$9,943 raised by 26 donors
100% complete
$3,000 Goal
For over 20 years we have nurtured and shared the power of connection with horses and nature, sowing seeds of change to see oneself from a different perspective. Your contribution will help provide access to mental health services and social-emotional wellness support for underserved youth and adults in our local and regional communities.
What students are saying about A.W.A.R.E.:
"It is helping me with self-control and my confidence and a little respect. They put a lot of effort here." 5th grade boy
"It has helped me with feeling better about myself and focusing on my future." 8th grade girl
"I have been more aware and more accountable because I take responsibility when I have done something bad." 7th grade boy
"Everything has changed since I came here. My outlook on life is so much more positive." 10th grade girl
"Being here has made me calm, gave me good coping skills and reduced my stress." 11th grade girl
"It helped plenty. I would come every day if I could. It's helped me remember that there are people who care and it's given me a sense of hope." 9th grade girl
What educators are saying about A.W.A.R.E.:
"I feel that Medicine Horse helped this boy find his happiness again. He showed confidence when earlier in the year there was only anger and resentment. I think this program brought back a kiddo that might have otherwise been lost." A. R. Dolores School District
"Prior to visiting Medicine Horse, our student was very argumentative and confrontational and felt 'singled-out' by his behavior. When asked to leave the room to calm down, even for a break or a walk around the pod, he would become very upset. After visiting Medicine Horse, he would still exhibit impulsive behavior, but his response to being asked to correct his behavior was much more positive, and pleasant. He would also make requests or ask for alternative choices or tasks as a method responding to behavioral corrections." L.N. Cortez Middle School
Online 2020 "R U AWARE?" Series feedback:
"Oh my gosh! Today's video is precious! Thank you! I love the connection with our 4 legged friends overcoming challenges too. The variety of ages of kids is awesome. Your videos this morning have helped get me out of my monotonous rut. I'm ready for my day now with a better frame of mind. Thanks." C.L. Axis Health System
"We included SEL on google classroom because so many of our students are stressed, missing friends, missing teachers, online learning questions and stressed out parents. Thank you for thinking of our kids and how you make my life better just by knowing you." S.D. Mesa Elementary Teacher
Professional Development (Trauma-Informed Behavior Management Trainings):
"Working with the Medicine Horse staff, including the horses, was an amazing experience for my professional and personal growth. Not only were we given an array of tools and techniques, Karen helped us understand the spectrums involved with trauma and traumatic stress. This consists of environmental factors that we do not see or experience that contribute to behaviors. It gave me a whole new outlook when working with my target population. We were also given an amazing opportunity to focus on our own skills to promote self-care and composure. This included stepping out of our comfort zone at times. The training involves information as well as physically participating in practices that left me feeling rejuvenated and energized to continue my work with a growth mindset. We even got to spend time building and enhancing our connection with the horses. I really enjoyed working with every member of the staff at Medicine Horse and can easily say that it was the most impactful training I have experienced thus far." S.G. Pinon Project
Horses and humans working together to foster healthier communities.
Medicine Horse Center was formed in the year 2000 by a few like-minded people, who saw the need for an equine assisted therapy center in our community. The Center officially received its 501(c)(3) status in the year 2000 and primarily focused on therapeutic riding, but by 2008 we expanded its services to include mental health and social-emotional wellness programs. Since those early days, where a handful of local residents were served, we have grown into a valued organization, serving people with emotional, physical and/or cognitive challenges.
Our clientele is as diverse as the community in which we live. We serve children, youth and adults of all ages in our equine assisted psychotherapy, equine assisted learning and professional development programs. With horses as our partners, we aim to address the wellbeing of local youth and adults with programs designed to strengthen each participant’s self-esteem, social awareness, responsible decision making, and connection with self and others. Through guidance from our staff and interactions with our therapy horse team, clients begin to understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect each relationship in their lives. It is our belief that by stewarding personal growth and awareness, we are contributing to positive youth development and adult enrichment, which serves to strengthen the social fabric of our rural community.
No one is turned away from services because of an inability to pay. We support our programs through grant funding, individual donations, fundraisers, as well as, community support through volunteering and in-kind services.
Organization name
Medicine Horse Center
other names
MHC
2000
Tax id (EIN)
84-1560026
Category
Youth Development, Human Services, Animal-Related
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
40700 Road JMailing
40700 Road J P.O. 1074Montezuma County, CO, US
Archuleta County, CO, US
Dolores County, CO, US
La Plata County, CO, US
Phone
970-533-7403
Other
970-533-7403