Children at Risk Riding Programs

[B.G.M_heidi]

<BLOCKQUOTE class=“ip-ubbcode-quote”><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by J. Turner:
[B]I am a beginner teacher … just one year on the books. I did my student teaching in the inner-city in Atlanta. I spent my first year in a middle-class community in Danvers, Massachusetts. Atlanta was 100% black; Danvers was about 99% white. I am white, honky white! There are stresses involved in each, and I prefer the stresses of the inner city. I cannot deal with the entitlements assumed my the middle to upper middle class white kids – not all of them, of course.

– You owe them a good grade. They don’t have to earn it
– Parents automatically assume you are out to get their kids. "My kids couldn’t possibly do that [speaking out in class, copying homework, etc.]
– Along the same lines, very little parental support of the academic process – rather give their kids an “A”, than the kids learn something hard and get a “B.”
– “You’re giving too much homework.”
– “Ever since we bought him the car, homework’s been an issue.” (you don’t know how many times I’ve heard that)

Well, I know I’m kind of off topic. But the conversation is important – on both subjects.[/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

As a parent, my observation is that many parents have difficulty with grasping the truth about their progeny. True parenting has been replaced by the lies we tell ourselves because the truth would actually require that we spend time with our children, talking to them, sharing an afternoon hack, discussing the political issues of the day, sharing meals, respecting their opinions. Horrors, the truth may perhaps reveal that Johnny can’t read, Susie is a brat, and little Mary is smoking pot.

I do think life in the inner city forces you to be honest and truthful because it’s grounded in harsh and ugly reality - and when confronted with that on a daily basis, it becomes harder to lie about yourself, your childen, your neighbours and your grandkids.

The great fallacy has been “well, I’ve been the best parent I can be”. As a consequence we rear children who have an equally difficult time with truth and honesty - who stomp through life with unearned assumptions, expectations and a brand new car.

I’m not even going to venture into the education system except to say it’s horrifying that teachers are so poorly paid. I think on average in Canada, the public school teacher starts at 40K, as a principal you reach 100+K. Perhaps you should just move here. I’m sure our educational system would welcome someone with your education and insights.

Just realized, older I get more I become a Marxist Republican. Who’s on that ticket?

[hobson]

Hey Heidi, about 10 years ago I created and ran for several years a lesson program for girls in troubled family situations, so I might have something to offer. I met a wealthy housing developer who had a youth-services foundation and who told me about his idea for giving these girls access to horses (he wanted to focus on girls since it appeared to him that boys had many more opportunities in sports). I suggested he hire me to develop the program, and he did.

We leased a local barn facility that had been built for an Arab breeding program - it had an indoor arena, outside ring, lots of stalls, access to trails. The girls came from a number of local Catholic-Church-affiliated group homes. We also invited kids from the neighboring area to join the lesson program in the spirit of good community relations. I bought a fleet of reliable, quiet (to me, beginner riders and green horses is a highly undesireable combination) school horses of various sizes. The girls took weekly lessons. I taught basic balanced seat, with a dressage emphasis and tons of trail riding. The really interested girls could aim to ride in schooling shows, and in exchange for extra lessons they would help out with stall cleaning and the like. The kids were reasonably competitive in the shows, against folks who owned their horses and had daily access to riding. I could ramble on, but that’s the basic idea. The program still exists, having grown considerably. I left when Jesus-related proselytizing was introduced as part of my job description.

And may I just mention a pet peeve of mine as a downtown dweller? I know there’s no common substitute for the term “inner city,” but its usage really encourages the very anti-city bias that in the last 30 years have left formerly vibrant city neighborhoods high and dry as a result of suburban flight. I know it’s already been mentioned, but not all people in poor city neighborhoods are necessarily criminals-in-waiting, and lots of folks lead crummy, unpleasant lives in wealthy suburbs. As horse lovers, we should be encouraging healthy city development - the more scruffy the cities get-and the way we talk about them has a BIG impact on their desirability- the more city residents head for the suburbs…how many of you have had your trail access cut off by the forward march of the beige houses and the shopping malls? I wish I had a good suggestion for replacing “inner city” but I don’t - any suggestions? Any urban studies folks out there who can help? Thanks for tolerating my little language-and-discourse tangent!

Anyway, Heidi, feel free to email me for more details!

[This message has been edited by hobson (edited 10-19-2000).]

[Kelsy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class=“ip-ubbcode-quote”><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by heidi:
[B]

I’ve also thought it would be wonderful to send the best to ‘a summer’ abroad to show in Europe. But I’m probably getting ahead of myself here.

[/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Your idea sounds good, Heidi. The part about Europe, though, I don’t think would work. At the program here, the children learn the basics of riding within the two weeks, and the main purpose is not so much to make the the top trainers of the future, but to instill in them a love for horses to fill in alot of the emptiness in their lives. For one thing, so many of the children who have so bravely lived their lives in some of the worst neighborhoods in the country, are scared to even get on the horse or pony. It’s a whole different world for them and though by the end of the week they get over it, the 2 weeks isn’t really good enough to make them into top riders.

The answer, I would say, is to make more people aware of programs such as working student programs. There are working students at the farm I’m at and they’re all extremely talented riders who unfortunately don’t have the financial means to ride. It’s hard work; they’re usually at the barn by 6 a.m. and putting in long days doing the worst barn chores to pay for a few lessons a week. That’s how Margie G-Engle and other riders have made a name for themselves. It takes alot of hard work and I don’t know if I could take it, but that’s one possibility available to riders which more people should be aware of.

[Bertie]

I so wish I could find that article in the Chronicle about the program in Connecticut! Can’t seem to search the Chron’s Archives anymore…?
Erin?

If anyone can find it…it was published sometime during the last few months (probably at least a month or more ago). There was a photo of a young man on a gray horse and an accompanying story.

From what I remember, the program seemed similar to J. Turner’s ideas…I think it’s an on-going program so that the riders aren’t treated to just a short visit, but instead riding becomes a part of their lives. The young man in the photo was an example of how the program could change the direction of a young person’s life.

[Canter]

heidi

May I suggest you post your proposal on the EMG BB?

Perhaps some lurkers who do have it in their power to make a difference will read it.

While I may not have much to offer on the financial side - I would be one of the first to offer my help in getting this off the ground.

You know where to find me.

BTW, I’ll be muttering “Marxist” in lieu of a password at the Fox & Hound. Hope the goats won’t mind. Hans? He’ll be too sloshed to notice.

[Cactuskate]

I am reviving this thread because I just found a great link to a riding program of interest. www.worktoride.net It is in Philadelphia and was founded in 1994. It is very interesting to me. I like the structure and may do some follow up to see if it is as successful as it sounds.

So what do you think?

[This message has been edited by Cactuskate (edited 10-27-2000).]

[Cactuskate]

I was thinking more in the lines of exposing these “at-risk-kids” to an activity that would afford them the experience of responsibility without a lot of external pressures. Responsible for another living thing, the care, the emotions, the dependency. While instilling the correct care and safety issues that are always necessary around horses.

At my level I don’t find the showing aspect to be the thrust. While yes there is a need for a scholarship program, that would not be my emphasis.

I think what Kelsy is talking about is of interest. I will email you for more info.

A part of me is “selfish” in my efforts. I do not consider myself being of means at all. However, I am very appreciative of what I have been able to do. I would like a chance to give back to those that have not even remotely had the opportunity to care about something besides their own survival. I may not have a funding capacity but I do have time and I do have knowledge. And most importantly the desire to share.

And to not be to self righteous, if one person finds their way past drugs, pregnancy and/or crime into a world of their choice, then that is an accomplishment.

I look forward to hearing from more people regarding programs they might know of in their area.

[This message has been edited by Cactuskate (edited 10-15-2000).]

[Weatherford]

Nancey Phillips Fisher posted this about Horses in the Hood:
“HORSES IN THE HOOD” Kathy Kusner
The article below says it all far better–and most certainly far more briefly!
http://espn.go.com/horse/s/000512finleykusner.html

[B.G.M_heidi]

Canter, the goats are committed libertarians so I think you’ll have to apologize for the slight at the Fox and Hound.

I’ve been hesitant to post this on EMG BB as I want a formulated, debate proof proposal when I go and hit Craig up for sponsorship $$. Haha. Also need to speak further with my mother about the fine art of shaming others into action - though I think my room’s clean.

Perhaps Eric can be involved, eh. Could use the P.R. value. Whattaya think? You can, of course, email me with your thoughts too. I’ve had a few thoughts about incorporating the foundation w/ the mag so I’ll also email you.

Hans as you’ve predicted BTW is sleeping one off in the corner so has not been much help.

[B.G.M_heidi]

It is a wonderful program, thanks Cactuskate for posting the thread. The facility is within a park - I’m assuming in downtown Philadelphia.

I’ve re-thought the charity idea several times, from 2-week camp to weekly program but remain convinced that it’s still a valid and do-able venture. Now, to find a facility within easy access to the downtown core. Canter or Clay - do either of you know what’s doing at Sunnybrook?

[rockstar]

b <BLOCKQUOTE class=“ip-ubbcode-quote”><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kelsy:
[B] Your idea sounds good, Heidi. The part about Europe, though, I don’t think would work. At the program here, the children learn the basics of riding within the two weeks, and the main purpose is not so much to make the the top trainers of the future, but to instill in them a love for horses to fill in alot bof the emptiness in their lives. For one thing, so many of the children who have so bravely lived their lives in some of the worst neighborhoods in the country, are scared to even get on the horse or pony. It’s a whole different world for them and though by the end of the week they get over it, the 2 weeks isn’t really good enough to make them into top riders.

The answer, I would say, is to make more people aware of programs such as working student programs. There are working students at the farm I’m at and they’re all extremely talented riders who unfortunately don’t have the financial means to ride. It’s hard work; they’re usually at the barn by 6 a.m. and putting in long days doing the worst barn chores to pay for a few lessons a week. That’s how Margie G-Engle and other riders have made a name for themselves. It takes alot of hard work and I don’t know if I could take it, but that’s one possibility available to riders which more people should be aware of.

[/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Kelsy,

Heidi does not mean to take the inner city children to Europe… I think she dreams of being able to do that for the working students the foundation will suport.

[Cactuskate]

SoEasy, I find this via a web search of “Kathy Kusner.” Came up as an expert witness-horses. I do not know how up to date it might be.

Kathy Kusner
1053 1/2 N. Stanley Avenue
W. Hollywood, CA 90046
Tel: 213-654-7266

I was trying to find the link recently about her program. The link above does give some insight.

[CAH]

heidi - here are some thoughts which may help you.

1. Define your “at risk population” early on. At risk of what? Pregnancy? Child abuse? Delinquency?

2. Combine other programming with the riding component. For example - life skills building, anger managment classes, coping skills, etc. Gear it towards the population you are serving.

3. Have CLEAR, CONCISE, MEASURABLE outcomes for program participants. For example, 90 percent of all graduates will not receive delinquency charges for 1 year upon graduation…or whatever population you are serving. By the way, pure prevention typ programs are the hardest to measure. Just ask the DARE program.

4. Overnight programs have their own set of restrictions. In the US - laws vary from state to state. I have no clue about Canadian guidelines. No matter what, you are looking at more staff and resources to implement an overnight program. It can be done on a daily basis, with results.

5. Finally, after you define your population, target an area. Inner city? Rural? Where are the gaps in services? What other youth programs are available for you to join up with? What is availble in your area?

Hope this is of some help -

[hobson]

I know just the place you’re talking about - I work just across the street from the barn. They do a great job with teaching and lessons, and seem to have a decent bunch of horses. I’ve had some qualms, though, about safety and adult oversight - I’ve frequently seen kids tearing through the park on ponies too small for them - no helmets, crossing sidewalks, etc. IMO, safety and responsible horsepersonship ought to come first…competitive opportunites second.