A Jacks Valley Elementary School student rides a horse at Between Horses and Humans.
Students from Jacks Valley Elementary School in Minden recently wrapped up a six-week after-school program focused on responsibility, horsemanship, and emotional growth, offered through Between Horses and Humans in Gardnerville.
The program combined hands-on learning with personal development, giving students the chance to care for horses while building key life skills, according to Jacks Valley Elementary School social worker Jeannette Bostedt.
“Throughout the course, students participated in various horse care tasks such as grooming, mucking stalls, and feeding grain,” Bostedt said. “In addition to these essential activities, they learned to harness the power of breath and emotion regulation to connect with the horses’ calm and intuitive nature. This approach helped them build a deeper bond with the animals while also mastering basic ground skills and riding techniques.”
According to Bostedt, the program’s most impactful experience was the students’ first ride.
“They confronted the delicate balance between fear and bravery when mounting the horses,” she said. “These moments were pivotal in fostering their self-confidence and resilience.”
Bostedt said helped the students develop both self-assurance and empathy.
“Programs like this teach more than just horsemanship—they give our students a chance to face their fears and strengthen their emotional intelligence,” she said.
Between Horses and Human Program Director Seanna Jackson said she saw progress.
“It’s been amazing to watch the students not only grow in their horsemanship skills but also in their personal confidence,” she remarked.”
On the program’s final day, Jackson had the honor of presenting each student with a certificate of completion and a model of their favorite horse as a keepsake.
