"I call horses ‘divine mirrors’ – they reflect back the emotions you
put in. If you put in love and respect and kindness and curiosity, the
horse will return that."
Allan Hamilton
We have some big changes for the upcoming Sun River Season.
I recently had the opportunity to spend time with our horses "at liberty." Liberty training involves a free environment, unrestrained, in the absence of tack. Gradually, a bond is created through a series of companionship interactions that
are naturally enjoyable to the horse (Robin Gates). There are many ways to train and interact with a horse. Liberty is another natural horsemanship method. I became intrigued by each horse and his/her authentic personality while working in this environment. Liberty allows for natural behavior, including the little quirks and nuisances. How did I miss these behaviors in all the hours I spent with them? I missed them because I was too focused on the end task, riding.
The Eagala Certified Equine assisted Psychotherapy Program uses horses at liberty--no halters, ropes or tack of any kind. Children focus on ground activities, often helping them overcome fear, develop confidence, etc. Sun River has the opportunity to facilitate these sessions on a weekly basis and the response of the children has been very positive. We feel this type of interaction fits best with our mentoring program.
Beginning in the spring of 2016, we will be offering sessions with horses at liberty. The focus will be on ground work and connecting with the horse. At Sun River Equine Youth Ranch our mission is to work with ALL children, regardless of circumstance. But what we discovered these past few years, was that the need was great. We began leaning toward who had the most needs or who had been participating the longest. We struggled with how many sessions we could offer with the horses and volunteers we had available. The load was great and it was heavy. Scheduling the riding sessions became difficult with lack of resources, volunteers and horses. Those hot summer days became more about how many children we could get on a horse instead of focusing on the connection with the animal and the volunteer mentor.
It has taken many months of prayer and consultation with close friends and volunteers to come back to the basics. I have been conflicted and confused as to what direction to take. It's not about the saddle. We were not chosen for this ministry to fill the saddle seats, we were chosen to nurture our upcoming generation in a world that devours anything good and pure.
These sessions will allow us to not only reach more children, but we will also be able to offer group sessions. Thank you all for your grace through this divine journey. We hope to see you all in the spring. Much love to you all!
Blessings, Tanya
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Romans 12:12
Freedom
Sun River Equine Youth Ranch is a cost-free program relying solely on donations and contributions from our community. If you would like to shoulder with us please visit:
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
-2 Corinthians 3:17
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