Between Horses and Humans program participants riding.
Photo Special to The R-C by Seanna Jackson
Since 2008, Between Horses and Humans (betweenhorsesandhumans.org) has provided children a unique opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills as they learn to handle and properly care for their equine partners.
The group’s motto is, “Lives Changed - Hearts Healed.”
By pairing horses with youth who are experiencing difficult life circumstances, the intervention program helps guide and nurture participants in developing strategies to successfully navigate challenges and look toward a future of hope and possibility.
“When we teach a student how to lead a horse, they are learning about boundaries,” said Program Director Seanna Jackson. “In order to effectively lead a horse, you have to establish a proper boundary with the horse to do so safely.”
Jackson said that developing proper equestrian skills can encourage and empower youth to apply what they’ve learned to different aspects of their lives. Essential life skills such as problem solving, perseverance, mindfulness, emotional regulation, patience, and self-awareness are woven throughout lessons to support young people in their journey toward adulthood. Program participants get to practice what they learn in a secure, safe environment among the calming presence of six therapeutic horses.
Jackson brings an extensive background in horsemanship and a deep passion for mental wellness and personal development to her role. Since stepping in as Program Director last October, she has created an in-depth, instructor-level curriculum intended to benefit both existing and incoming volunteers. Jackson said the new volunteer curriculum is designed as a six-week program that can be self-paced as long as it’s completed within six months from initiation.
The group is actively recruiting volunteers with basic horse experience who would be interested and willing to work through the curriculum with guidance and support from Jackson and other facilitators. Those age 24 and above train to be an independent volunteer instructor while those younger than age 24 can get established as a student volunteer instructor and work alongside the independent instructors. There’s no cost to participate in the volunteer program aside from paying for a background check through the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
BHH currently serves about 20 students per week and has an extensive waitlist of others eager to join the program, which is offered free to participants. Jackson said increasing the numbers of BHH volunteers will help fast track the waitlist and enable more youth to engage in lessons.
Program organizers are also seeking new members to serve on the BHH Board of Directors. Jackson said anyone who is passionate about supporting the valley’s youth and who understands the incredible impact horses can have on one’s life and overall well-being is welcome to apply.
The group is a Nevada 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is housed at the Amacker Ranch at 975 Centerville Lane in Gardnerville. To learn more about volunteering with BHH, contact volunteer coordinator Kristin Moffit at volunteers.bhh@gmail.com. To inquire about program enrollment or serving on the board, send an email to betweenhorsesandhumans@gmail.com.
Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.
