The arrangements for these and other children are made by their school counselor, Veronica Esquibel, who frequently refers students to the many programs that Ride to Pride offers. The various programs are open to all children, youth and families who are interested in building strong self-concepts, not only those referred through the school systems.
The four children currently participating in this unique grief therapy group will spend 12 weeks learning not only about themselves, but also about how to care for the horses they ride.
According to Lynn Matykiewicz, clinical director, these kids are effectively "dealing with life's issues" and learning healthy ways to process their grief. Many of the students come from ranching backgrounds and have memories of family members who rode.
Matykiewicz tells of one boy who likes to pretend that he is with his deceased grandfather while he is riding. The group becomes a safe place for the students to talk about their feelings and build their coping skills. Lorraine Moore, executive director, thinks of it as helping "kids be kids".
Moore is co-founder of Ride to Pride, along with Greg Esquibel, and has developed the team approach used in this unique method of helping children and families grow, where clients are thought of a students learning life skills. Every group session includes a horseman ship instructor and a therapist. This way, one team member has the opportunity to see what the other might miss.
Participants learn horse care from the hoof up. Stable management, ground training and basic horsemanship skills are taught to every student. Becoming accountable for the horses they ride helps the students learn responsibility for their behaviors. Matykiewicz encourages the students to "treat this horse like you want to be treated".
According to Moore and Matykiewicz, the horse becomes a mirror of the behaviors that the students bring with them, and this helps make the group a safe place to work out problems and concerns. It is hard for children to put their emotions into words; working with horses gives them an opportunity to safely express what they are feeling inside.
Matykiewicz remembers a student who was anxiously telling a horse to go, all the while pulling back on its reins. She helps her students to understand that a horse is a thinking, feeling animal, just as they are.
Horses, just like some kids, have been abused, spoiled, hurt and abandoned. Students are matched to horses that have similar backgrounds or behaviors as their riders. A student can begin to identify their loss with the horse's loss, and together they can help each other.
As the rider learns to show trust and respect for the horse, the horse responds in a positive way - does what it's asked to do - and both learn cooperation. Through their accomplishments with horses, students gains a sense of mastery and discipline, not just over the horse but with themselves, and they soon recognize that personal control means empowerment in their lives. This leads to healing.
Groups of students work together to learn the skills and practice teamwork. Students can see themselves in other group members, in the horses, and in how they each are dealt with and treated.
The grief group is just one of many programs offered at the Ride to Pride partnership. They offer programs for all students including those considered at risk, special education students, or other interested youth. Methods used include individual, group and equine therapies. Families interested in solving difficulties or just wanting to reinforce their strengths are invited to join one of the parenting groups offered using EAP methods. There is also school-related tutoring available for participants, facilitated by Untied World College students. Moore points out that the kids attending tutoring sessions are consistent and seem to enjoy the experience.
Moore said that she is working to expand the operation to meet more of the community's needs. She is planning a group for single moms (single dads won't be forgotten), as well as other services as community needs become apparent. She is pursuing various funding sources to help those who may need assistance.
There are also recreational classes and programs offered for children, youth and adults. For more information contact: