MARCH/APRIL 2018 THE RIDER /13 Youthdale Riding Program Changes Lives Of At-Risk Youth


By Kelly Bowers First of all, I want to thank


Shelley Peterson for suggesting I look into the unique Youthdale Riding Program, near her home in Orangeville, ON. I trust her judgement and when she said they were doing great things and changing lives, she wasn’t exag- gerating. The innovative pro- gram is run out of the aptly named, Jewel View Farm, a 100 acre property, owned and oper- ated by Dr. James & Ellen Downey. Ellen, a social worker for 30 years, is the founder and director of the Youthdale Riding program, a registered charity under Toronto’s Youthdale Treat- ment Centers. Since 2001, Youthdale has provided an op- portunity for at-risk youth to con- nect with horses, learn horseback riding skills, and benefit from the therapeutic nature of these magi- cal animals. Each year, the pro- gram helps about 65 young people from ages 12-21 years who come from Toronto, Cale- don/Peel and Dufferin counties. Horses are innately emo-


tional, exceptionally sensitive and look for boundaries and se- curity to make their environ- ments safe and secure. The “at-risk” youth who participate in this program are similarly sensi- tive and are also searching for boundaries and security to help them understand and function in their worlds. How does the program


work? The kids come once a week for 10 weeks and each is matched with a horse, a volun-


teer, and a certified instructor to teach. After each class, there is a group de-brief ses- sion with the youth, their vol- unteers and the coach. The ride is discussed, both positive and negative as well as goals for the following week. They are encouraged to develop and build on their feelings of suc- cess and confidence, while progressing at their own com- fort level. At the end of each 10-week session the kids per- form a “show off class” where they invite family and friends to “show off” their new skills. Over the weeks, the


horses bring out the best in these kids, boosting self-es- teem, helping the participants to focus, and to channel their emotions in a positive way. They may even find them- selves making an, often rare, emotional connection to an- other being. The youth come from very diverse backgrounds and experiences, but they are all considered “at-risk”. These kids do not have physical dis- abilities, but for many, perma- nent relationships are elusive and are “at-risk” of not doing well and not thriving in the world. They may struggle with mental health issues and have histories of self-harm. Some are challenged by learning disabili- ties that destroy their self confi- dence with little or no experience of succeeding at anything. Youth- dale also offers a program every summer


for the adolescent


LGBTQ community in Cale- don/Peel/Dufferin. Many of


the new skills in other aspects of their lives. The horses in the program


are very special and take their work with the youth seriously. In 2013, the RCMP became aware of the program and have since donated three of their exceptional Musical Ride horses. These horses are calm, well trained and wise and a perfect fit to compli- ment the other horses. It is expected that this special con- nection with the RCMP will continue, and the program looks forward to having more horses donated in coming years. As you can imagine, run-


ning a program like Youth- dale is very costly. The horses are expensive to main- tain. Costs include feed, far- rier, dentistry and veterinarian care. In addition, these mag- nificent older well schooled horses require additional sup- plements to manage arthritis or old injuries from their for- mer lives. With 6 horses cur- rently in the program, they run an annual budget of about $65,000. Besides that, there are purchases and repairs of


them are living at shelters, couch surfing or are homeless and are some of the most vulnerable, feeling like they don’t fit in at home, or anywhere else. Coping strategies used by


these adolescents is often to act out, run away and shut down. This results in interactions with the police, school failure and family breakdowns. But in the


program, when these actions don’t work with the horses, the kids find themselves learning new strategies for success and partnership. The practical value of this is realized when they use


saddles, bridles, blanket, as well as helmet replacement, gloves, and all other cost associated with operating a riding facility to con- sider. In spite of this, the pro- gram is 100% supported by 15


regular volunteers and proceeds raised through fundraising, gen- erous donations of critical serv- ices like veterinary care and coaching, and well-needed prod- ucts. Some well known support- ers have recognized the value of the program and leant a hand, many from the local community. In 2011, Olympic rider Mark Todd taught a clinic at the farm and donated the proceeds to Youthdale. Even without gov- ernment funding or subsidies, the riding program youth participate free of charge. It really does take a village to raise a child, espe- cially those at-risk. And what do the partici-


pants have to say about the pro- gram?


“My horse is smarter than my Psychiatrist, because I can lie to my Psychiatrist, but I can’t lie to my horse.” – A, Age 14


“I learned that I’m a quick learner, a leader, very kind and gentle, a tad skilled, caring and compassionate.” – J, Age 16


For more information


about the Youthdale Riding pro- gram and how you can help more kids benefit from this life chang- ing experience, check their web- site


at


youthdaleridingprogram.com or call (705) 434-0993.


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