Student Insights
Let’s hear from the experts…
A Mother’s Testimonial
"The change that came about in my child when she met Jess (the white
mustang) for the second time was more significant than anything that I or
her doctors and therapists had seen in the previous five years. Maybe we had
paved the way for this moment -- carrying her with love and support,
treating the hurt and pain, and working through our own fears together."
"But in that meeting with Jess, there was a clear mental and emotional
shift. There was no judgment of who she was, no one asking "what are you
feeling," no 'asks' at all - except that she be present. My daughter's
anxiety, uneasiness, self-doubt, and fear all seemed to fall away as she
relaxed - totally present in the moment with Jess. It was as if they
understood each other in a safe space together - fully present, and seeing
each other without distraction. She was awakened in that moment, and the
anxiety and despair left her for the first time in years."
"Since that time, my daughter has developed a deep connection with Jess, and
it is this connection that, I believe, is the foundation of her renewed
strength and interest in life."
William
“My experiences here have given me tools that extend far beyond the ‘walls’ of our barn and are also applicable within my own life . . . from something as simple as trusting my own instincts to something as intricate as earning both a horse’s or a human’s trust.”
age 14
Maddy
“Alma equine gives kids a place to grow themselves as an individual without any pressures of the outside world. And it really helps with outside situations also. It truly has made an enormous impact on who I am today.”
age 18
Matt
“When I started volunteering at Alma Equine, it was everything I wanted, but I didn’t realize it was everything I needed. I re-learned how to appreciate the little things that truly matter.”
age 26
Aria M.
“I’ve learned, and continue to learn, a lot about horses and people, all while having a fun time! Jenny and Ana are great teachers and have taught me great leadership skills.”
age 14
Madeline O.
“Especially when I was headed into a new stage in my life. . . (Alma Equine) gave me confidence in new situations which I am super grateful for because I was able to do things that I wanted to do and was able to achieve things that I thought I wouldn’t be able to do.”
age 15
Zeena
“I remember there were times when I would struggle with the horses on rides but then think back to deep breathing as if it’s a magic power. Recently, I have started to find a connection within the methods I’ve learned at Alma Equine with people. I mean, if they work on horses, they have to work on people…right?! Most importantly, I truly believe that Alma Equine has brought out the brave side in me which also shows my fun part.”
age 14
Sergei
“From working with animals, I have learned that . . .if I want someone to change or I want someone to change his or her attitude to me…I need to be patient.”
age 26
Ronie
“Alma Equine’s instructors (both human and horse) have taught me essential soft skills like how to communicate between people and horses, as well as boosting my confidence and teaching me how to be sensitive and mindful (and so much more). These skills have helped me develop the ultimate ‘toolkit’ to help tackle any challenges that life decides to throw my way. The horses utilize a language that can also be used when communicating with people. This language has helped me navigate my relationships with my friends, family and strangers.
In addition to soft skills –Alma Equine has given me so many hands-on experiences that have empowered and made me feel more independent. For example, I’ve learned how to build, paint, maintain and replace fencing, how to safely drive and maneuver a trailer, how to build simple plumbing systems to ensure 24/7 access to water, how to assess and care for injured and healthy horses and so much more. I am extremely grateful for Alma Equine and their instructors as they have set me up for success in the adult world. I now feel comfortable to attack the challenges that life has to throw my way.”
age 18
Nova
“Alma Equine has allowed me to translate the language I have learned with the horses to all aspects of my life. It’s helped me feel more confident in interacting with my peers and teachers, as well as helping me realize that we’re not so different from each other as we think. The leadership skills that I began learning with the horses will guide me for the rest of my life.”
age 14
Jocelyn
“Pressure and release are the most important part of “Horse.” It’s an unemotional and simple method of communicating in a way that horses understand exactly (most of the time) what you’re trying to get them to do. Horses are not obeying me; they are merely responding to the pressure. It’s like saying, “I’m putting something you don’t like on you, and only if you do what I want, then I’ll stop.” For example, if I push with two fingers on a horse’s neck, s/he won’t like it. When s/he moves away from the pressure, I take my fingers off. Next time I do this, the horse knows, “Oh, if I move this way, she’ll stop.” After all, no one likes someone putting pressure on them. That’s why the “release” part of “pressure and release” is the most important by far, because if you don’t release, the horse doesn’t know if what s/he’s doing is right or wrong.”
age 12
Sara
“Riding at Alma Equine has been an eye opening and inspiring venture. Alma Equine has not only improved my riding but has done so while teaching important life lessons about boundaries and confidence.”
age 16
Gabriella
“Going into my first hours of volunteering with Alma Equine, my mind conjured up the two extremes: scooping manure and galloping off into the sunset. Instead, I received a lesson on the importance of communication and connection. As I slowly gained fluency in this new language of pawing and chewing and eye expressions, I began to see its underlying importance. Communication and connection aren’t about words, they’re about the intention and meaning behind actions; a dance of pressure and release. Beyond the world of the round-pen and trail rides, this language translated into everyday life. In a school project, I was in charge of organizing our group and making sure the work was completed on time. As the deadline drew nearer, I found myself stressing over my group members’ blank presentation slides. Yet, even with text and in-class reminders, their slides remained blank. So I stepped back and reminded myself that, just as when working with the thoroughbreds, continual pressure won’t break down walls, it will only build them taller. By providing my group members with a little space and allowing them to complete their work on their own schedule, I found that they were both more engaged and willing to collaborate—the beauty of the balance between pressure and release.”
age 18