftwood, Texas, matches retired racehorses with young people from troubled situations through a program called First Step. In their very first workshop, the youth will learn how to handle, groom, and lead a horse. From there, they will move into the longer First Step Course series, which takes place over four weeks. Students in the course learn more in-depth groundwork, equipment, stewardship, and training principles. If instructors feel a student is ready, the course may include a riding lesson on an experienced, gentle horse. LOPE even offers an internship program for those who are committed to horsemanship. To get in touch with LOPE or to learn more about their programs, visit https://www.lopetx.org/.
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Teens Voice USA Horse Ranch (Atlanta, Georgia)
This ranch in Atlanta, Georgia is dedicated solely to providing at-risk youth with horseback riding lessons and equine assisted self-development. They also have after-school programs and community service opportunities. While students learn the principles of horsemanship, they are accomplishing the main purpose of the program: to harness their own potential and then apply it to their goals. Equine assisted self-development at Teens Voice USA consists of six sessions spaced one week apart. They include themes such as emotional control, taking responsibility, and finding your center. The after school program assists students with homework while incorporating horse interaction and coaching. The ranch also works with those who are in the juvenile justice system or who are on probation. Teens Voice USA provides scholarships to those who need it, making their programs accessible to all at-risk youth in the Atlanta area. To learn more about Teens Voice USA, visit https://teensvoiceusa.org/.
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LEAD With Horses (Reno, Nevada)
LEAD With Horses, located in Reno, Nevada, provides educational and therapeutic equine programs to youth aged 5-24 years old from a variety of backgrounds, including those with social disorders, children in military families, and current foster youth. Through their equine programs, LEAD With Horses teaches skills such as stress management, communication, planning, and problem-solving. They offer equine assisted learning, which provides hands-on educational opportunities to develop self-confidence and emotional skills. Additionally, LEAD With Horses has a licensed therapist on staff to facilitate equine assisted psychotherapy for young people with conditions such as anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and behavioral problems. Their website, https://leadwithhorses.com/, provides even more information on their programs.
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PALS Therapy (Bloomington, Indiana)
People and Animal Learning Services (PALS) in Bloomington, Indiana, has a program called EQUIPT for at-risk youth to interact with horses in a group environment. The goal is for students in the class to learn social-emotional skills, build trust, set boundaries, and overcome challenges. PALS also offers adaptive riding and ground lessons for at-risk youth and foster children, which can be accomplished in individual or group settings. To contact the PALS team or to learn more, go to their website at https://palstherapy.org/.
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Work to Ride (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Since 1994, Work to Ride has provided horsemanship, equine sports, and education to under-resourced urban youth in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The long-term program, which requires a minimum commitment of one year, guides participants to develop discipline, responsibility, and life skills. Most participants remain in the program through their high school graduation and even return as alumni mentors. Work to Ride stables become participants’ second home, as they spend multiple hours per week at the farm all year round. Students receive training in equestrian skills as well as academic tutoring, if needed. Their website, https://worktoride.net/, contains all the needed information to learn more and get involved.
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Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center (Warrington, Pennsylvania)
Participants in the group program for at-risk youth at the Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center have been impacted by poverty, racism, homelessness, neglect, and trauma. Through outreach to alternative schools and social-service organizations, this program targets students in the Warrington, Pennsylvania area who are at a greater risk for failing or dropping out of school. The results are amazing: students who participated in five or more visits to Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center showed an increase in school attendance and performance. To contact the team, visit https://www.specialequestrians.org/at-risk-youth.
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Corral Riding (Cary and Raleigh, North Carolina)
Corral Riding is a nonprofit organization with two locations in North Carolina. They have two programs, both of which target at-risk girls in the community. The first program, Join the Herd, is a twelve-week group therapy program that centers around groundwork and teaches concepts like assertive communication, healthy boundaries, and self control. The second program, called The Riding Academy, is a longer-term program. It is a holistic approach that involves life skills training, academic tutoring and college preparation, and family support. The Riding Academy can be anywhere from one to six years in length. Corral Riding’s website, https://corralriding.org/, contains more information about the programs.
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Stable Connections (Guildhall, Vermont)
Stable Connections offers at-risk youth in the Vermont area the opportunity to participate in the Healing With Horses program, which combines multiple equine assisted activities to address behaviors related to stress, grief, or addiction. Healing With Horses centers around improving participants’ trust, confidence, and respect through a combination of equine assisted psychotherapy and equine assisted learning. They can enroll in either an eight or ten week program at Stable Connections. To learn more about the opportunities for at-risk youth at Stable Connections, visit their website: https://stableconnections.com/.
