Horsemanship Program

Some of the youth up on the horses

Last week I spent out in the community at the Panee Agriplex where I was reviewing a program that Maskwacis Justice is looking to adopt under one of our Suicide Prevention Programs. The program is a horsemanship program, where youth have the opportunity to learn about and gain horsemanship skills. This program however, goes much beyond learning to ride a horse.
Relationship with animals and the environment are an important part of Aboriginal culture and this program allows youth to connect with the horse, as well as the horses spirit. It also teaches discipline as the youth are taught how to properly care for, handle, and treat the horses. All of this provides the youth an opportunity for healing, while reinforcing cultural values.
It was amazing to go in and check out this program, the kids were really enjoying themselves and Dion (the instructor) had a really great way to communicate to the kids as well as the horses. Their faces lit up when they got to hop on their horse, but also as they go to sit around and chat with the other youth in the community.
I see this program as having great potential and am very much looking forward to doing work with this program.

Dion doing an introduction for the kids

First the youth must pet and talk to the horse to develop a relationship with them

Dion wanted me to get a real 'feel for the program' through connecting with the horses too!