Kids Peace
Kids Peace
Tanner Behavioral Health
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Article from "For the Kids, Winter 2007".
"I felt so proud the first time I got up on that horse, nothing could spoil my day or even my whole week! A horse is a good
buddy ... you can talk to him all day."
That quotation from Kids Peace kid Leabert speaks volumes about the self-confidence and trust that can be gained from a
new equine program being offered to kids at Kids Peace Bowdon, Georgia, campus. Under the direction of a licensed
therapist, kids visit a nearby horse farm once a week where they learn the basics of equestrian care, training, and riding.
"The experience of learning to control a 1,200-pound beast is an empowering one," says Jan Lizotte, program manager.
The program also draws parallels between horse and human behavior so that kids learn about themselves in the process.
During one afternoon session that Jan recalls, the therapist talked about the separation anxiety that foals sometimes suffer
when their mothers are moved into another pen. The therapist explained how that mirrors some of the kids' own experiences.
By learning to care for the horses, the kids grow used to animals' large size, gradually overcoming any fears as they build a
trusting relationship.
Buddy and Sandra Floyd, husband and wife, own and operate the 82-acre horse farm in western Georgia where they keep
about 20 horses. They built the Possum Snout Arena on their property just for "fun shows." One of the families that attended
regularly had a little girl, Rachel, who was struggling with a number of disabilities. The idea came to the Floyds to offer her a
chance to ride horses like the other kids, despite her physical challenges. Out of this experience, the Rachel's Wish
Foundation was born at Possum Snout Foundation was born at Possum Snout to raise and support an equestrian program
for kids who face various difficulties.
"Our mission is to offer free equine opportunities to any child working to overcome a challenge," Sandra says. The
program is beneficial to Kids Peace kids who have abandonment, attachment, or trust issues, according to Jan. The intention
is that the kids take what they learn from building relationships with the horses and apply those lessons to relationships with
people. Kids and staff must commit to the entire six-week program.
One of the team-buiding activities involves two riders, each of whom holds a different end of the same four-foot piece of
toilet paper as they ride in the same direction, trying not to let the paper tear.
Some of the boys and girls who completed the six-week equestrian program enjoyed the experience so much that they
now volunteer at the farm on Sundays to help the physically challenged kids.
Our experience really bears out the proven benefits of working with animals in therapeutic situations," says Jan.
"I felt so proud the first time I got up on that horse, nothing could spoil my day or even my whole week! A horse is a good
buddy ... you can talk to him all day."
That quotation from Kids Peace kid Leabert speaks volumes about the self-confidence and trust that can be gained from a
new equine program being offered to kids at Kids Peace Bowdon, Georgia, campus. Under the direction of a licensed
therapist, kids visit a nearby horse farm once a week where they learn the basics of equestrian care, training, and riding.
"The experience of learning to control a 1,200-pound beast is an empowering one," says Jan Lizotte, program manager.
The program also draws parallels between horse and human behavior so that kids learn about themselves in the process.
During one afternoon session that Jan recalls, the therapist talked about the separation anxiety that foals sometimes suffer
when their mothers are moved into another pen. The therapist explained how that mirrors some of the kids' own experiences.
By learning to care for the horses, the kids grow used to animals' large size, gradually overcoming any fears as they build a
trusting relationship.
Buddy and Sandra Floyd, husband and wife, own and operate the 82-acre horse farm in western Georgia where they keep
about 20 horses. They built the Possum Snout Arena on their property just for "fun shows." One of the families that attended
regularly had a little girl, Rachel, who was struggling with a number of disabilities. The idea came to the Floyds to offer her a
chance to ride horses like the other kids, despite her physical challenges. Out of this experience, the Rachel's Wish
Foundation was born at Possum Snout Foundation was born at Possum Snout to raise and support an equestrian program
for kids who face various difficulties.
"Our mission is to offer free equine opportunities to any child working to overcome a challenge," Sandra says. The
program is beneficial to Kids Peace kids who have abandonment, attachment, or trust issues, according to Jan. The intention
is that the kids take what they learn from building relationships with the horses and apply those lessons to relationships with
people. Kids and staff must commit to the entire six-week program.
One of the team-buiding activities involves two riders, each of whom holds a different end of the same four-foot piece of
toilet paper as they ride in the same direction, trying not to let the paper tear.
Some of the boys and girls who completed the six-week equestrian program enjoyed the experience so much that they
now volunteer at the farm on Sundays to help the physically challenged kids.
Our experience really bears out the proven benefits of working with animals in therapeutic situations," says Jan.
Article from "The Times Georgian" By John P. Boan
Equine Treatment - horses are a therapeutic tool for youngsters in Tanner's adolescent behavioral health program
Almost two dozen children and teenagers sat on handmade bleachers, huddled under a wooden awning, the only place
they could find to shade themselves from the blistering mid-day sun. They watched quietly as a lean, jet-black horse was led
through a handful of gallops and maneuvers. They watched carefully because they knew it would soon be their turn to take the
reins of a one-ton horse of their own.
The group, ranging between the ages of 5 and 17, are all patients in Tanner Health System's adolescent behavioral health
program out of Carrollton and Villa Rica. Most of them were unaware that they were participating in a form of equine therapy, the
practice of using a horse as a therapeutic tool to better help adolescents understood and deal with their own emotions.
As part of a broader category of expressive therapy, or therapy which doesn't simply involve active discussion, equine
therapy can be used to help counselors break through barriers of self-doubt and emotional confusion in patients, said Wayne
Senfeld, administrator for Tanner Behavioral Health in Carrollton.
"It's almost an avenue into the unconscious," Senfeld said. "That's what expressive therapy is, a looking glass into the
unconscious. Consciously, the child may not be able to tell you what's going on with them personally. So equine therapy is a lot
more than being able to rein in an animal or ride an animal. It has become an integral part of what we do just because it helps
the kids and the counselors so much."
The equine program runs throughout the summer and is sponsored by the non-profit service organization Rachel's Wish of
Tallapoosa. Once a week, patients are shuttled to the Possum Snout Arena in Tallapoosa where they learn to clean and
generally care for the horses before they are given the chance to ride. Each week counselors deliver a lesson about how horses
react to different situations, hoping their young patients will be able to make a connection between the situations facing the
horse and those they face in their own lives.
The most recent lesson features a 2-year-old-mare reacting to a "horse-eating plastic bag." This is a bag tied to a stick,
which horses are nearly universally afraid of until they learn how harmless it truly is. The key, the horse's handler said, was to
introduce the horse to the bag when she felt ready. This exercise allowed the patients to understand the importance of taking
things slowly, one at a time and not becoming overwhelmed by the small things in life, said Jodi Henderson, program director at
Rachel's Wish.
Giving patients the opportunity to work with horses exposes them to new experiences and encourages them to be open to
trying new things, Henderson said.
"You see the difference between the kids when they come in, saying "I'm not getting on that horse," and that's usually the
clean version of it," she said. "But then, even sometimes later that day, they're on the horse, and maybe they're riding
blindfolded."
Because horses are generally non-judgmental creatures, Henderson said, the kids are able to approach them without
fearing rejection; though if a rider is acting aggressive or non-responsive, the horse will usually act in a similar way.
"They get the same issues to deal with," she said. "The horses give them back the attitude that they give. They're a mirror.
They can take the experience of being successful, too, because horses are absolutely unconditional in the way they meet each
of these kids, and the kids don't have to prove anything."
Because adolescents are not a part of the behavioral health program for very long, it is important to expedite the process
wherever possible, and the equine program does just that. The effectiveness comes from the fact that many in the program don't
view equine therapies as treatment at all, said Tanya Dyce-Lovelace, associate clinical therapist with Tanner.
"Kids don't necessarily see it as treatment, so they're more likely to embrace it," Dyce-Lovelace said. "It's more like they get
to go horseback riding, and it's much more fun."
Equine Treatment - horses are a therapeutic tool for youngsters in Tanner's adolescent behavioral health program
Almost two dozen children and teenagers sat on handmade bleachers, huddled under a wooden awning, the only place
they could find to shade themselves from the blistering mid-day sun. They watched quietly as a lean, jet-black horse was led
through a handful of gallops and maneuvers. They watched carefully because they knew it would soon be their turn to take the
reins of a one-ton horse of their own.
The group, ranging between the ages of 5 and 17, are all patients in Tanner Health System's adolescent behavioral health
program out of Carrollton and Villa Rica. Most of them were unaware that they were participating in a form of equine therapy, the
practice of using a horse as a therapeutic tool to better help adolescents understood and deal with their own emotions.
As part of a broader category of expressive therapy, or therapy which doesn't simply involve active discussion, equine
therapy can be used to help counselors break through barriers of self-doubt and emotional confusion in patients, said Wayne
Senfeld, administrator for Tanner Behavioral Health in Carrollton.
"It's almost an avenue into the unconscious," Senfeld said. "That's what expressive therapy is, a looking glass into the
unconscious. Consciously, the child may not be able to tell you what's going on with them personally. So equine therapy is a lot
more than being able to rein in an animal or ride an animal. It has become an integral part of what we do just because it helps
the kids and the counselors so much."
The equine program runs throughout the summer and is sponsored by the non-profit service organization Rachel's Wish of
Tallapoosa. Once a week, patients are shuttled to the Possum Snout Arena in Tallapoosa where they learn to clean and
generally care for the horses before they are given the chance to ride. Each week counselors deliver a lesson about how horses
react to different situations, hoping their young patients will be able to make a connection between the situations facing the
horse and those they face in their own lives.
The most recent lesson features a 2-year-old-mare reacting to a "horse-eating plastic bag." This is a bag tied to a stick,
which horses are nearly universally afraid of until they learn how harmless it truly is. The key, the horse's handler said, was to
introduce the horse to the bag when she felt ready. This exercise allowed the patients to understand the importance of taking
things slowly, one at a time and not becoming overwhelmed by the small things in life, said Jodi Henderson, program director at
Rachel's Wish.
Giving patients the opportunity to work with horses exposes them to new experiences and encourages them to be open to
trying new things, Henderson said.
"You see the difference between the kids when they come in, saying "I'm not getting on that horse," and that's usually the
clean version of it," she said. "But then, even sometimes later that day, they're on the horse, and maybe they're riding
blindfolded."
Because horses are generally non-judgmental creatures, Henderson said, the kids are able to approach them without
fearing rejection; though if a rider is acting aggressive or non-responsive, the horse will usually act in a similar way.
"They get the same issues to deal with," she said. "The horses give them back the attitude that they give. They're a mirror.
They can take the experience of being successful, too, because horses are absolutely unconditional in the way they meet each
of these kids, and the kids don't have to prove anything."
Because adolescents are not a part of the behavioral health program for very long, it is important to expedite the process
wherever possible, and the equine program does just that. The effectiveness comes from the fact that many in the program don't
view equine therapies as treatment at all, said Tanya Dyce-Lovelace, associate clinical therapist with Tanner.
"Kids don't necessarily see it as treatment, so they're more likely to embrace it," Dyce-Lovelace said. "It's more like they get
to go horseback riding, and it's much more fun."
2008 Events
Fourth of July
RUFF participated in the Annual 4th of July Parade in Tallapoosa with a float carrying a miniature horse "Patches" and a
number of participants in the RWF equine riding programs. We also set-up a booth at the Helton Howland 4th of Jul festivities
passing out information about RWF and conducting one of our annual fund raiser .. selling glow stick items. This year we raised
thanks to the help of Danny & Kate Duvall over 800.00 dollars. Kate and her sister Nikki also did face painting.
Awards
We received a grant from the Community Foundation to pay for handicap saddles. We ordered three 2-youth and 1-adult size.
Not nearly enough but its is a start and we are truly appreciative to the Community Foundation of West Georgia for their faith
and trust in our work.
Testimonials
Angel Tree camp is for kids that have a parent in prison. Many are raised by an Aunt or Grandmother. They seem to be pretty
good kids at this age. One 7 year old boy has psychological problems and can at first be shy and non responsive but everyone
loves him and encourages his involvement. I have been bringing my 2 horses out for the past 4 years and they kids do well with
the horses and taking turns to ride and sometimes lead the horse. Last year, I realized, as camp director that I couldn't give the
attention to the horses and riders while I am in charge of camp and was disappointed that the kids wouldn't have the horses this
year -- you changed that and have made this a great part of camp again and I thank you so very much!!! I know God puts
people together for his reasons and it is a true blessing! You and your family and crew are very special people!! I am very
grateful to know you! Everyone was wonderful and the kids and counselors had a wonderful experience. Buddy is very good
teacher! I like how he taught the kids to mount the horses on their own and feel very confident on the horse! We are so blessed
that ya'll were here! Thank you so very much! - Jo Laurie Chambless
Fourth of July
RUFF participated in the Annual 4th of July Parade in Tallapoosa with a float carrying a miniature horse "Patches" and a
number of participants in the RWF equine riding programs. We also set-up a booth at the Helton Howland 4th of Jul festivities
passing out information about RWF and conducting one of our annual fund raiser .. selling glow stick items. This year we raised
thanks to the help of Danny & Kate Duvall over 800.00 dollars. Kate and her sister Nikki also did face painting.
Awards
We received a grant from the Community Foundation to pay for handicap saddles. We ordered three 2-youth and 1-adult size.
Not nearly enough but its is a start and we are truly appreciative to the Community Foundation of West Georgia for their faith
and trust in our work.
Testimonials
Angel Tree camp is for kids that have a parent in prison. Many are raised by an Aunt or Grandmother. They seem to be pretty
good kids at this age. One 7 year old boy has psychological problems and can at first be shy and non responsive but everyone
loves him and encourages his involvement. I have been bringing my 2 horses out for the past 4 years and they kids do well with
the horses and taking turns to ride and sometimes lead the horse. Last year, I realized, as camp director that I couldn't give the
attention to the horses and riders while I am in charge of camp and was disappointed that the kids wouldn't have the horses this
year -- you changed that and have made this a great part of camp again and I thank you so very much!!! I know God puts
people together for his reasons and it is a true blessing! You and your family and crew are very special people!! I am very
grateful to know you! Everyone was wonderful and the kids and counselors had a wonderful experience. Buddy is very good
teacher! I like how he taught the kids to mount the horses on their own and feel very confident on the horse! We are so blessed
that ya'll were here! Thank you so very much! - Jo Laurie Chambless