Horsing Around in Houston!
By Jade LeBlanc-Ernest
February’s Meet the Kids event in Houston was filled with excitement and new adventures. For this event, the kids and families in our program took a trip to Vantage Point Farm, where they were given the rare chance to feed, brush, and ride the horses.
The kids loved caring for the animals they wouldn’t normally have the chance to connect with. Because of their ever-changing living situations, kids in foster care rarely have the chance to have pets of their own. Being around the horses at Vantage Point Farm brought the kids so much joy and allowed them to learn more about horses in a safe and controlled environment.
Vantage Point Farm is a Houston-area training facility and horse boarding center for equestrian athletes. Trainers at Vantage point vary in experience and skill levels, but all the trainers have big hearts for the horses they care for. Vantage Point Farm’s team invited the Houston Weekend Miracles kids to join them on a sunny Saturday afternoon. There were more than 25 kids in attendance, so participants were split into two groups: riders and groomers. Both groups were invited to switch when they were ready to change activities.
At the riding station, the kids rode English style on a horse with a trainer guiding their horse by the reigns. Each kid was invited to ride on one of three horses for a few guided laps while enjoying lighthearted conversation with the trainers. A few of the kids were hesitant to ride, but the trainers helped them feel at ease and all fear had disappeared by the end of the ride. The kids’ experience with the horses was calm, even-paced, and filled with joy from start to finish.
The grooming station gave the kids the opportunity to care for a horse with brushes after an informational session provided by the stable’s trainers. For the kids who were not interested in riding horses, this station provided an opportunity to get close and still connect with the animals without having to ride them. The kids who decided to brush and pet the horses learned tips from the trainers that enriched their knowledge about caring for the horses.
Research suggests that regularly interacting and caring for animals can really boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence level and help regulate their mental health. With a quiet atmosphere to keep the horses calm, the kids were focused on making sure the horses were cared for. Respecting the horses’ space reminded the kids they can feel independent and confident in their abilities to care for animals and care for themselves while respecting others’ space.
At the end of the event, all of the kids were invited to assist the trainers as they fed each of the horses in the stables. After all of the horses were fed, it was time for the birthday celebration. Each month, we celebrate the kids in our program who have a birthday during that month, and this month, the group celebrated Sto and Maxton with cupcakes.
Join Kidsave as we work to make dreams come true for older kids in foster care. There are many wonderful kids in our Houston Weekend Miracles program in need of hosts or adoptive families.
These older kids in foster care are growing up without the stability and love that all kids need to thrive. If you’re interested in adopting or hosting an older kid, please contact us. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you get started.
Email us at weekendmiracles@kidsave.org to learn more.
